- Sold.

- All I want is a buyer.

The woman's no good to me.

- Goodbye Mike.

- I will avoid all strong liquors for the space of 21 years to come.

Do you forgive me?

And you are her daughter.

Elizabeth-Jane Newson.

- I will ask you something in a short while.

- Miss, Mr. Farfrae's time as my manager has drawn to a close.

- I wanted you to marry Mr. Farfrae.

- Elizabeth, I am your real father.

- [Susan] Elizabeth-Jane is not your Elizabeth-Jane.

- They wronged another innocent woman.

- [Lucetta] As soon as I heard of the death of your wife, I decided to leave Jersey for Casterbridge.

I shall be living at High Place Hall.

- We got naturally intimate.

What'll be your address?

- High Place Hall.

(lively music) - [Man] Morning.

- Morning.

Morning.

- [Lucetta] My dearest Michael, I'm now in residence here at High Place Hall.

My good Aunt Templeman, the banker's widow, has lately died and bequeathed some of her fortune to me.

I have taken her name as a means of escape from mine and its wrongs.

I've got your daughter to live with me to give you an excuse for coming here as if to visit her and thus to form my acquaintance naturally.

I cannot wait to see you again.

Yours as always, Lucetta.

(soft music) - [Woman] Right at the top of the stairs.

- I'm very sorry ma'am.

I inquired after Miss Henchard and they showed me up here.

Have I come to the wrong house?

- Oh, no, sir.

Sit, sit down sir.

You must come and sit down now that you're here.

Miss Henchard will be here directly.

Isn't the market fascinating?

I love watching it, looking out from the window.

- [Donald] Do you look at it often?

- Yes, very often.

- Do you look for anyone you know?

- I look at it just as a picture.

I may do so now.

I may look for you.

I don't mean it seriously.

- Ah.

- But it is lonely looking out at a crowd of people and not knowing anyone.

- You feel lonely?

- Nobody knows how lonely.

I came here thinking I should like to live here but I wonder.

- [Donald] And where do you come from, ma'am?

- The neighborhood of Bath.

- And I from near Edinborough.

But a man must live where his money is made and I've done well here.

I bought wheat in the autumn when the price was down and then afterwards, when it rose, I sold off for a profit.

It's knowing when to buy, when to sell, that's the art of it.

I'm wearying you ma'am.

- No.

Indeed.

- You're a rich woman.

I'm a struggling corn merchant.

My talk of business must be very boring to you.

- Not at all.

You're most interesting.

- Talking of business.

I had an arrangement to meet with a customer.

- Well then, you must go.

Must you not?

- Yes.

- You better go or you'll lose a customer.

- Now madam, you'll make me angry.

- Well then suppose you don't go but stay a little longer.

(people chattering) (chickens clucking) - I like staying.

But I fear I must go.

Business ought not to be neglected, ought it?

- Not for a single minute.

- True.

I'll come again when business allows if I may, ma'am.

- Certainly.

What's happened to us is most curious.

- Something to think about when we are alone.

- The market calls for you to be gone.

- Market.

Business.

I wish there were no business in the world.

I've never wished such things before.

It's only since coming here and seeing you.

I'll see you in my thoughts.

Well, I'll go.

Thank you for the pleasure of this visit.

- Thank you for staying.

- Maybe I'll get into my market mind in a few minutes but I don't know.

(gentle music) - Sir, Miss Templeman's asked me to tell you she won't expect you today but she'll be happy to see you tomorrow.

- What do you think?

- They're lovely.

- But which am I to wear?

Settling upon new clothes is so trying.

You are that person or you are that totally different person for the whole of the coming spring and one of the two, you don't know which, may turn out to be very objectionable.

- I wouldn't think so hard about it.

- I think I'll be cherry colored this spring.

(people chattering) - Good morning Elizabeth-Jane.

- This is the lady I live with, Father, Miss Templeman.

- Happy to make your acquaintance, Mr. Henchard.

This is a curious machine.

- Yes.

Very curious.

- [Lucetta] Who brought it here?

- Don't ask me, ma'am.

All I know is it can't possibly work.

You refused to see me.

- We're looking at this wonderful new machine.

- Aye, it will revolutionize sowing here abouts.

No more sowers flinging their seed all over the place, hope that some falls by the wayside and some among thorns and all that.

- So much for the romance of the sower and the seed.

- Is the machine yours?

- No, madam, no.

I merely recommended it be got.

- Well don't forsake the machine for us.

- Have you met Mr. Farfrae before?

- Yes, on one occasion.

Do you think of home, Mr. Farfrae?

- Aye.

Sometimes.

- So do I, as far as I can.

- [Donald] Of Bath?

- Well it's all pulled down now.

I mean, the old house where I was born.

So I hardly have any home to think of.

More bread and butter?

(gentle music) - Are they pleased with the new machine?

- What?

- The new corn drill.

- Oh, yes, yes.

Delighted.

It's a great success.

It'll be the first of many.

- [Lucetta] It was good of you to come.

- Well you know why I came.

I felt that after what happened between us, it was my duty not to delay before putting things to rights.

But I wouldn't wish to seem to be hurrying you because you can guess how this money that's come in has made me feel.

That fact is, it's put me in a rather awkward position.

- Why?

- Well, there's nobody in the world I should've wished to see enter into this wealth before you, Lucetta.

- I'm greatly obliged to you for that.

- Well you may be obliged or not for it.

Though the things I say may not have the polish you've lately learned to expect, they are real, my lady Lucetta.

- That's rather a rude way of speaking to me.

- Not at all.

But I don't wish to quarrel with you.

I've come because you asked me in your letter to carry out the promise I made over in Jersey to disperse the shadow over your name.

That's what I'm proposing.

And you oughta be thankful.

- How can you speak to me like that knowing that my only crime was to indulge in a foolish girl's passion?

I suffered enough when you wrote to me telling me that your wife had returned, dismissing me from your life.

If I'm a little independent now, surely the privilege is due me.

- Yes it is.

But in this life you are judged, not by the way things are but by the way they appear.

And I think therefore, you should accept me for your own good name sake.

And what is known in your native Jersey may get known here.

So, what do you say to my proposal?

- For the present, let things be.

Treat me as an acquaintance and I'll treat you as one.

- That's the way the wind blows, is it?

(knocking on door) - [Elizabeth-Jane] Yes?

- I couldn't sleep.

I was a little worried about you.

- [Elizabeth-Jane] About me?

- Your father was distant with you today.

- Yes.

It is because he doesn't think I am respectable.

I've tried to be so but...

It was unfortunate for me that my mother and father separated.

You don't know what it is to have shadows like that on your life.

- I don't.

Not of that kind precisely, but one may feel a sense of disgrace, shame, in other ways.

- Have you ever had any such feelings?

- I was thinking of the different positions in which women may find themselves in the eyes of the world through no fault of their own.

- Must make them very unhappy.

- Makes them anxious.

Might not other women despise them?

- Not all together despise them.

Yet, not quite like or respect them.

- I was thinking of the dilemma facing a good friend of mine.

A lady who once admired a man, admired him very much.

They were intimate.

He did not think so deeply of her as she did of him.

But in an impulsive moment, purely to make amends, he proposed to make her his wife and she agreed because she'd been so far compromised by him that she felt in all conscious that she could never belong to another man.

Not even if she should wish to.

But there was an unexpected hitch in the proceedings and they heard nothing from each other for a long time and she felt her life was going nowhere.

- Poor lady.

- She suffered a great deal because of him.

But I should add, he couldn't be altogether blamed for what had happened.

But at last, the obstacle which had separated them was removed and he came to marry her but in the interval, she had seen a man she liked better than him.

And now comes the point.

Could she, in honor, dismiss the first?

- A man she liked better?

That's bad.

- Yes, it is bad.

- I can't answer.

It's so difficult.

Well, it's a pope to settle this.

- You prefer not to perhaps.

- Yes, Miss Templeman.

I'd rather not say.

(soft music) (knocking on door) - [Michael] Can I talk with you?

- Come in.

- [Michael] This'll do, thank you.

We've heard you can do things of a sort.

- Maybe so, Mr. Henchard.

- [Michael] Why do you call me that?

- Because it's your name.

I had a feeling you'd come.

- Then I've not come in vain.

Now, for instance, can you charm away warts?

- No trouble.

- Cure the evil?

- If they will wear the toad-bag by night as well as by day.

- Forecast the weather?

- With labor and time.

- Then take this.

It's a crown-piece.

Now, what's the weather to be for the harvest fortnight?

- I worked it out already and you can know at once.

By the sun, moon, and stars.

- The harvest weather.

What'll it be?

- The last fortnight in August will be rain in tempest.

- [Michael] You're not certain, of course.

- As certain as one can be in a world where all is unsure.

'Twill be more like living in Revelations is all, in the middle of England.

- Move away, lads.

Keep 'em coming, keep 'em coming.

That's it.

- Here I am again, out of a manager.

- As you were, sir, when I was last here.

- Yes.

- You appointed Mr. Farfrae in my place.

- A mistake to be paid for.

Enough of that.

You own a place now?

- Not so much as a beggar, sir.

- When can you come?

- At this hour or this moment, sir.

- [Michael] Then the thing's settled.

- Thank you.

- Now, one thing is necessary to me as the biggest corn and hay dealer in these parts.

A Scotsman must be cut out, you hear?

Two of us can't live side by side, that's certain.

- I'm that way of thinking too.

I sometimes wonder if he has some glass that he sees the next year in.

He has such a knack of making everything bring in fortune.

- Aye, he's deep beyond an honest man's understanding.

But we'll make him shallower.

This is what I plan to do.

I'm gonna put every penny I've got into buying up grain now.

Fill the granaries to bursting.

It's my guess we're set for a poor summer and a bad harvest.

Now when the time comes, I sell at double or triple the price.

What do you think?

- Well sir, you buy up all the grain now, a bad harvest could make you a fortune.

But a good harvest could ruin you.

- I gave the man his start and what does he do in return?

He wants to strip me bare.

But I'll have him.

I'll put him down.

I'll undersell him and overbuy him and so snuff him out.

(dramatic music) (men chattering) Sell?

- The bank has to protect-- - Sell?

No.

- Your granaries are choking with wheat.

Yet the price is less now than what it was when you first bought it.

- When the weather changes, the prices will rocket sky-high.

- What makes you think the weather's gonna change?

Are you gonna change it?

- You mark my word.

- You're a man of influence, Mr. Henchard, but I doubt even you can change the weather.

Look, the point is, the bank will no longer accept the risk.

- I've given you enough security.

My house, my business, everything I own.

- Yes.

And you're in danger of losing it all if the price continues to fall.

You gambled on bad weather and you lost.

You're not the first.

Look, I'm not a gambler or a weather forecaster.

I'm a bank manager and I can read a balance sheet.

- And I am a councilor and a magistrate and a man of property.

- You've got commitments.

You've got business debts to honor.

- I'll honor them.

- So, you'll start selling now?

- I'll sell when I'm ready.

- [Joshua] It's a scorching hot day.

- Scorching hot day, you say?

If it hadn't been for your blasted advice, it may be a fine day enough.

Why did you let me go on when a word of doubt from you would've made me think twice?

- My advice to you, sir, was to do as you thought best.

- A useful fellow.

Well the sooner you find somebody else to help in that way, the better.

I need you and your advice no longer.

- You should be sorry for this, sir.

You should be sorry as a man can be.

(dramatic music) - [Michael] Sell it.

- Go, go, buy, buy, now.

- First he fills the granaries to choking now he's clearing the lot.

Boy, that don't make sense.

- Well, he gambled on bad weather and lost but you don't need to know that.

You just get that wagon loaded.

(thunder crashing) (gentle instrumental music) - Thank you.

There's something I must ask you.

You are sure to be sought after because of your wealth, your talents, and your beauty.

But when you resist the temptation to be one of those ladies with lots of admirers, I'll be content to have only one.

- Donald, I love nobody else.

But I should wish to have my own land someplace.

- What special thing do you mean?

- Well, if I wish not to live always in Casterbridge.

If I found that I were not happy here.

- You shall have your way in everything.

(gentle music) (gasps) - I have a little matter to remind you of which you seem to have forgotten.

- I may wish to forget.

- And I may wish to remember.

I refer to the commitments we made in our early days together.

- I don't want to hear it.

- But you oughta hear it.

- But it came to nothing through you.

Why did you propose to marry me anyway?

If it had been for pure love, I might have felt bound now.

But you planned it out of mere charity.

- Then why did you come to find me?

- Thought I ought to marry you since you were free.

- Why don't you think so now?

- My circumstances have changed.

- The man you're thinking of is no better than I.

- Well, if you were as good as he, you would leave me alone.

- You cannot, in honor, refuse me.

And unless you give me your promises this very night to be my wife, I'll reveal our intimacy.

I mean it.

I still have all the letters you wrote to me.

They'll make interesting reading.

Especially those written in the first heat of passion.

(tense instrumental music) Elizabeth-Jane, we want you to hear this.

Will you or will you not marry me?

- If you wish it, I must agree.

- You say yes?

- I do.

- She agrees because you wish it, Father.

But it obviously is not her wish.

What makes her agree?

Don't compel her to do anything against her will.

I've lived with her and I know she cannot bear too much.

- Don't be stupid.

This'll leave him free for you if you want him, won't it?

- Him?

Who are you talking about?

- Nobody as far as I'm concerned.

- Then it's my mistake.

But this business is between me and Miss Templeman.

And you agree to be my wife?

- I do.

- You have many secrets from me.

- Perhaps you have some from me.

- I wouldn't do anything against you.

I can't understand how my father can command you like this.

I'll go and ask him to release you now.

- No, no.

Let it all be.

- Only one case up today, sir.

- What is it?

- An old vagrant, sir, a female swearing and committing a nuisance against the church wall, sir.

- When I proceeded to the place, I saw defendant at another spot, namely the gutter, and when I approached to draw near, she committed the nuisance and insulted me.

- Now then, have you any questions to ask him or anything to say?

- Yes.

20 year ago or thereabouts I was a selling furmity in a tent at Weydon Fair and a man and a woman and a little child came into my tent.

They sit down and had a basin a piece.

Now I used to season my frumenty with rum for them as asked for it.

I did it for the man.

He had more and more till at last he quarreled with his wife and offered to sell her to the highest bidder.

A sailor came in and bet five guineas and paid the money and led her away.

And the man who sold his wife in that fashion is the man sitting there in the great big chair.

- 'Tis true.

As true as the light.

And to avoid any temptation to treat her hard for revenge, I leave her to you.

(somber music) (dramatic instrumental music) I must see Lucetta.

I've called every day for a week and every day the maid she is away.

Where is she?

When will she be back?

- She came back this morning.

- [Michael] Then we'll speak to her.

- [Elizabeth] She isn't in.

- Elizabeth, please!

I must see her.

- She's gone for a walk on the hills.

- Elizabeth.

I cannot undo what I did 21 years ago.

Lucetta!

Lucetta!

I have been desperate to see you these last few days.

I don't wanna make you retched.

Having to marry me now would do that.

You've made that plain.

But could we not put off all thought of marriage for a year or two and agree to an indefinite engagement?

- I cannot.

- I have a reason for proposing this.

Listen to me first.

You may have heard that I have been unlucky this year by doing what I've never done before.

Speculated vastly and I lost.

I am the bank's creature now.

- I could help you.

I could advance you some money.

- No, no!

I am not a man to sponge on a woman.

Even though she may be so nearly my own as you.

No, Lucetta.

What you can do is this and it would save me.

You could persuade the bank to hold off for just another two weeks.

Let me explain.

If you would just let it be known that you are my intended and that we are to be quietly married this next fortnight, wait you haven't heard all.

Nobody else need know.

You just go with me to Mr. Grower and let me speak to you on such terms.

I would ask him to keep the secret.

He'd wait willingly then.

A fortnight's forbearance on his part would be enough for me to pull through.

And then I can go to him and tell him all's postponed between us for a year or two.

Not a soul need know that you've helped me.

- If it were anything else.

- But it's such a little thing.

I could've said as much to Grower myself, but he wouldn't have believed me.

- It's not because I won't it's because I absolutely can't.

- Why not?

- Because he was a witness.

- A witness of what?

Well, let's hear what you mean.

- Witness of my marriage.

- Marriage?

- Yes.

With Donald Farfrae.

I'm already his wife.

We were married this week at Port Bredy.

(gentle music) - You married him.

But you marrying him, well it's better than marrying me?

- Well how could I keep my promise to you after hearing that you'd sold your first wife at a fair like that?

I couldn't risk myself in your hands.

I love Donald.

But I knew I should lose him if I didn't secure him at once.

For you would carry out your threat of telling him of our former acquaintance.

But you'll not do so now, will you Michael?

- I have a mind to punish you as you deserve.

One word of this brand new husband of yours and your precious happiness is blown to atoms.

Don't say another word.

Go home!

Don't stay here any longer!

Go!

- You remember the story I told you about the dilemma of the first lover and the second?

- First man is my father, isn't he?

- Yes.

- Then there is only one course open to you.

You ought to marry Mr. Henchard or nobody.

- Elizabeth, I was so afraid of revelations that would destroy me that-- (somber music) - You've married Mr. Farfrae.

- Yes.

But I told him I would like you to stay with me just as before.

- Let me think of it alone.

- I'm sure we'll be happy together.

- As a creditors in this case, I want you to know that I've proved the balance sheet to be as honestly made out as it could possibly be.

There've been no evasions and no concealment.

The rashness of dealing that led to this unhappy situation is obvious enough.

But as far as I can see, every attempt has been made to avoid wronging anybody.

- What's the occasion?

- It's the bankruptcy commissioners, Miss.

Settling Mr. Henchard's affairs.

- I must go in and see him.

- Oh, I wouldn't, Miss.

Not in there.

- Over and above the assets that appear in the balance sheet, they'll be these.

Belongs to you all as much as anything I got and I don't wanna keep it from you.

I only wish for your sakes it was more.

- No, no.

No, we don't want that.

It's honorable of you but keep it.

What do you say neighbors?

Do you agree?

- Surely.

We wouldn't wish it at all.

- Well, the guess is a desperate one.

I have to admit, I've never met a debtor who behaved more fairly.

Now the next step is to see that all the possessions are properly ticketed so that we can proceed with the auctions without delay.

(knocking on door) - [Joshua] Yes?

- I've come to speak to my father.

- He has a room through there.

- Why is he staying here with you?

- Necessity, he has no choice.

- Go away.

I don't wanna see you.

- I want to make sure you're looking after yourself.

- I thought you never wanted to see me again.

- I can't know what happened all those years ago.

But I do know that my mother wanted to see you again.

And that you did all you could to make amends when we returned.

You looked after her.

And I'm gonna look after you.

(somber music) - It's not worth the effort.

I'm nothing.

Got nothing.

- Yes you have.

You've got your daughter.

You've got me.

Mr. Farfrae is master here now.

- Yes, Miss Henchard.

Mr. Farfrae's bought the concern and all us work folk with it.

It's better for us now.

Though we shouldn't say that to you.

But, we don't have to fear for our lives as we did before.

So thoughs I get a shilling a week less, I feel a richer man now.

- He and she moved into their new house today.

- Oh, what house is that?

- Your old one.

- My house of all the others in the town?

- Well, somebody was sure to live there and you couldn't.

It's no harm to you as he's the man.

And you heard of that fella that bought all the best furniture at your sale, he was bidding for no other than Farfrae all the while.

It was never even moved out of the house.

He's already got the lease.

- My furniture too.

Surely he'd buy my body and soul likewise.

- There's no saying he won't if you'd be willing to sell.

- Mr. Henchard.

I heard that you were thinking about immigrating.

Is it true?

- Yes, it is true.

- Now listen to me, and if I'm not taking up your time, just as I once listened to you, don't go.

You stay at home.

- But I can do nothing else, man.

Little money I have would just keep body and soul together for a few weeks, no more.

- Aye, but what I propose is this, if you'll listen.

You come and stay in your old house, I'm sure my wife would not mind at all, until there's an opening for you.

- No, we should quarrel.

- You'd have part of the house for yourself.

Nobody to interfere with you.

- You don't know what you ask.

But I can do no less than thank you.

- Oh, I nearly forgot.

I've bought a good deal of your furniture.

- So I've heard.

- Well, it's also very much that I wanted it for myself.

I'd like you to come and pick out any pieces that you care for.

You'll not be depriving me.

- One.

Give it to me for nothing.

Did you pay the creditors for it?

- Aye.

But maybe it's worth more to you than it is to me.

And if you're needin' work, well of course there's always work in the corn yard for you.

- And I sometimes think I've wronged you.

I was thinking of taking work at the corn yard.

I've been a journeyman before.

Why shouldn't I be one again?

- [Man] Hear what they're all saying?

He'll soon be mayor.

- [Michael] Nonsense.

He's too young to be mayor.

- Good afternoon.

- Beg your pardon, ma'am.

- I said good afternoon.

- Good afternoon, ma'am.

Glad to see you ma'am.

Well we humble workman think it a great honor that a lady should look in and take an interest in us.

- Would you please not speak to me like that?

I'm only too glad that you should have employment of my husband but, in all fairness, treat me as his wife.

I've committed no crime and done you no injury.

I must ask you to return any letters of mine that you might have.

You must see how desirable it is that the times in Jersey should be blotted out for the good of all parties.

- For the good of all parties?

- Will you return them?

- Gladly.

If I can find them.

(knocking on door) - Is this it?

- [Michael] It is.

- Then I must apologize for not returning it to you.

- [Michael] Nevermind.

Just a bundle of old letters.

I hope Mrs. Farfrae is well.

- Aye, she was feeling a wee bit tired.

Went to bed early.

- You ought to have forgotten that curious chapter in my history I told you about and you gave me some assistance in.

Well, these letters are related to that.

Though thank God it's all over now.

- [Donald] Aye, what became of the poor woman?

- Luckily, she married and married well.

So these reproaches she poured out to me earlier on don't now cause me any twinges as they might otherwise have done.

- The young lady must've had a heart that bore transplanting very readily.

(laughing) - Oh, she had.

She had.

Just listen to what an angry woman will say.

For me there is practically no future.

It is impossible that I can be the wife of any other man.

And yet I am no more to you than the first woman you meet on the street.

That's how she went on to me.

Acres of words like that when what happened was what I could not cure.

She finishes, thus I sit here forsaken by my few acquaintance and forsaken by you.

And then her signature.

She signs, she signs herself.

Yours as always... (tense music) What does it matter what she signs?

- I think Henchard is a bit crazed.

He's just been reading me some letters relating to his past life.

I had no choice but to listen.

He is a strange man.

He's so intense.

I sometimes...

I sometimes think he hates me.

I can understand why he should feel a wee bit of envy but I cannot understand the intensity of what he feels.

Can you?

- I-- - It's more like an old-fashioned rivalry in love than a rivalry in trade.

Though perhaps trade was his love.

- Does he know that we are-- - No, I said nothing about the baby.

I didn't think he'd exactly welcome another Farfrae.

- Oh, Donald.

I wish you'd do what we talked about.

Give up business and go away from here.

We've plenty of money.

Do we have to stay?

- No, of course we don't.

No, no.

We don't have ties here.

Either of us.

- I would like us to move.

- I'll seriously consider when it would be best.

(knocking on the door) Oh no.

He's not come back again, has he?

- The council will have to find a new mayor.

I'm afraid that poor Mr. Chalkfield has died.

- Oh no.

I'd heard he wasn't well but-- - Died this evening.

We must take it as is.

Now I have called to ask you this quite privately.

If I should nominate you to succeed him, will you accept the chair?

- But there are folk whose turn it is before mine.

I'm over young and maybe thought pushing.

- Not at all.

I don't speak for myself only.

Several have named you.

You won't refuse.

- We thought of going away.

- Well, I cannot refuse if it's the wish of a respectable majority of the council.

- Very well.

Look upon yourself as elected.

(somber music) We've had older men long enough.

- When I read your note it seemed as though you thought I would not come.

But of course I'm glad to come if you wanna meet me.

- Thank you.

- I'm sorry to see you looking so ill. - How can you be sorry when you deliberately cause it?

- I'll destroy the letters.

- No, give me them back.

- But he's bound to find out sooner or later.

- But not till I have proved myself a faithful and deserving wife and then he may forgive me everything.

- I hope so.

And your secret shall be kept.

I swear it.

- I beg pardon for intruding Mrs. Farfrae but I've heard there may be the position of corn manger available soon.

I wish to offer myself.

I can offer good security and I've written to Mr. Farfrae stating as much but I'd be much obliged if you'd say a word in my favor to your husband.

- Something I know nothing about.

- I think, ma'am, that just a word or two from you would secure for me what I covet very much.

- Indeed.

I'm afraid I have no influence over my husband in his business matters.

- Well look, could you just-- (door slams) (laughing) - If you're looking for your father, he's not here.

- Do you know where he is then?

- His last week, he spoke about nothing but this day.

Seems that this day's exactly 21 years since he swore his vow not to drink.

- Where do you think I can find him?

- Well, he's busted out drinking.

Likely you'll find him down at The Three Mariners.

(lively music) - Father, let me take you home.

- Fine thing to be mayor!

Parade around the town, swinging your gold chain, and surrounded by hangers on and toadies.

(women laughing) - Let go!

- Pay for that, mark my word.

He'll pay for that.

(dramatic instrumental music) Would you come up here?

- [Donald] What are you doing up here?

- You should've thought twice before publicly humiliating a man who had nothing to lose.

- I'm not gonna argue with you.

Now wait till you cool down.

You'll see things the same way I do.

- We're here to finish off that little wrestle you began this morning.

There's the door, 20 feet above ground.

One of the two of us puts the other out that door.

The master stays here.

And as the strongest man, I've tied one arm to take no advantage of you.

You understand.

Then here's at you.

(men grunting) (dramatic music) This is the end of what you began this morning.

Your life is mine to take.

- Then take it.

Take it.

You've wished that long enough.

- Farfrae, that's not true.

God as my witness, that no man ever loved another as I did you.

And now, though I came to kill you, I cannot harm you.

Do what you will with me.

I care not what becomes me.

I wish you to do something for me, Jopp, tonight if you can.

Leave this at Mrs. Farfrae's for her.

I should go myself of course, but I don't wish to be seen there.

Thank you.

(people chattering) - Mr. Henchard's asked me to deliver this to a lady.

Seeing as he doesn't wanna be seen delivering it to her himself.

- Why would he not be seen?

- My guess is there's something between him and that lady.

- What lady?

- It's one that stands high in this town.

Mrs. Farfrae.

- Henchard and Mrs. Farfrae.

- So, what is in the parcel?

- This is the passion of love.

- Then open it.

- [Woman] Open it.

- It's just as I said.

It's her love letters to him.

- Love letters?

Then let's hear them, good soul.

(instrumental music) - My dearest Michael, please, please write to me.

I am desperate to know when I can come to you.

- Mrs. Farfrae wrote that.

- I say, this is a good ground for a skimmity ride.

- I live only for the day when I can be with you again and have your strength to protect me.

(dramatic music) - [Woman] How many are there?

- [Woman] I suppose 30 of them.

- [Woman] There are two figures.

- Yeah.

Two images on a donkey.

Back to back, their elbows tied to one another.

- I've come to see you.

Forgive me, I didn't stop to knock.

- What is it?

What's going on out there?

- Let us shut it out.

- They said two images.

Images of who?

- Let us shut it out.

- I have to see.

I have to see.

(dramatic music) Oh, it's me.

It's me and Henchard.

- Is there nobody to stop it?

Not one?

Come with me.

Let me close the shutters.

- She's me.

She's me in my cherry dress.

Oh.

(Lucetta groaning) Oh, God!

I'm sorry.

I so wanted our child.

- [Donald] Shh.

- I haven't been the wife you deserve.

- Oh darling, you have been the wife I deserve.

Now go to sleep.

The doctor said the only rest-- - I can't rest.

I must speak to you.

- Darling, you can speak tomorrow.

- No, I must speak to you now.

Told me that Henchard told you about a relationship he had with a woman and that he read you her letters.

- Yes.

He seemed most eager that I should hear.

- And you don't know why?

- No.

- He wished to humiliate you.

- Humiliate me?

- Those letters were my letters.

- No, darling, they... Those letters were written from Jersey.

They were written by a woman he met in Jersey.

- But I did live in Jersey.

I was with him there.

I know I can't ask you to forgive me but I cannot leave you deceived.

- They can knock as loud as they will.

She shall not hear it anymore.

(somber music) - Father.

- Sleep, my little one.

(knocking on door) - Good morning.

Is it Mr. Henchard I'm talking to?

- My name is Henchard.

- Can I have a few words with you?

- [Michael] By all means.

- You may remember me.

- No.

- Well, perhaps you may not.

My name is Newson.

- I know the name well.

- I make no doubt of that.

Well, the fact is I've been looking for you this fortnight past.

I landed at Budmouth.

I've traveled backwards and forwards asking after you until at last I learn you've been living in Casterbridge.

I got here by coast 10 minutes ago.

So, here I am.

Now, that transaction between us some 20 years ago, that's what I've called about.

'Twas a curious business.

- It is worse than curious.

I cannot even allow that I'm the man you met then.

I was not in my senses and a man's senses are himself.

- We were young and thoughtless.

However, I've come here to mend matters rather than open arguments.

Poor Susan.

She was wholesome woman.

Not shrewd or sharp at all.

- She was not.

- She was fairly happy.

Your child died, she had another, and all went well until somebody told her our relationship was a mockery.

Then and there in her simple way, she decided she had to leave.

I went out to sea to the other side of the Atlantic.

The ship went down and it was supposed we'd all be lost.

- That much Susan told me.

- But I found myself ashore in Newfoundland and I decided it'd be most kindness to let Susan go out thinking me lost.

I thought she'll go back to him as she thinks she ought, and the child will have all.

And so it turned out.

They told me in Budmouth that Susan was dead.

But my Elizabeth-Jane, where is she?

- Dead likewise.

Surely you heard that too.

- Dead?

When did she die?

- A year ago and more.

- My journey here has been for nothing.

I may as well go as I came.

It'd serve me right.

I'll trouble you no longer.

Why did I wait so long?

Why did I not come sooner?

If only I could've seen her once again.

(somber music) - Elizabeth.

Are miracles still work, do you think?

- I don't quite think there are any miracles nowadays.

- But something.

A sign, maybe.

Come with me and I'll show you what I mean.

What do you see?

- Nothing.

- [Michael] Look again.

- There, something.

Looks like a bundle of old clothes.

- Aye, they are right.

- Father, let's go away from here.

- First, you must tell me what you see floating in there.

- The effigy.

They must've thrown it into the river higher up.

- That's the effigy of me, but where's the other?

And why that one only?

That performance of theirs killed her but kept me alive.

- Father, I will not leave you alone like this.

Will you come and live with me so that I might tend upon you as I used to do?

Please?

- Elizabeth, don't mock me.

I have nothing.

- I don't mind that.

- How will you forgive my roughness in former days?

- I have forgot it.

Talk of that no more.

(gentle music) - Who'd have thought it?

Henchard running a seed shop.

Why, he only got in with the help of Farfrae and the council.

- He didn't get it.

She got it for him.

She's the one running it.

She's the driver.

He's only the horse.

- Don't say that in his hearing.

He'd whack you black and blue.

- Abel Whittle.

You still late for work in the morning?

- Aye, Mr. Henchard.

Mr. Farfrae, he don't whack me like you used to do.

(laughing) - Here.

Let me help you.

You like walking this way, Mrs. Henchard.

Is that not so?

- Yes.

I've chosen this way latterly.

Though I have no great reason for it.

- Well that may make a reason for others.

- I don't know that.

My reason, however such as it is, is that I wish to get a glimpse of the sea everyday.

- Is it a secret why?

- [Elizabeth] Yes.

- I doubt any good will come of secrets.

A secret cast a deep shadow over my life.

Well, you know what it is.

- See Mr. Farfrae today?

- Yes.

- Are you expecting a proposal from that boy?

- Father, it is not for me to say.

- I ask only because I want you to understand that I have no objections.

(gentle music) - Thank you for those books, Mr. Farfrae.

I wonder if I ought to accept so many.

- Aye, why not?

It gives me even more pleasure to get them for you than for you to have them.

- Father, I've been asked to go to Mr. Farfrae's to meet somebody.

I don't know who.

I think Donald is playing a trick on me.

But do you think I ought to go?

- Yes.

Go.

- He's probably some relation of Donald's wanting to pass an opinion on his choice.

- Elizabeth, I'm gonna leave Casterbridge.

- Leave Casterbridge?

Leave me?

- I'd rather go into the country by myself, out of sight, follow me own ways, leave you to yours.

- I'm sorry you've decided on this.

Is it because of Donald?

Do you disapprove after all?

- I approve of anything you desire to do.

If I did not approve, it would make no matter.

I wish to go away.

'Tis best that I go.

(somber music) Think of me sometime in your future life.

Will you do that Lizzie?

Think of me when you're living as the wife of the richest, the foremost man in the town, and do not let my sins, when you know them all, cause you to forget that, though I loved you late, I loved you well.

Promise not to forget me when-- - Promise.

He is gone.

- Did you tell him about the visitor?

- I told him what I know.

Who am I to meet, Donald?

- You'll find out about that soon enough as will Mr. Henchard if he has not gone too far.

- He will go far.

He's bent upon getting out of sight and out of sound.

(gentle music) - Elizabeth-Jane.

- Did I hear you say Casterbridge?

- Yes, I've just come from there, master.

- I heard a Mr. Farfrae, the last mayor there, was thinking of getting married.

Now, is that true or not?

- I couldn't for the life of me say.

- Yes John, you forget what with them packages we carried there last week.

Surely they said a wedding was coming off soon.

St. Martin's Day.

Trot on.

(lively music) - Come on in, everybody.

(energetic instrumental music) - Mr. Henchard.

- Will you inform your mistress that an old friend has come to offer his congratulations?

- Yes sir.

They're in the dining room.

Please, come through.

(people chattering excitedly) - Mr. Henchard.

- I see you have your real father in my place.

- I could've loved you always.

I would've gladly.

But how can I when I know you've deceived me?

So bitterly deceived me.

Why did you pretend that I was your daughter?

You persuaded me that my father was not my father.

Allowed me to live on in ignorance of the truth for years.

And then when he, my real father, came back to find me, you cruelly sent him away with a wicked lie about my death that nearly broke his heart.

How can I love as I once did a man who has served us like this?

(somber music) - Don't distress yourself on my account.

I would not wish it.

At such a time too as this.

I did wrong in coming here but it was for once only.

So, forgive.

I'll not trouble you again, Elizabeth-Jane.

No, not to my dying day.

Goodbye.

- Poor bird.

How did it get here?

- Ma'am, Mr. Henchard.

I saw him here with it.

He must've gone and left it.

- He was seen that night at about midnight going toward Melchester.

We can only drive that way and hope that somebody has news of him.

Trot on.

(somber music) - If it weren't so far away from Casterbridge, I should say that must be Abel Whittle.

Looks just like him.

- It may be Whittle too.

He hasn't been to the yard this last week.

Went away without saying a word.

Abel Whittle.

Is Mr. Henchard here?

- He's just gone.

- Not dead.

- Yes, ma'am.

He's gone.

I seen him go down the street on the day of your worshipful's wedding and I thought he looked faltering and I followed.

We walked on all night and in the blow of the morning I seen that he was bumbling.

He could hardly drag along.

Then I see this place.

"What, Whittle," he said, "Can you really be such a poor fond fool "to care for such a retch as I?"

I made him as comfortable as I could but he didn't gain strength.

For you see ma'am, he couldn't eat.

No appetite at all.

And he got weaker and today he died.

One of the neighbors have gone to get a man to measure him.

- Is that so?

- Left a piece of paper with some writing on it.

I can't read writing so I don't know what it is.

I can get it and show you.

- Michael Henchard's will.

That Elizabeth-Jane Farfrae be not told of my death or made to grieve on account of me.

(somber music) - [Michael] And that I be not buried in consecrated ground.

And that no sexton be asked to toll the bell.

And that nobody is wished to see my dead body.

And that no mourners walk behind me at my funeral.

And that no flowers be planted on my grave.

And that no man remember me.

To this I put my name, Michael Henchard.