MASTERPIECE THEATRE: MARTIN CHUZZLEWIT {EPISODE 3} (TV)
Summary
One in this ongoing series of dramas presented under the umbrella of "Masterpiece Theatre." This program presents part three 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. This part begins with Seth Pecksniff hearing of old Martin's shock regarding his estranged brother Anthony's death. Martin also details why he believes Jonas to be a horrible person. Pecksniff brings Jonas in to see Martin, who remains leery of the man and his intentions. Elsewhere, John Westlock asks after the health of the sickly Lewsome, and Sairey Gamp assures him that the fever is still rampant. Momentarily roused, Lewsome calls out one name: Chuzzlewit. Afterward, Martin questions Tom Pinch, wondering if he is content with his situation under Pecksniff. Later, Jonas accuses Tom of helping the "vagabond" young Martin while keeping his eyes on Mary, after which Tom knocks Jonas to the ground.
The next day, Tom comes upon Mary playing the piano, delivering a letter from young Martin, noting that he has made it safely to New York. In his letter, Martin details how he has stumbled upon a group of wealthy businessmen, offering him a new life as an architect in Eden, a settlement town at the juncture of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. There, young Martin decides to start a new company with Mark Tapley: Chuzzlewit & Co., which is largely funded by Mark. Meanwhile, old Martin wonders if Mercy is truly in love with Jonas. She reveals that she likes teasing and taunting Jonas, who continues trying to rush a wedding between them. At the same time, Tigg Montague has finished transforming himself into a seemingly well-to-do man, based purely on facade. Montague and David Crimple have started a business, the Anglo-Bengalee Disinterested Loan and Life Assurance Company, attempting to swindle others out of money.
Later, Jonas returns home from his marriage to Mercy and torments Mr. Chuffey. As Mercy rises to his defense, Mr. Chuffey becomes increasingly fond of her. Eventually, Jonas meets with Montague, detailing how he would like to insure Mercy's life, without her knowledge. After a while, Jonas realizes that he knows Montague from his "poorer" days. Montague offers to make Jonas part of his business, giving him a piece of the action. Jonas considers the prospect and leaves, after which Montague tells his henchman Mr. Nadgett to dig up any information he can about Jonas. Later, Pecksniff questions Charity on why she is making such a fuss over Jonas's marriage to Mercy. She tells her father that she is going to live independently from him. Afterward, meeting with old Martin, Pecksniff convinces him to stay longer, while also trying to talk him into naming Mary as his sole heir. From there, Pecksniff puts his plan further into motion, telling Mary of his love for her and threatening her future with young Martin if she refuses him. However, Mary says that she loathes him, eventually running away. Elsewhere, Mercy is struggling in her marriage to Jonas, who has become a verbally and physically abusive drunk. Jonas's attack on Mercy is witnessed by the frightened Bailey. Closing comments are offered by Baker.
Details
- NETWORK: PBS
- DATE: April 9, 1995 9:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:56:45
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T:76949
- 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
- Paul Scofield … Cast, Old Martin Chuzzlewit
- Tom Wilkinson … Cast, Seth Pecksniff
- Elizabeth Spriggs … Cast, Sairey Gamp
- Peter Wingfield … Cast, John Westlock
- Joan Sims … Cast, Betsy Prig
- Stephen Mapes … Cast, Lewsome
- Keith Allen … Cast, Jonas Chuzzlewit
- Philip Franks … Cast, Tom Pinch
- Emma Chambers … Cast, Charity Pecksniff
- Julia Sawalha … Cast, Mercy Pecksniff
- Pauline Turner … Cast, Mary Graham
- Ben Walden … Cast, Young Martin Chuzzlewit
- Steve Nicolson … Cast, Mark Tapley
- Ted Maynard … Cast, General Diver
- William Roberts … Cast, Mr. Scadder
- Pete Postlethwaite … Cast, Tigg Montague
- David Bradley … Cast, David Crimple
- Paul Francis … Cast, Bailey
- Robin Hooper … Cast, Mr. Jinkins
- Colin McCormack … Cast, Bullamy
- Julian Fellowes … Cast, Dr. Jobling
- John Mills … Cast, Mr. Chuffey
- Graham Stark … Cast, Nadgett
- Knight Mantell … Cast, Mr. Pick
- Peter Yapp … Cast, Mr. Woolf
- Lennox Greaves … Cast, Landlord of The Bull
- Sue Wallace … Cast, Landlady of The Bull