Hard Times is a four-part British television drama miniseries based on Charles Dickens' 1854 novel of the same name, a survey of English society and a satirisation of 19th century social and economic conditions. Wealthy, retired Coketown merchant Thomas Gradgrind devotes his life to a philosophy of rationalism, self-interest, and fact. He raises his eldest children, Louisa and Tom, according to this philosophy and never allows them to engage in fanciful or imaginative pursuits.

Cast & crew

A

Arthur Hopcraft

Creator

Patrick Allen

Thomas Gradgrind

Timothy West

Josiah Bounderby

Jacqueline Tong

Louisa Gradgrind

R

Richard Wren

Tom Gradgrind

Rosalie Crutchley

Mrs Sparsit

M

Michelle Dibnah

Sissy Jupe

Edward Fox

Captain James Harthouse

Alan Dobie

Stephen Blackpool

U

Ursula Howells

Mrs Gradgrind

Barbara Ewing

Rachel

H

Harry Markham

Sleary

Sean Flanagan

Bitzer

Peter Martin

Waiter

P

Patrick Durkin

Slackbridge

Seasons

4 episodes

Miniseries1977 · 4 episodes