Doctor Thorne (TV series)
| Doctor Thorne | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Period drama |
| Written by | |
| Directed by | |
| Starring |
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| Composer(s) | Ilan Eshkeri |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language(s) | English |
| No. of series | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 3 |
| Production | |
| Executive producer(s) |
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| Producer(s) |
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| Location(s) | West Wycombe Park, Osterley Park, Knebworth House, Eastnor Castle, Tyntesfield House and Estate, Lacock and Castle Combe[1] |
| Cinematography | Jan Jonaeus |
| Editor(s) |
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| Running time | 47–53 minutes(excluding advertisements) |
| Production company(s) | |
| Release | |
| Original network | ITV (UK) |
| Picture format | 1080i (HDTV) |
| Audio format | Stereo |
| Original release | 6 March – 20 March 2016 |
Doctor Thorne is a 2016 three-part television drama adaptation of the Anthony Trollope novel Doctor Thorne scripted by Julian Fellowes for ITV.[2] Mary Thorne, penniless and with undisclosed parentage, grows up under the guardianship of her uncle Doctor Thorne. She spends much of her formative years in the company of the Gresham family at Greshamsbury Park estate. As they close on the world of adult cares and responsibilities, the past starts to impinge and the financial woes of the Gresham family threaten to tear relationships apart.
Cast
- Tom Hollander as Doctor Thorne
- Stefanie Martini as Mary Thorne
- Harry Richardson as Frank Gresham
- Rebecca Front as Lady Arabella Gresham
- Richard McCabe as Frank Gresham Snr.
- Ian McShane as Sir Roger Scatcherd
- Alison Brie as Miss Dunstable
- Janine Duvitski as Lady Scatcherd
- Edward Franklin as Louis Scatcherd
- Danny Kirrane as Mr. Moffatt
- Nell Barlow as Beatrice Gresham
- Gwyneth Keyworth as Augusta Gresham
- Phoebe Nicholls as Countess de Courcy
- Tim McMullan as Earl de Courcy
- Kate O'Flynn as Lady Alexandrina de Courcy
- Tom Bell as Lord Porlock
- Nicholas Rowe as Mortimer Gazebee
- Alex Price as Reverend Caleb Oriel
- Cressida Bonas as Patience Oriel
- Ben Moor as Cossett
- Jane Guernier as Janet Thacker
- Sean Cernow as Jonah
- David Sterne as Mr. Romer
- Ed Cartwright as Footman
- Michael Grady-Hall as Scatcherd's Footman
- Mark Carter as Moffatt's Heckler
Episodes
| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original airdate | Viewers (in millions)3[3] | Length (excluding commercials) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Episode One" | Niall MacCormick | Julian Fellowes, Anthony Trollope (novel) | 6 March 2016 | N/A | 48 minutes |
| In the fictional Barsetshire of Anthony Trollope during the 1850s, the genial Doctor Thorne is left to bring up his niece Mary. This follows a significant incident during the opening scene between Roger Scatcherd and a Mr Thorne which involves accusations and the violent death of Mr Thorne. Now, decades later, Frank Gresham is in love with Mary but his family needs money—and Frank to marry "well". | ||||||
| 2 | "Episode Two" | Niall MacCormick | Julian Fellowes, Anthony Trollope (novel) | 13 March 2016 | N/A | 48 minutes |
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Sir Roger Scatcherd trumps the opposition at the election hustings, but collapses from the ravages on his health due to excessive drink. He is cared for by Doctor Thorne and Mary. More comes to light about her background and Sir Roger grasps the truth. Louis Scatcherd, Roger’s son, is sent for although he clearly cares little for his father, only his money. Doctor Thorne learns that Louis has romantic aspirations regarding his niece and is revolted by the idea. The American Miss Dunstable encourages Frank to continue his romance with Mary; this in opposition to his family who need money from a match to retain their ancestral seat. | ||||||
| 3 | "Episode Three" | Niall MacCormick | Julian Fellowes, Anthony Trollope (novel) | 20 March 2016 | N/A | 48 minutes |
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Frank's mother, Lady Arabella, along with her sister-in-law, persuade Mary to release Frank from their engagement. The line she spins is that to hold on to Frank would be selfish and against Frank's best interests. Louis Scatcherd clearly follows his father's self destructive drinking habit and disgraces himself while at dinner with Doctor Thorne and the Greshams. | ||||||
Critical reaction
Response from the critics seems to have been mixed, muted, subdued, or downright critical. Even those who were predisposed to like aspects of the adaptation were not without points of issue. The Telegraph initially registered a largely positive opening assessment,[2] although it also had some criticisms. By the end of the series its review was more mixed, yet it wanted more episodes anyway.[4]
Coverage
The series has been picked up in the US by the Weinstein Company which owns the licence for North America.[5] The series was made available on Amazon Prime on 20 May 2016.[6]
References
- ↑ "Visit the real Greshamsbury Park and the handsome houses in Doctor Thorne". Retrieved 31 August 2016.
- 1 2 "Doctor Thorne review: Fellowes and Trollope is a happy marriage". Telegraph Online. Retrieved 8 March 2016.
- ↑ Final ratings are sourced from BARB Weekly Top 10 Programmes Broadcasters' Audience Research Board
- ↑ "Doctor Thorne, review - why did they only make three episodes?". Retrieved 21 March 2016.
- ↑ "The latest offering from the creator of 'Downton Abbey' has already aired in the U.K., with The Weinstein Co. picking up rights for the U.S.". Retrieved 21 March 2016.
- ↑ "Amazon Prime adds 'Downton Abbey' creator's 'Doctor Thorne' adaptation". Retrieved 31 August 2016.