The History of Tom Jones: a Foundling (TV series)

This article is about the 1997 TV series. For the 2023 TV series, see Tom Jones (2023 TV series).

The History of Tom Jones: a Foundling
Genre	Historical
Based on	Tom Jones by Henry Fielding
Written by	Simon Burke
Directed by	Metin Hüseyin
Starring	Max Beesley Samantha Morton John Sessions
Composer	Jim Parker
Country of origin	United Kingdom
Original language	English
No. of series	1
No. of episodes	5
Production
Producer	Suzan Harrison
Running time	60 minutes
Production company	BBC
Original release
Network	BBC One
Release	9 November (1997-11-09) – 7 December 1997 (1997-12-07)

The History of Tom Jones – A Foundling is a five-part TV series produced by the BBC in 1997. It features Max Beesley in the title role, alongside Brian Blessed and Samantha Morton.^[1][2]

It is based on the 1749 picaresque novel of the same name by Henry Fielding.

Plot

The plot follows the life of the protagonist, Tom Jones, a charming rascal. Born to a serving wench, but having grown up in the care of Squire Allworthy, he becomes enamoured of his neighbour's daughter, Sophia Western. It follows Tom's adventures in London.

Cast

• John Sessions as Henry Fielding
• Benjamin Whitrow as Squire Allworthy
• Brian Blessed as Squire Western
• Max Beesley as Tom Jones
• Samantha Morton as Sophia Western
• Frances de la Tour as Aunt Western
• Ron Cook as Mr Partridge
• Richard Ridings as Reverend Thwackum
• Christopher Fulford as Mr. Square
• Michael Cronin as Dr. Blifil
• Sylvester McCoy as Mr Dowling
• James D'Arcy as Blifil
• Peter Capaldi as Lord Fellamar
• Michelle Fairley as Mrs Fitzpatrick
• Lindsay Duncan as Lady Bellaston
• Kathy Burke as Honour
• Brian Pettifer as Parson Supple
• Camille Coduri as Jenny Jones
• Celia Imrie as Mrs. Miller
• Kelly Reilly as Nancy Miller
• Matt Bardock as Jack Nightingale
• Sara Kestelman as Mrs. Wilkins
• Tessa Peake-Jones as Bridget Allworthy
• Doreene Blackstock as Abigail
• Richard O'Callaghan as Mr. Fitzpatrick
• Roger Lloyd Pack as Anderson
• Brian Hibbard as George Seagrim
• Con O'Neill as Captain Blifil
• Rachel Scorgie as Molly Seagrim
• Jane Danson as Betty Seagrim
• Alexei Sayle as Puppeteer
• Neil Dudgeon as Puppeteer's Assistant
• Paul Barber as Adderley
• Julian Firth as Northerton
• Rupert Holliday-Evans as Lord Connaught
• Amy Marston as Susan
• Norman Lovett as Mr. Follett
• June Whitfield as Mrs. Whitfield
• Tim Healy as Mr. Nightingale Sr.

Episodes

No.	Title	Original release date
1	"Episode 1"	9 November 1997 (1997-11-09)
Abandoned at birth, Tom Jones is adopted by kindly Squire Allworthy. He grows up and falls in love with Sophia Western, daughter of neighbour Squire Western. Unfortunately, she is already betrothed to Blifil and Tom is forced to leave home to seek his fortune in the outside world.[3]
2	"Episode 2"	16 November 1997 (1997-11-16)
Having left home, Tom Jones gets caught up in a Jacobite rebellion, while his love Sophia attempts to escape the threat of marriage to Mr Blifil. At the White Heart Inn a case of mistaken identity causes confusion.
3	"Episode 3"	23 November 1997 (1997-11-23)
Sophia is hotly pursued by Tom on the road to London and both face perils along the way. They encounter a lecherous puppeteer, scheming Harriet Fitzpatrick and voracious Lady Bellaston before being reunited.
4	"Episode 4"	30 November 1997 (1997-11-30)
Tom falls into fashionable company and Sophia is the object of the unwarranted affections of Lord Fellmar. She is saved by the arrival of her father but Bilfil is still pursuing her hand in marriage.
5	"Episode 5"	7 December 1997 (1997-12-07)
With all the characters having entered into a finely balanced web of misunderstandings, schemings and rompings, Tom is now faced with a sinful lowness of fortune. This final episode resolves all in a torrent of uncovered truths and happy endings.

References

1. "The History of Tom Jones – A Foundling Part 1 (1997)". British Film Institute. Archived from the original on 12 July 2016.
2. King, Susan (5 April 1998). "Tom Jones Never Grows Old". Los Angeles Times.
3. "The History of Tom Jones: A Foundling - Episode List". IMDB. Retrieved 15 June 2023.

External links

• The History of Tom Jones: a Foundling at BBC Online
• The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling at IMDb