The History Man

1981 - 1981

Part 1: October 2nd 1972

4th January 1981

Episode 1

Howard Kirk is a radical Sociology lecturer at the University of Watermouth. It's a new term and he and his disenchanted wife Barbara throw a house party for students and faculty while he uses Professor Mangel's non-visit to stir up the students.

Part 2: October 3rd 1972 (A.M.)

11th January 1981

Episode 2

The day after the night before. Henry Beamish attempted suicide, Jane McIntosh gave birth, and Kirk had sex with his student Felicity Phee. George Carmody threatens Kirk with exposure after he fails him in class for not fitting in.

Part 3: October 3rd 1972 (P.M.)

18th January 1981

Episode 3

A meeting of the senate is sitting. Howard's plan to add right-wing Mangel to the visitors list pays dividends when Dr Zachery insists he should be invited. Felicity Phee helps Barbara and has a chance to confront Kirk.

Part 4: Gross Moral Turpitude

25th January 1981

Episode 4

Kirk is vindicated over his marking of Carmody's work. However, Carmody has filmed Kirk having sex with Felicity and files an official complaint to the Vice Chancellor. Kirk gets his demonstration for Mangal but tragedy strikes on the way there.

Top Cast

Antony Sher•Geraldine James•Jonathan Bruton

The History Man is a four-part 1981 British television drama miniseries written by Christopher Hampton, based on Malcolm Bradbury's 1975 novel of the same title. Ardently left-wing, or so it seems, Howard Kirk subtly extends his power over students and colleagues alike at a redbrick university.

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Full Cast

Antony Sher Image

Antony Sher

Professor Howard Kirk

Geraldine James Image

Geraldine James

Barbara Kirk

Jonathan Bruton

Martin Kirk

Charlotte Enderby

Celia Kirk

Isla Blair Image

Isla Blair

Flora Beniform

Laura Davenport

Annie Callendar

Paul Brooke Image

Paul Brooke

Henry Beamish

Veronica Quilligan Image

Veronica Quilligan

Felicity Phee

Maggie Steed Image

Maggie Steed

Myra Beamish

Zienia Merton Image

Zienia Merton

Miss Ho

Julia Swift Image

Julia Swift

Becky Pott

Lloyd Peters

Michael Bernard

Steve Plytas Image

Steve Plytas

Professor Mangel

Full Crew

Malcolm Bradbury

Novel

Michael Wearing

Producer

George Fenton Image

George Fenton

Original Music Composer

Sue Peck

Costume Design

showData