Season 1 • Episode 26
LatestHilda is determined that she and Edwin should live in the country. And unbeknown to Edwin, she has already decided on their future home....
Clayhanger is a British television drama based on Arnold Bennett's novel series of the same name, published between 1910 and 1918, dramatised by Douglas Livingstone for ITV. Produced by Associated Television, the 26-episode programme is a coming-of-age story set in 19th century England. Edwin Clayhanger aspires to be an architect but is expected to join his father's printing business. His personal growth, eventual acceptance of the family business, and his romantic entanglement with Hilda Lessways are explored. Clayhanger was ITV's longest-ever drama at the time. While some found the pacing slow, it was nonetheless praised for its faithful adaptation, excellent acting, and atmospheric sets.
Production
Atmospheric sets that smell like ink and disappointment
Writing
Faithful adaptation of Bennett's psychological depth
Acting
Stiff-upper-lip performances hiding volcanic emotion
Creator
Douglas Livingstone
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Arnold Bennett's Clayhanger series was considered the British answer to Balzac's social realism, tracking provincial merchant-class psychology with unprecedented detail.
ITV's longest drama at the time—apparently someone bet they could make printing presses riveting television. They... mostly succeeded?
GB
