The Miser//One

(thirteen parts)

Harpagon is a wealthy old miser who keeps his son Cléante and daughter Elise in a state of shabby dependency, while planning to marry them off to rich, middle-aged suitors. Unknown to him, though, they're already in love: Elise with Valère, who has taken a job as Harpagon's servant to be near her, and Cléante with Mariane, a girl even poorer than himself. Complications arise when Harpagon decides to take a wife, and decides that Mariane will be the lucky girl. Will love or money prevail?

This is a lively 1988 BBC production of my favorite (along with 'Bourgeois Gentilhomme') Moliere play, featuring the magnificent Nigel Hawthorne as Harpagon. Set in the 1830s, absurd fashions play up the absurdities in the plot. Fans of "Topsy-Turvy" may recognize Jim Broadbent (W.S. Gilbert) and Ron Cook (D'Oly-Carte) in minor roles here as Mr. Jaques and La flèche respectively, and fans of "Hello, Dolly" should watch for the first scene between Harpagon and Frosine, the original inspiration for the mythical "Ernestina Simple".

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Moliere
• Miser
• L'Avre
• Nigel Hawthorne
• Tartuffe
• French Baroque theater
• Louis XIV
• Harpagon

[dekheart]

i remember i saw the original broadcast ,is it possible to obtain a copy? as i am new to computers and don't know how to copy yet

[samizdrama]

@dekheart Unfortunately it doesn't look like the BBC has made this production available on DVD yet. It was broadcast there in 1988 on their "Theatre Night" series. If I see it, I'll certainly let you know.

[SuperBalletgirl101]

I did this play last spring! I was Elise. It was hard cause there were some long sections of the play where she just has to sit there and do nothing. Are Frosine was AMAZING! Thanks so much for uploading!

[samizdrama]

@SuperBalletgirl101, you're welcome. Applause to you for performing in this great play--it's one of my favorites!

[PhoenixBorealis]

I auditioned yesterday and got the part of Frosine! I am mega excited!

[samizdrama]

Congratulations! If I were an actor, That's the role I'd want to play, too! Best wishes to you :-)

[JoeMcVideo]

I really need a copy of this!

[dekheart]

i remember i saw the original broadcast ,is it possible to obtain a copy?

[urklemania]

@EpicOberon lol! tell me why i knew this was you garrett when i saw your name hahahah can you believe that?!! lol. it's the semi-less crazy black girl from drama class hahah

[EpicOberon]

My school is doing this play in the fall!

[PhoenixBorealis]

Thanks! :) Frosine is my favorite too. She makes me laugh.