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Clayhanger is a British television drama based on Arnold Bennett's novel series of the same name, published between 1910 and 1918, dramatised by Douglas Livingstone for ITV. Produced by Associated Television, the 26-episode programme is a coming-of-age story set in 19th century England. Edwin Clayhanger aspires to be an architect but is expected to join his father's printing business. His personal growth, eventual acceptance of the family business, and his romantic entanglement with Hilda Lessways are explored. Clayhanger was ITV's longest-ever drama at the time. While some found the pacing slow, it was nonetheless praised for its faithful adaptation, excellent acting, and atmospheric sets.
Themes
Episodes
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- E1 Last of a SchoolboyNext upJan 1, 1976 · 60 min
Synopsis
July 1872. It is Edwin Clayhanger's last day at school. Everyone expects that he will enter his father's printing business, but Edwin has very different ideas about his future.
Guest stars: William Relton (Young Edwin Clayhanger), Thelma Whiteley (Maggie Clayhanger), Joyce Redman (Auntie Hamps), Harry Andrews (Darius Clayhanger), Bruce Purchase (Big James), Rosemary Blake (Clara Clayhanger), Vera Jakob (Mrs Nixon), Harold Bennett (Mr Shushions)
- E2 The ArchitectJan 8, 1976 · 60 min
Synopsis
Edwin becomes a hero - he wins his fathers admiration, but is no nearer to the realisation of his own ambitions to become an architect.
Guest stars: William Relton (Young Edwin Clayhanger), Thelma Whiteley (Maggie Clayhanger), Joyce Redman (Auntie Hamps), Harry Andrews (Darius Clayhanger), Bruce Purchase (Big James), John Horsley (Osmond Orgreave), Rosemary Blake (Clara Clayhanger), Vera Jakob (Mrs Nixon)
- E3 HIldaJan 15, 1976 · 60 min
Synopsis
Edwin has written to his father reminding him that he wants to train as an architect. Darius is curious, while Edwin realises that a summons from his aunt means the battle has come to a head...
Guest stars: William Relton (Young Edwin Clayhanger), Janet Suzman (Hilda Lessaways), Thelma Whiteley (Maggie Clayhanger), Joyce Redman (Auntie Hamps), Harry Andrews (Darius Clayhanger), Bruce Purchase (Big James), Rosemary Blake (Clara Clayhanger), Denis Quilley (George Cannon)
- E4 The Five Towns Chronicle and Turnhill GuardianJan 22, 1976 · 60 min
Synopsis
While Edwin continues to work as an assistant at his father's printing works, eyebrows are raised when Hilda Lessways becomes the first woman in the Five Towns to learn shorthand - in order to work for George Cannon.
Guest stars: Peter McEnery (Edwin Clayhanger), Janet Suzman (Hilda Lessaways), Thelma Whiteley (Maggie Clayhanger), Louise Purnell (Janet Orgreave), Harry Andrews (Darius Clayhanger), John Horsley (Osmond Orgreave), Rosemary Blake (Clara Clayhanger), Denis Quilley (George Cannon)
- E5 Sin and RomanceJan 29, 1976 · 60 min
Synopsis
Hilda receives a telegram from London informing her that her mother is ill. Instead of leaving at once, she continues to work on the first edition of Cannon's newspaper.
Guest stars: Peter McEnery (Edwin Clayhanger), Janet Suzman (Hilda Lessaways), Louise Purnell (Janet Orgreave), Joyce Redman (Auntie Hamps), Harry Andrews (Darius Clayhanger), Bruce Purchase (Big James), John Horsley (Osmond Orgreave), Denis Quilley (George Cannon)
- E6 Escape to BleakridgeFeb 5, 1976 · 60 min
Synopsis
Hilda's feeling of responsibility for her mother's death has led her to a nervous breakdown. While still recovering in Miss Gailey's boarding house, she hears that Cannon is insisting on visiting her.
Guest stars: Peter McEnery (Edwin Clayhanger), Janet Suzman (Hilda Lessaways), Thelma Whiteley (Maggie Clayhanger), Louise Purnell (Janet Orgreave), Harry Andrews (Darius Clayhanger), John Horsley (Osmond Orgreave), Denis Quilley (George Cannon), Hugh Walters (Stifford)
- E7 CentenaryFeb 12, 1976 · 60 min
Synopsis
Edwin spends an evening with the Orgreaves. He takes an instant dislike to Hilda, but when he leaves to take another look at the new Clayhanger house, she secretly follows him...
Guest stars: Peter McEnery (Edwin Clayhanger), Janet Suzman (Hilda Lessaways), Thelma Whiteley (Maggie Clayhanger), Louise Purnell (Janet Orgreave), Harry Andrews (Darius Clayhanger), John Horsley (Osmond Orgreave), Rosemary Blake (Clara Benbow), Denis Quilley (George Cannon)
- E8 Taking a ShareFeb 19, 1976 · 60 min
Synopsis
After their day together at the Sunday School Centenary celebrations, Hilda and Edwin have become fascinated with each other. Edwin is both excited and unnerved at the prospect of their becoming neighbours.
Guest stars: Peter McEnery (Edwin Clayhanger), Janet Suzman (Hilda Lessaways), Thelma Whiteley (Maggie Clayhanger), Louise Purnell (Janet Orgreave), Harry Andrews (Darius Clayhanger), Denis Quilley (George Cannon), Hugh Walters (Stifford), Renée Asherson (Miss Gailey)
- E9 BrightonFeb 26, 1976 · 60 min
Synopsis
Miss Gailey tells Hilda that Cannon has taken a boarding house in Brighton, and expects them all to go and live there.
Guest stars: Janet Suzman (Hilda Lessaways), Denis Quilley (George Cannon), Renée Asherson (Miss Gailey), Erin Geraghty (Florrie), John Stratton (Mr Boutwood), Jill Lidstone (Hetty), Pamela Cundell (Mrs Boutwood)
- E10 MarriageMar 4, 1976 · 60 min
Synopsis
Hilda has accepted George's proposal, but she's nervous of breaking the news to Miss Gailey, who is now a semi-permanent invalid.
Guest stars: Peter McEnery (Edwin Clayhanger), Janet Suzman (Hilda Lessaways), Thelma Whiteley (Maggie Clayhanger), Louise Purnell (Janet Orgreave), Harry Andrews (Darius Clayhanger), John Horsley (Osmond Orgreave), Denis Quilley (George Cannon), Renée Asherson (Miss Gailey)
- E11 LoveMar 11, 1976 · 60 min
Synopsis
Hilda's secret marriage to George has ended disastrously with the discovery that it was bigamous. Deserted by him, she returns to Bursley to stay with the Orgreaves. On the night of her arrival, there is a visitor — Edwin.
Guest stars: Peter McEnery (Edwin Clayhanger), Janet Suzman (Hilda Lessaways), Thelma Whiteley (Maggie Clayhanger), Louise Purnell (Janet Orgreave), Harry Andrews (Darius Clayhanger), Bruce Purchase (Big James), John Horsley (Osmond Orgreave), Hugh Walters (Stifford)
- E12 PunishmentMar 18, 1976 · 60 min
Synopsis
Hilda and Edwin declare their love for each other. But when she's forced to return to Brighton, Hilda has still not found the courage to tell Edwin about her past.
Guest stars: Peter McEnery (Edwin Clayhanger), Janet Suzman (Hilda Lessaways), Thelma Whiteley (Maggie Clayhanger), Louise Purnell (Janet Orgreave), Harry Andrews (Darius Clayhanger), John Horsley (Osmond Orgreave), Hugh Walters (Stifford), Renée Asherson (Miss Gailey)
- E13 Laid AsideMar 25, 1976 · 60 min
Synopsis
Edwin knows nothing of the role that Mr Shushions played in Darius's life, and is puzzled when Darius returns from his funeral in a state of shock. But subsequent events force new responsibilities on Edwin...
Guest stars: Peter McEnery (Edwin Clayhanger), Thelma Whiteley (Maggie Clayhanger), Joyce Redman (Auntie Hamps), Harry Andrews (Darius Clayhanger), Bruce Purchase (Big James), Anne Carroll (Clara Benbow), Clive Swift (Albert Benbow), Hugh Walters (Stifford)
- E14 The Glorious JubileeApr 1, 1976 · 60 min
Synopsis
Edwin has been told that his father had no more than two years to live. More than one of those years has now passed - and Edwin has assumed complete control of the family business.
Guest stars: Peter McEnery (Edwin Clayhanger), Thelma Whiteley (Maggie Clayhanger), Louise Purnell (Janet Orgreave), Joyce Redman (Auntie Hamps), Harry Andrews (Darius Clayhanger), Bruce Purchase (Big James), John Horsley (Osmond Orgreave), Anne Carroll (Clara Benbow)
- E15 The Chain Is BrokenApr 8, 1976 · 60 min
Synopsis
Close to death, Darius lets it be known that Edwin will inherit the whole of his business. As one chapter closes in Edwin's life, another opens as he meets Hilda's son.
Guest stars: Peter McEnery (Edwin Clayhanger), Thelma Whiteley (Maggie Clayhanger), Louise Purnell (Janet Orgreave), Joyce Redman (Auntie Hamps), Harry Andrews (Darius Clayhanger), Bruce Purchase (Big James), Timothy Woolgar (George Cannon Jr.), John Horsley (Osmond Orgreave)
- E16 The AdventureApr 15, 1976 · 60 min
Synopsis
Hilda's son arrives to stay with the Orgreaves. Janet tells Edwin that Hilda is now a widow.... and all his old feelings for Hilda are re-awakened.
Guest stars: Peter McEnery (Edwin Clayhanger), Janet Suzman (Hilda Lessaways), Thelma Whiteley (Maggie Clayhanger), Louise Purnell (Janet Orgreave), Joyce Redman (Auntie Hamps), Timothy Woolgar (George Cannon Jr.), Anne Carroll (Clara Benbow), Hugh Walters (Stifford)
- E17 EpidemicApr 22, 1976 · 60 min
Synopsis
Edwin visits Hilda in Brighton, where he learns that her husband is, in fact, still alive.
Guest stars: Peter McEnery (Edwin Clayhanger), Janet Suzman (Hilda Lessaways), Thelma Whiteley (Maggie Clayhanger), Louise Purnell (Janet Orgreave), Joyce Redman (Auntie Hamps), Bruce Purchase (Big James), Timothy Woolgar (George Cannon Jr.), John Horsley (Osmond Orgreave)
- E18 The Exquisite BurdenApr 29, 1976 · 60 min
Synopsis
Hilda has told Edwin that she was never married to Cannon. Ignoring the hostility of Five Towns 'society', Edwin asks her to marry him.
Guest stars: Peter McEnery (Edwin Clayhanger), Janet Suzman (Hilda Clayhanger), Thelma Whiteley (Maggie Clayhanger), Louise Purnell (Janet Orgreave), Joyce Redman (Auntie Hamps), Bruce Purchase (Big James), Timothy Woolgar (George Cannon Jr.), Anne Carroll (Clara Benbow)
- E19 PossessionsMay 6, 1976 · 60 min
Synopsis
Edwin and Hilda have finally given a formal 'At Home' to celebrate their marriage - and Bursley seems to have accepted them. Hilda feels safe and financially secure, but Edwin is already making new plans for the business....
Guest stars: Peter McEnery (Edwin Clayhanger), Janet Suzman (Hilda Clayhanger), Thelma Whiteley (Maggie Clayhanger), Louise Purnell (Janet Orgreave), Joyce Redman (Auntie Hamps), Bruce Purchase (Big James), Timothy Woolgar (George Cannon Jr.), Anne Carroll (Clara Benbow)
- E20 A Musical EveningMay 13, 1976 · 60 min
Synopsis
Hilda and Edwin have quarrelled about Edwin's plans to build a new printing works - he has not yet told her that he already made an offer for the land.
Guest stars: Peter McEnery (Edwin Clayhanger), Janet Suzman (Hilda Clayhanger), Louise Purnell (Janet Orgreave), Joyce Redman (Auntie Hamps), Bruce Purchase (Big James), Timothy Woolgar (George Cannon Jr.), John Horsley (Osmond Orgreave), Denholm Elliott (Tertius Ingpen)
- E21 The Orgreave CalamityMay 20, 1976 · 60 min
Synopsis
Hilda is continuing to oppose Edwin's plans to extend the printing business.
Guest stars: Peter McEnery (Edwin Clayhanger), Janet Suzman (Hilda Clayhanger), Louise Purnell (Janet Orgreave), Joyce Redman (Auntie Hamps), Bruce Purchase (Big James), Timothy Woolgar (George Cannon Jr.), Anne Carroll (Clara Benbow), Rebecca Swift (Young Clara Benbow)
- E22 DartmoorMay 27, 1976 · 60 min
Synopsis
Hilda once again sees the man she thought she loved, but they cannot speak. George Cannon is a prisoner in Dartmoor.
Guest stars: Peter McEnery (Edwin Clayhanger), Janet Suzman (Hilda Clayhanger), Louise Purnell (Janet Orgreave), Timothy Woolgar (George Clayhanger), Clive Swift (Albert Benbow), Denis Quilley (George Cannon), Denholm Elliott (Tertius Ingpen), Julie Peasgood (Ada)
- E23 PrisonersJun 3, 1976 · 60 min
Synopsis
After their brief glimpse of George Cannon in Dartmoor prison, Edwin and Hilda return to the Five Towns. Not long after, George Cannon is released....
Guest stars: Peter McEnery (Edwin Clayhanger), Janet Suzman (Hilda Clayhanger), Thelma Whiteley (Maggie Clayhanger), Timothy Woolgar (George Clayhanger), Anne Carroll (Clara Benbow), Clive Swift (Albert Benbow), Denis Quilley (George Cannon), Denholm Elliott (Tertius Ingpen)
- E24 Fall from GloryJun 10, 1976 · 60 min
Synopsis
Edwin is furious when Hilda insists on taking her son to London to visit an eye specialist. All the Clayhanger servants have left, and Edwin is forced to stay with Auntie Hamps.
Guest stars: Peter McEnery (Edwin Clayhanger), Janet Suzman (Hilda Clayhanger), Thelma Whiteley (Maggie Clayhanger), Louise Purnell (Janet Orgreave), Joyce Redman (Auntie Hamps), Timothy Woolgar (George Clayhanger), Anne Carroll (Clara Benbow), Clive Swift (Albert Benbow)
- E25 Death and DreamsJun 17, 1976 · 60 min
Synopsis
Hilda remains in London while Edwin stays on with a seriously ill Auntie Hamps. To add to Edwin's gloom, Ingpen has had a serious accident at the Benbow works and is not expected to live.
Guest stars: Peter McEnery (Edwin Clayhanger), Janet Suzman (Hilda Clayhanger), Thelma Whiteley (Maggie Clayhanger), Louise Purnell (Janet Orgreave), Joyce Redman (Auntie Hamps), Bruce Purchase (Big James), Timothy Woolgar (George Clayhanger), Anne Carroll (Clara Benbow)
- E26 The DiscoveryJun 24, 1976 · 60 min
Synopsis
Hilda is determined that she and Edwin should live in the country. And unbeknown to Edwin, she has already decided on their future home....
Guest stars: Peter McEnery (Edwin Clayhanger), Janet Suzman (Hilda Clayhanger), Thelma Whiteley (Maggie Clayhanger), Louise Purnell (Janet Orgreave), Timothy Woolgar (George Clayhanger), Anne Carroll (Clara Benbow), Clive Swift (Albert Benbow), Denholm Elliott (Tertius Ingpen)
Cast & crew
Created by Douglas Livingstone
