2. The Man of Letters

Available for 30 days

Stephen Smith writes again to Elfride Swancourt, saying he can't wait for them to get married. However, Elfride can't imagine being married to him now. Having met Mr Knight, she thinks Stephen is more like a brother.... Thomas Hardy's novel, first published in 1873. Dramatised by Jane Beeson Henry Knight .... Jeremy Irons Elfride Swancourt ..... Janet Maw Stephen Smith .... Michael Maloney Parson Swancourt .... Nigel Stock Mrs Swancourt .... Vivian Pickles Mrs Jethway .... Anna Wing Lord Luxellian .... Christopher Scott Unity .... Sheila Grant John Smith .... Alan Dudley Director: Cherry Cookson First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1982