ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE, AN (TV)
Summary
This television adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's play concerns a confrontation between an idealistic scientist and the members of a small Norwegian spa town, as the scientist finds that the local waters are contaminated. In 1898, the population of Porsvik, Norway, is enjoying prosperity thanks to the local spas, which have brought tourists to the town for years. Dr. Stockman and his brother, Mayor Peter Stockman, are instrumental in promoting the spas and are active on the board of directors. During the economic boom, the Mayor and his nemesis, Mr. Hovstad, editor of the liberal paper, The People's Monitor, agree to publish one of Dr. Stockman's articles on the spa's health benefits. One night, as Mr. Hovstad and others socialize at the doctor's house, Dr. Stockman receives a letter confirming his in-depth study into the possible contamination of the spa. He reminds his colleagues that several spa patrons were ill with typhoid and explains that he analyzed the waters and found they are being polluted by a nearby tannery. His friends from The People's Monitor congratulate the doctor on his research, which will prevent continued illness among spa patrons, and call him a hero. Dr. Stockman gives copies of his report on the potential epidemic to the newspaper and to his brother, the mayor, believing the town will rejoice. But the next day, the mayor shocks his brother by dismissing the report and asking him to withdraw it before it ruins the reputation of the board. Dr. Stockman refuses to do so and rushes to the newspaper offices to have it published. The staff members eagerly conspire with the doctor -- until Mayor Stockman visits The People's Monitor and convinces Mr. Hovstad that the doctor's report will lead to an end in tourism and expensive sewer repairs. Before Dr. Stockman can publish his report, the mayor turns public opinion against him, and once the doctor and the mayor face off at a town meeting, the mayor has gained the support of the newspaper and the community leaders. Dr. Stockman is chased from the building by a crowd calling him "an enemy of the people." As the town turns against his family members, the doctor considers leaving the country for their safety. Colleagues and family members pressure the doctor to submit to public opinion, but he is too outraged at the hypocrisy and mob mentality of the community to comply.
The acquisition and cataloging of The Theater Collection was made possible by The Park Foundation, Inc., and the Verizon Foundation.
Details
- NETWORK: KBYU
- DATE: June 27, 1974 9:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 1:27:11
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T87:0483
- GENRE: Drama
- SUBJECT HEADING: Drama; Theater Collection, The
- SERIES RUN: PBS - TV, 1974
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- John Apgar … Producer, Adapted by
- Charles Metten … Director, Adapted by
- Henrik Ibsen … Based on the play by
- Rock Oakeson … Music by
- Nancy Bond … Music by
- Mark Hopkin … Cast, Dr. Thomas Stockman
- Marcus Mahan … Cast, Mayor Peter Stockman
- Cynthia Oakes … Cast, Katherine Stockman
- James E. Fleming … Cast, Mr. Hovstad
- Mike Evenden … Cast, Mr. Aslaksen
- Gary McFadyen … Cast, Mr. Billing
- Joseph Batzel … Cast, Morten Kiil
- Gary McGurrin … Cast, Captain Horster
- Mary Ann Lowe … Cast, Petra Stockman
- Mark Grover … Cast, Morten Stockman
- Jerry Jacobs … Cast, Ejlif Stockman
- Diane Burns … Cast, Randina
- Keith Stepp … Cast, the Copy Boy