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Hard Times

Thomas Gradgrind, a wealthy, retired merchant in the industrial city of Coketown, England, devotes his life to a philosophy of rationalism, self-interest, and fact. He raises his oldest children, Louisa and Tom, according to this philosophy and never allows them to engage in fanciful or imaginative pursuits.

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Cast & Crew See All

Timothy West
Josiah Bounderby
Patrick Allen
Thomas Gradgrind
Jacqueline Tong
Louisa Gradgrind

Season 1 Episode Guide See All

Episode 1

Episode #1.1

Wed, May 11, 197750 mins

Thomas Gradgrind, a leading citizen of Coketown, raises his daughter and son to prize hard facts above soft sentiment. His friend Josiah Bounderby, shares the philosophy and applies it to running his bank and textile mills. But when a circus comes to town, it introduces the Gradgrind children to a new world of imagination, and a new companion-Sissy Jupe, a young performer whom their father adopts.

Where to Watch

Awards

  • 1978 - BAFTA TV Award - Best Drama Series/Serial - nominated
  • 1978 - BAFTA TV Award - Best Lighting - nominated
  • 1978 - BAFTA TV Award - Best Design - winner
  • 1978 - BAFTA TV Award - Best Costume Design - winner

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