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Tess of the D'Urbervilles

  • Watchlist
  • 2008-2008
  • 1 Season
  • BBC Warner
  • Drama
  • TV-PG
  • Watchlist

In the late 19th century, Tess Durbeyfield is sent off to visit a rich cousin, Alec D'Urberville, when her parents learn that they are distantly related. Tess takes a disliking to the man and his attempts at seduction are rebuffed. Returning from a village party he forces himself on the innocent girl who eventually makes her way back to her parents' home. Ashamed and pregnant she seems destined to forever being marked a certain kind of woman. After the death of her child, she makes her way to a prosperous farm where, working as a milkmaid, she meets and eventually marries the handsome Angel Clare. On learning of her past however, he abandons her and with little choice and facing a life of extreme hardship, again falls into Alec's clutches and becomes a kept woman.

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Cast & Crew See All

Gemma Arterton
Tess Durbeyfield
Eddie Redmayne
Angel Clare
Ruth Jones
Joan Durbeyfield

Season 1 Episode Guide See All

Episode 1

Episode #1.1

Sun, Jan 4, 200955 mins

Parson Tringham tells no one that John Durbeyfield's family is an impoverished branch of the noble, once mighty D'Urbervilles. However 'celebrating' in the pub, bad heart and bad luck end up completely ruining the family finances. His wife finally convinces daughter Tess to swallow her pride and seek help from the D'Urbervilles on a nearby estate. The heir, Alec D'Urberville, takes to her, arranges a job on the family's poultry farm and becomes her family's benefactor. Lost in the forest after a dance, he takes advantage of her. To save her honor and independence, she decides to leave.

Where to Watch

Awards

  • 2009 - RTS Craft & Design Award - Best Photography: Drama - nominated
  • 2009 - Broadcasting Press Guild Award - Best Actress - nominated
  • 2009 - TRIC Award - TV Drama Programme - nominated

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