Overview
Hard Times is a four-part British television drama miniseries based on Charles Dickens' 1854 novel of the same name, a survey of English society and a satirisation of 19th century social and economic conditions. Wealthy, retired Coketown merchant Thomas Gradgrind devotes his life to a philosophy of rationalism, self-interest, and fact. He raises his eldest children, Louisa and Tom, according to this philosophy and never allows them to engage in fanciful or imaginative pursuits.
Cast
- Patrick Allen as Thomas Gradgrind
- Timothy West as Josiah Bounderby
- Jacqueline Tong as Louisa Gradgrind
- Richard Wren as Tom Gradgrind
- Rosalie Crutchley as Mrs Sparsit
- Michelle Dibnah as Sissy Jupe