Doctor Thorne (TV series)

Doctor Thorne is a 2016 three-part (divided into four parts for broadcast in North America)[2] television drama adaptation of the 1858 Anthony Trollope novel Doctor Thorne scripted by Julian Fellowes for ITV.[3] Mary Thorne, penniless and with undisclosed parentage, grows up under the guardianship of her uncle Doctor Thorne. She spends much of her formative years in the company of the Gresham family at Greshamsbury Park estate. As they close on the world of adult cares and responsibilities, the past starts to impinge and the financial woes of the Gresham family threaten to tear relationships apart.

Doctor Thorne
GenrePeriod drama
Written by
Directed by
Starring
ComposerIlan Eshkeri
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series1
No. of episodes4
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • Ted Childs
  • Helen Gregory
Production locationsWest Wycombe Park, Osterley Park, Knebworth House, Eastnor Castle, Tyntesfield House and Estate, Lacock and Castle Combe[1]
CinematographyJan Jonaeus
Editors
  • Guy Bensley
  • Jamie Trevill
Running time47–53 minutes(excluding advertisements)
Production company
Release
Original networkITV (UK)
Original release6 March (2016-03-06) –
20 March 2016 (2016-03-20)

Cast

Episodes
No. Title Directed by Written by Original airdate Viewers (in millions)3[4] Length
(excluding commercials)
1"Episode One"Niall MacCormickJulian Fellowes, Anthony Trollope (novel)6 March 2016 (2016-03-06)5.6048 minutes
In the fictional Barsetshire of Anthony Trollope during the 1850s, the genial Doctor Thorne is left to bring up his niece Mary. This follows a significant incident during the opening scene between Roger Scatcherd and a Mr Thorne which involves accusations and the violent death of Mr Thorne. Now, decades later, Frank Gresham is in love with Mary but his family needs money—and for Frank to "marry well".
2"Episode Two"Niall MacCormickJulian Fellowes, Anthony Trollope (novel)13 March 2016 (2016-03-13)4.3948 minutes
Sir Roger Scatcherd trumps the opposition at the election hustings, but collapses from the ravages on his health due to excessive drink. He is cared for by Doctor Thorne and Mary. More comes to light about her background and Sir Roger grasps the truth. Louis Scatcherd, Roger’s son, is sent for although he clearly cares little for his father, only his money. Doctor Thorne learns that Louis has romantic aspirations regarding his niece and is revolted by the idea. The American heiress Miss Dunstable encourages Frank to continue his romance with Mary; this is in opposition to his family who need money from a match in order to retain their ancestral seat.
3"Episode Three"Niall MacCormickJulian Fellowes, Anthony Trollope (novel)20 March 2016 (2016-03-20)4.1448 minutes
Frank's mother, Lady Arabella, along with her sister-in-law, persuades Mary to release Frank from their engagement. The reason she gives is that to hold on to Frank would be selfish and against Frank's best interests.
4"Episode Four"Niall MacCormickJulian Fellowes, Anthony Trollope (novel)20 March 2016 (2016-03-20)4.1443 minutes

Louis Scatcherd follows his father's self destructive drinking habit and disgraces himself while at dinner with Doctor Thorne and the Greshams.

Following the pressure exerted upon Mary by Frank's mother, Lady Arabella, along with her sister-in-law, Mary breaks her engagement to Frank. Louis Scatcherd’s drunken rage does not bode well for him. Frank's mother, Lady Arabella, repents. A happy ending at last.

Critical reaction

The series was aired in three episodes in the UK. For its presentation on Amazon Prime, the series’ original three parts were recut into four episodes, each with an introduction and an epilogue featuring Fellowes himself.[2] Response from the critics was mixed. The Telegraph initially registered a largely positive opening assessment,[3] although it also had some criticisms. By the end of the series its review was more mixed, and it wanted more episodes.[5] Aggregator Rotten Tomatoes found 15 reviews and had an average favourable rating of 87% based on those critics.[6]

Coverage

The series was picked up in the US by the Weinstein Company which owns the licence for North America.[7] The series was made available on Amazon Prime on 20 May 2016.[8]

Home media

The series was released on DVD in the re-cut, 4-episode version.

References
  1. "Visit the real Greshamsbury Park and the handsome houses in Doctor Thorne". Retrieved 31 August 2016.
  2. "Don't count on Julian Fellowes' 'Doctor Thorne' to be the next 'Downton'". Tampa Bay. 23 May 2016.
  3. Radford, Ceri (6 March 2016). "Doctor Thorne review: Fellowes and Trollope is a happy marriage". Telegraph Online. Retrieved 8 March 2016.
  4. Final ratings are sourced from BARB Weekly Top 10 Programmes Broadcasters' Audience Research Board
  5. O'Donovan, Gerard (13 March 2016). "Doctor Thorne, review - why did they only make three episodes?". The Telegraph. Retrieved 21 March 2016.
  6. "Doctor Thorne". Rotten Tomatoes. 26 February 2018.
  7. "The latest offering from the creator of 'Downton Abbey' has already aired in the U.K., with The Weinstein Co. picking up rights for the U.S." The Hollywood Reporter. 14 March 2016. Retrieved 21 March 2016.
  8. "Amazon Prime adds 'Downton Abbey' creator's 'Doctor Thorne' adaptation". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
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