Watch Dombey and Son

1983
1 Season
7.0 (194)

Dombey and Son is a 10-episode miniseries that aired on BBC in 1983. Based on the novel by Charles Dickens, the show stars Julian Glover as Mr. Dombey and Shirley Cain as his daughter Florence. The story revolves around Mr. Dombey's obsession with his legacy and his desire to have a male heir to take over his successful shipping business.

The show is set in Victorian England and explores themes of class, gender, and family dynamics. Mr. Dombey is a wealthy and successful businessman, but his personal life is in shambles. His wife dies shortly after giving birth to a son, Paul, who is frail and sickly. Mr. Dombey is disappointed by Paul's weak constitution and wishes he had a son who could take over his business. He hires a nurse, Miss Tox, to take care of Paul and tries to distance himself from his daughter, Florence, who he sees as a burden.

Meanwhile, Florence grows up to be a kind and compassionate young woman who longs for her father's love and approval. She befriends a boy named Walter, who is a clerk in Mr. Dombey's office, and they develop a close bond. However, Mr. Dombey sees Walter as beneath him and does not approve of his relationship with Florence.

As the story unfolds, we see the characters' lives become intertwined in unexpected ways. There are heartwarming moments of friendship and love, as well as tragic events that threaten to tear the family apart. The show's depiction of Victorian society is also a highlight, with vivid depictions of the working class and the wealthy elite.

One of the strongest aspects of Dombey and Son is the performances of the cast. Julian Glover gives a nuanced portrayal of Mr. Dombey as a man who is tormented by his own insecurities and desires. Shirley Cain shines as Florence, bringing both strength and vulnerability to the character. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with standout performances from Clive Wood as Walter and Lysette Anthony as Edith Granger, a wealthy woman who becomes entangled in Mr. Dombey's life.

The show's production values are also top-notch. The costumes and sets are highly detailed and help to transport the viewer to the world of Victorian England. Additionally, the score by composer Geoffrey Burgon adds a haunting quality to the show's emotional scenes.

Overall, Dombey and Son is a compelling miniseries that showcases the talents of its cast and crew. It is a faithful adaptation of the Dickens novel, with themes that remain relevant today. Fans of period dramas and classic literature will find much to enjoy in this show.

Dombey and Son is a series that ran for 1 seasons (10 episodes) between January 16, 1983 and on BBC

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Seasons

10. Episode 10

March 20, 1983

To revenge herself upon Dombey, Edith has run away with Carker. Furious and humiliated, Dombey has turned on Florence, who has fled to Captain Cuttle for refuge.

9. Episode 9

March 13, 1983

Mr Dombey and Edith have married, but there is a growing coldness between them. Finally, Dombey's criticisms of his wife's conduct lead to a serious quarrel.

8. Episode 8

March 6, 1983

Walter Gay's ship has been given up for lost, and Sol Gills has disappeared, leaving Captain Cuttle in charge of his shop. Although she does not love him, Edith has accepted Mr Dombey's proposal of marriage.

7. Episode 7

February 27, 1983

Shattered by the death of young Paul, Mr Dombey has gone to Leamington Spa. He is accompanied by Major Bagstock, who introduces him to the scheming Mrs Skewton and her beautiful daughter Edith. Meanwhile old Sol, Captain Cuttle and Florence are waiting anxiously for news of Walter, whose ship is still missing.

6. Episode 6

February 20, 1983

Little Paul's death has left Mr Dombey heartbroken. Walter has said goodbye to Florence and set off for the West Indies.

5. Episode 5

February 13, 1983

Walter Gay has been told that he is to be sent to the West Indies. Little Paul's health has worsened and he has collapsed at school.

4. Episode 4

February 6, 1983

The lost Florence has been found by Walter Gay. A friendship begins between them. Baby Paul grows up into a strange, old fashioned little boy. Worried about the child's poor health, Mr Dombey has sent him to Mrs Pipchin's school in Brighton.

3. Episode 3

January 30, 1983

Polly and Susan Nipper have taken little Florence and her baby brother Paul to visit the Toodle family, in the hope of seeing Polly's son, Biler. On the way home, Florence is separated from the others and lost.

2. Episode 2

January 23, 1983

Mr Dombey has a son and heir at last, although his wife has died in childbirth. Neglected and heart-broken, his daughter is consoled by her maid, Susan Nipper, and Paul's nurse, the kindly Polly.

1. Episode 1

January 16, 1983

The story of the adored son and the neglected daughter, of a wealthy merchant whose pride contains the seeds of his own downfall. A fresh adaptation of one of Charles Dickens' most powerful and dramatic novels.

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Where to Watch Dombey and Son

Dombey and Son is available for streaming on the BBC website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Dombey and Son on demand at Amazon Prime.