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MASTERPIECE THEATRE: MARTIN CHUZZLEWIT {EPISODE 5} (TV)

Summary

One in this ongoing series of dramas presented under the umbrella of "Masterpiece Theatre." This program presents part five of a five-part adaptation of Charles Dickens's "Martin Chuzzlewit," the picaresque novel about human "buzzards" selfishly trying to get an old man's money.

First, Russell Baker introduces the presentation. The story begins with Tom and Ruth Pinch running into Charity Pecksniff and her fiance Augustus Moddle on the street. They join the two for tea with Mr. Chuffey and Sairey Gamp at Mercy's house. During the conversation, Charity revels in Mercy's unhappiness. Eventually, Jonas returns home, forcing everyone out, then telling Mercy that he is going to sleep for the following twenty-four hours and shouldn't be disturbed. The next day, Tom is surprised with a visit from young Martin Chuzzlewit and Mark Tapley. Young Martin thanks Tom for his allegiance to Mary during his absence. Then, young Martin and Tom visit John Westlock, who already has a guest: the apothecary Lewsome. Lewsome relates how Jonas got a hold on him through gambling debts and forced him to hand over a packet of poison so Jonas could euthanize his father, Anthony. The story leads the group to realize that Jonas may indeed have murdered his father.

Later, Tom learns that old Martin is his mysterious employer, before Tom tells him about the circumstances surrounding Anthony's death. The next night, Jonas sneaks out of his home while pretending to be asleep. He waits for Tigg Montague's carriage to pass a remote spot in the woods, having known that Montague was to meet with Pecksniff. Jonas subsequently murders him. The next day, Jonas finally learns that Montague's company was a complete scam, and that David Crimple ran away with all the angry investors' money. Jonas then tries to frame Crimple for Montague's murder. Later, old Martin comes to Jonas, revealing that Mercy is now under his protection, and that he knows that he poisoned Anthony. However, Mr. Chuffey reveals that Jonas tried to poison his father, but that Anthony actually died of a broken heart, saddened that his own son would try to murder him. Then, thanks to Nadgett's dogged pursuit, Jonas is arrested for the murder of Montague -- coincidentally, by Chuzzlewit kin Chevy Slyme. Before he is taken in, Jonas drinks his own poison, killing himself.

Finally, old Martin gathers all the Chuzzlewit kin together, where he beats Pecksniff with his cane before deriding the rest of his family for being so self-interested. However, he also admits his error in trying to keep Martin and Mary apart, revealing that he only did it because he wanted to be the one that presented the "gift" of their arranged relationship. Old Martin then details the many ways he "tested" the vile Pecksniff to see his true nature. Afterward, he reveals that everyone present -- save Pecksniff -- will be a beneficiary of his will, the amount based on how kind each person has been over the years. He gives the bulk of his estate to Martin on the condition that he weds Mary. Ultimately, all's well that ends well, even for the recovering Bailey and the romances of Ruth and John and Mark and Mrs. Lupin. Aside from the now penniless Pecksniff and recently jilted Charity, only kind Tom is left without a mate, as he attempts to be stoic about his deep but unrequited love for Mary. Closing remarks are offered by Baker.

Details

  • NETWORK: PBS
  • DATE: April 23, 1995 9:00 PM
  • RUNNING TIME: 0:56:47
  • COLOR/B&W: Color
  • CATALOG ID: T:76951
  • GENRE: Drama
  • SUBJECT HEADING: Drama
  • SERIES RUN: PBS - TV series, 1971-
  • COMMERCIALS: N/A

CREDITS

  • Rebecca Eaton … Executive Producer
  • Steven Ashley … Senior Producer
  • Chris Parr … Producer
  • Pedr James … Director
  • David Lodge … Writer
  • Charles Dickens … Based on the novel by
  • Geoffrey Burgon … Music by
  • Russell Baker … Host
  • Philip Franks … Cast, Tom Pinch
  • Cornelia Hayes O'Herlihy … Cast, Ruth Pinch
  • Emma Chambers … Cast, Charity Pecksniff
  • John Padden … Cast, Augustus Moddle
  • Julia Sawalha … Cast, Mercy Pecksniff
  • Elizabeth Spriggs … Cast, Sairey Gamp
  • John Mills … Cast, Mr. Chuffey
  • Keith Allen … Cast, Jonas Chuzzlewit
  • Ben Walden … Cast, Young Martin Chuzzlewit
  • Steve Nicolson … Cast, Mark Tapley
  • Peter Wingfield … Cast, John Westlock
  • Paul Scofield … Cast, Old Martin Chuzzlewit
  • Pete Postlethwaite … Cast, Tigg Montague
  • Joan Sims … Cast, Betsy Prig
  • Tom Wilkinson … Cast, Seth Pecksniff
  • Stephen Mapes … Cast, Lewsome
  • Graham Stark … Cast, Nadgett
  • Peter-Hugo Daly … Cast, Chevy Slyme
  • Pauline Turner … Cast, Mary Graham
  • Lynda Bellingham … Cast, Mrs. Lupin
  • Maggie Steed … Cast, Mrs. Todgers
  • Paul Francis … Cast, Bailey
  • Colin McCormack … Cast, Bullamy
  • Nicholas Smith … Cast, Mr. Spottletoe
  • Roger Ashton-Griffiths … Cast, George Chuzzlewit
  • Chris Sullivan … Cast, Man Outside Anglo Bengalee Company
  • Lex Neale … Cast, Grand Nephew
  • Nancy Nevinson … Cast, Deaf Cousin
  • Philippa Urquhart … Cast, Widow
  • Jenny Tomasin … Cast, Maidservant to Jonas