"The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling" (1997) TV mini-series

User Rating:

8.2/10   

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

5 April 1998 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Romance

Plot:

A new adaptation of the classic novel by Henry Fielding of the life, loves and adventures of the charming rascal Tom Jones...

Plot Keywords:

1700s | Bawdy | Historical | Love | TV Mini-Series

Awards:

4 wins & 4 nominations

Cast

John Sessions	...	Henry Fielding (2 episodes, 1997)
Benjamin Whitrow	...	Squire Allworthy (2 episodes, 1997)
Ron Cook	...	Benjamin Partridge (2 episodes, 1997)
Camille Coduri	...	Jenny Jones (2 episodes, 1997)
Christopher Fulford	...	Mr. Square (2 episodes, 1997)
Richard Ridings	...	Reverend Thwackum (2 episodes, 1997)
Brian Hibbard	...	George Seagrim (2 episodes, 1997)
Brian Blessed	...	Squire Western (2 episodes, 1997)
Frances de la Tour	...	Aunt Western (2 episodes, 1997)
Max Beesley	...	Tom Jones / ... (2 episodes, 1997)
James D'Arcy	...	Blifil (2 episodes, 1997)
Samantha Morton	...	Sophia / ... (2 episodes, 1997)
Brian Pettifer	...	Parson Supple (2 episodes, 1997)
Kathy Burke	...	Honour (2 episodes, 1997)

Runtime:

UK:95 min (5 episodes) | USA:120 min (3 episodes)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Australia:PG | UK:15

Filming Locations:

Belton House, Belton, Lincolnshire, England, UK

Company:

A&E Television Networks

Movie Connections:

Version of The Bawdy Adventures of Tom Jones (1976)

Soundtrack:

Why, Soldiers, Why

A Tremendous Amount Of Fun - The Best Version

Other posters have stated that the Finney version of this story is the best.

I wholeheartedly disagree. This story, as with most of Henry Fielding's stories, is intended as a parody of English 'morality' in his day. The Finney version is a lot of fun, but it's just a film about silly people wandering the countryside. In the A&E version, Brian Blessed performed his character (Mr. Western) in exactly the over-the-top correct way to ridicule the English wealthy. Mr. Allworthy was absolutely perfect as someone who believes that since he is a good honest man, the rest of the world must be good and honest as well. Tom's aunt has the line that in my opinion sums up the meaning of this book/movie (paraphrased), "It is not enough that your actions are good, you must make sure that they appear to be so."