BBC Play of the Month - Little Eyolf (1982)

The Allmers are a conflicted family. Father Alfred is a struggling writer who resents being married to Rita, a wealthy woman in her own right and whom they have a son, Eyolf, who is lame in one leg. Also living with them is Alfred's sister Asta, who observes the hidden tensions underneath. But their lives are turned upside down by two arrivals; one an engineer called Borghejm who soon turns his attentions to Asta, and the Rat Wife, a strange woman who proves the catalyst of the terrible tragedy that is to unfold... Starring Anthony Hopkins, Diana Rigg, Charles Dance, Emma Piper, Peggy Ashcroft and Timothy Stark. This was part of the anthology series BBC Play of the Month and was recently repeated on BBC4 as part of the Ibsen season of drama. This was originally broadcast on July 19th 1982 and while it is trapped by very obvious stage settings, it will maintain much interest for people for it's impressive star cast of Anthony Hopkins, Diana Rigg, Peggy Ashcroft and an early appearance by Charles Dance. Ignore the staginess if you can and just marvel at the cast. Enjoy.