In the late 19th century, Tess Durbeyfield is sent off to visit a rich cousin, Alec D'Urberville, when her parents learn learn that they are distantly related. Tess takes a disliking to the man and his attempts at seduction are rebuffed. Returning from a village party he forces himself on the innocent girl who eventually makes her way back to her parents' home. Ashamed and pregnant she seems destined to forever being marked a certain kind of woman. After the death of her child, she makes her way to a prosperous farm where, working as a milkmaid, she meets and eventually marries the handsome Angel Clare. On learning of her past however, he abandons her and with little choice and facing a life of extreme hardship, again falls into Alec's clutches and becomes a kept woman.

Starring:

Christine Bottomley, Christopher Fairbank, Donald Sumpter, Eddie Redmayne, Gemma Arterton, Hans Matheson, Ian Puleston-Davies, Jessica Turner, Jodie Whittaker, Kenneth Cranham, Rebekah Staton, Ruth Jones, Steven Robertson, Trevor Cooper

Genre:

Drama