Sunday, January 4th brings a new literary adaptation to the season opener of Masterpiece Theater, with the debut of Thomas Hardy's Tess of the D'Urbervilles. The show will air in two parts, this Sunday and next, and stars Gemma Arterton, last seen in Quantum of Solace, in the title role. If you miss Sunday night's airing, you'll be able to watch it online the following day and for a limited amount of time. You can also chat online with screenwriter David Nicholls on Barnes and Noble.com starting on January 5th. Here is the reading group guide and PBS is also promoting a Book & Film Club on their site, with lots of info and tips on how to start and maintain a club for reading, watching and discussing the classics. What a wonderful way to enjoy all their upcoming shows. Masterpiece's new host is the lovely Laura Linney and I can't wait to watch many great literary works with her intoductions in '09. Following Tess is Wuthering Heights on January 18th and later in the winter, a slate of Dickens adaptations! You can also enter to win a copy of Tess of the D'Urbervilles and Wuthering Heights on the PBS website now. Enjoy the trailer for Tess below.
Thank you for the info. I knew about the programs this season but did not know that you could watch it online as I will be working that evening. I hope the other programs work that way that I will be able to watch them online. I am always disappointed I can't watch the masterpiece classics because I am out.
Posted by: Susan | January 02, 2009 at 05:45 AM
Thanks for this!
Posted by: 3m | January 02, 2009 at 07:32 AM
Thank you for the info. I love literary adaptations but always forget to keep an eye on what Masterpiece is doing. Very exciting.
Posted by: Julie E. | January 02, 2009 at 10:28 AM
Oooooh, that sounds fabulous. I'll have to watch.
Posted by: Mimi | January 02, 2009 at 07:14 PM
Thanks for the heads up! I've already set it up on my DVR and hope to watch the first part sometime this week!
Posted by: Stephanie | January 04, 2009 at 01:44 PM
I watched a version of this years ago and the story was disturbing to me. What does everyone think about it? Is this author making good points about the status of women that society or does he just hate women? It just seems like she pays and pays and pays. It's been a while since I saw the older version so my assessment might be off.
Posted by: Jenne | January 12, 2009 at 12:26 PM