The History Man

3.6
19811h

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.

Production

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Trailers & Videos

Thumbnail for video: BBC2 Continuity Arena & The history man 3-1-1981 (VHS Capture)

BBC2 Continuity Arena & The history man 3-1-1981 (VHS Capture)

Seasons

4 Episodes • Premiered 1981

Ardently left-wing, or so it seems, Howard Kirk subtly extends his power over students and colleagues alike at a redbrick university.

Still image for The History Man season 1 episode 1: Part 1: October 2nd 1972

1. Part 1: October 2nd 1972

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.

Still image for The History Man season 1 episode 2: Part 2: October 3rd 1972 (A.M.)

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

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.

Still image for The History Man season 1 episode 3: Part 3: October 3rd 1972 (P.M.)

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

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.

Still image for The History Man season 1 episode 4: Part 4: Gross Moral Turpitude

4. Part 4: Gross Moral Turpitude

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.

Cast

Photo of Antony Sher

Antony Sher

Professor Howard Kirk

Photo of Geraldine James

Geraldine James

Barbara Kirk

Photo of Isla Blair

Isla Blair

Flora Beniform

Photo of Paul Brooke

Paul Brooke

Henry Beamish

Photo of Veronica Quilligan

Veronica Quilligan

Felicity Phee

Photo of Maggie Steed

Maggie Steed

Myra Beamish

Photo of Julia Swift

Julia Swift

Becky Pott

Photo of Steve Plytas

Steve Plytas

Professor Mangel

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