The Diary of Samuel Pepys
| The Diary of Samuel Pepys | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Historical |
| Written by | A.R. Rawlinson |
| Starring | Peter Sallis Douglas Wilmer |
| Composer | Christopher Whelen |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language | English |
| No. of series | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 14 |
| Production | |
| Producer | Chloe Gibson |
| Production company | BBC |
| Original release | |
| Network | BBC 1 |
| Release | 7 March – 13 June 1958 |
The Diary of Samuel Pepys is a British historical television series which was originally broadcast on the BBC in 1958.[1] Based on the diaries of the naval administrator Samuel Pepys, it portrays life at the court of Charles II from the year 1660 to 1669.
Main cast
[edit]- Peter Sallis as Samuel Pepys
- Susan Maryott as Elizabeth Pepys
- Alan Rowe as William Hewer
- Diana Fairfax as Lady Castlemaine
- David Peel as Duke of York
- Douglas Wilmer as King Charles II
- Manning Wilson as Lord Sandwich
- Paul Eddington as Sir William Coventry
- John Arnatt as Duke of Albemarle
- Howard Lamb as William Bowyer
- Anthony Newlands as Sir William Penn
- John Sharplin as John Evelyn
- Frederick Peisley as John Pepys
- Raymond Rollett as Sir John Minnes
- Jill Carey as Duchess of York
Plot
[edit]The series debuted on Friday 7th March 1958 and the series was based on the diaries of Samuel Pepys from the age of 27 to 36. The series portrays life at the court of Charles II from 1660 to 1669. With 162 speaking parts, The Diary of Samuel Pepys was one of the largest BBC productions to date.[2]
Review
[edit]This series was Peter Sallis's first appearance as a principal character on television as well as his first extended television role. A reason for this was that he bore a resemblance when compared to contemporary picture portraits of Samuel Pepys. The series was dramatised by A R Rawlinson for Chloe Gibson. Chloe Gibson was one of the first female producers for BBC television.[3]
Using the diaries as a template, Sallis captured the wit, verve and cheeky humour of Pepys and was lauded for his performance.[4]
Episode Status
[edit]The series was a 14 episode part series that ran from 7 March 1958 - 13 June 1958 with each episode being 30 minutes long. Out of all 14 episodes produced for the series, episodes 1, 7, 8 and 13 are available to watch on TV Brain. As for the other 10 episodes from the series it's believed there now missing.[5]
References
[edit]- ^ Baskin p.30
- ^ "The Diary of Samuel Pepys (1958)". nostalgiacentral.com.
- ^ Best of British Magazine; February 2021 Issue; Pages 52-53
- ^ Best of British Magazine; February 2021 Issue; Pages 52-53)
- ^ "The Diary of Samuel Pepys (1958)". tvbrain.info.
Bibliography
[edit]- Baskin, Ellen . Serials on British Television, 1950-1994. Scolar Press, 1996.