HOWARD'S END

UK, 2017, 4X 60 minutes, Colour.
Hayley Atwell, Matthew Mac Fadyen, Philippa Coulthard, Joseph Quinn, Joe Bannister, Alex Lawther, Jonah Hauer- King, Tracy Ullman, Julia Ormond.
Directed by Hettie Mac Donald.

From the novel by E.M.Forster. Comparisons can be made with the award-winning version by Merchant- Ivory, 1992.

A four-part television series, adapted by playwright, Kenneth Lonergan

From the Wikipidia entry: Episodes

1 "Episode 1"

After meeting the Wilcoxes on the Continent, Helen Schlegel visits them at Howards End. There, an unfortunate engagement between Helen and Paul Wilcox is quickly ended. The wealthy Wilcoxes decide that the Schlegels - elen, her older sister Margaret, and brother Tibby—are of the unreliable, idealistic sort. The Schlegels meet and become interested in Leonard Bast, a lower class clerk. While the rest of the Wilcox family are away, Margaret and Mrs. Wilcox meet and become close friends.

2 "Episode 2"

Mrs. Wilcox dies. After the funeral, the family discovers that Mrs. Wilcox, knowing the Schlegels must soon leave their home, has written a note bequeathing Howards End to Margaret. Henry Wilcox assumes his wife was not of sound mind and the children believe that the Schlegels maneuvered to obtain an inheritance. They destroy the note. Helen becomes more interested in helping Leonard Bast. Mr. Wilcox becomes interested in Margaret and she him.

3 "Episode 3"

Henry and Margaret plan their wedding to the dismay of the Wilcox children, especially the eldest son, Charles. Helen dislikes Henry and his business activities and strongly disapproves of the wedding. Based on advice Henry gave to Margaret and Helen, Leonard has left his job and then loses his new job. He and his wife are now destitute, something Helen strives to rectify.

4 "Episode 4"

Helen has mysteriously left for Germany and for months avoids contact with Margaret. She returns because their aunt's illness and the mystery of her departure is revealed. A confrontation at Howards End with Leonard, Henry's son Charles, and the Schlegel sisters ends in tragedy. Margaret nobly resolves the ensuing conflict.
Production


1. The adaptation of E.M.Forster? His reputation? The beginning of the 20th century? This television adaptation?

2. The early 20th century, England, transition, from carriages to cars, fashions, the suffragettes, business and empire, expansion?

3. Howard’s end, the house, the grounds, the interiors? The London settings, the streets, homes, the contrasts? Concerts? The range of costumes, decor, musical score?

4. The Schlegel sisters, Tibby? The father, money? Margaret and her care? The effect, children? The German connection? The Wilcoxes, social, the house and change?

5. The Wilcoxes, patriarchal traditions, wealth, business, African connections? The issues? The boys, the exercise? The girls and calisthenics? Henry, control? The quiet wife? Helen, present, the letters, the explanations? Paul, the crisis in change?

6. Mrs Wilcox, the friendship with Margaret, leaving the house to the sisters? Henry’s reaction, hostility, the reaction of his children? Charles and his dominance?

7. Margaret, the encounters with Henry, her helping Leonard, the bond with Henry and the proposal?

8. Leonard Bassett, his background, age and experience, family life? The concert, the umbrella? The meeting with Margaret, his reactions, her care? His job, his marrying? Home life? Losing his job? Desperation, dependence on Margaret?

9. The aunt, talk, judging, the visit, recurring?

10. Helen and Margaret, death, the consequences? Leonard Bast, the concert, the umbrella, his visit, the card, the effect, the family, criticisms, the brother? Jackie and the relationship? The marriage? Job, advice, visiting the house, Jackie’s visit? The effect of the sisters? The visits, the walks? Helen and Margaret, Helen helping, to be in the check? The books? Helen and her pregnancy? Violence and death?

11. Margaret, Henry, the meetings, difficulties, the talk, the funeral? The proposal, reactions? Leonard Bast, the house?