Pity in History (1985)
A gripping BBC drama by Howard Barker, set against the turmoil of the English Civil War and featuring a stellar cast including Alan Rickman and Anna Massey.
Pity in History - Movie Information
- Original Title: Pity in History
- Release Year: 1985
- Directed by: Sarah Pia Anderson
- Type: Movie
- Runtime: 1h 0m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Production Companies: BBC
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Pity in History - Plot
A sculptor is working to finish off a memorial to the Royalist years - just as Cromwell's men are approaching the surrounding cathedral walls.
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Pity in History - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Sarah Pia Anderson
Main Cast
- Norman Rodway
- Anna Massey
- Ian McDiarmid
- Alan Rickman
- Patrick Malahide
- Stevan Rimkus
- Paul Jesson
- Roger Frost
- Paul Dalton
- Ian Mercer
Writers
- Howard Barker
Producers
- Chris Parr
Pity in History - FAQs
What is Pity in History about?
Pity in History follows a sculptor desperately trying to finish a memorial honouring the Royalist years, even as Cromwell's forces advance on the cathedral walls around him. It's a tense, atmospheric piece that explores art, faith, and survival during the English Civil War period.
Who directed Pity in History?
Pity in History was directed by Sarah Pia Anderson, a British television director known for her work with the BBC. The film was produced by Chris Parr and written by playwright Howard Barker, whose distinctive voice gives the drama its sharp, poetic edge.
Who are the main actors in Pity in History?
The film features a remarkable ensemble including Norman Rodway, Anna Massey, Ian McDiarmid, Alan Rickman, and Patrick Malahide. Rickman appears as Croop, one of several vivid characters populating this tightly wound BBC production from 1985.
Is Pity in History based on a true story?
Pity in History is not based on a specific true story. It is an original work by playwright Howard Barker, though it draws on the historical backdrop of the English Civil War and the Cromwellian period to create its charged, dramatic atmosphere.
Who wrote Pity in History?
The screenplay was written by Howard Barker, one of Britain's most distinctive and provocative playwrights. Barker is celebrated for his dense, poetic language and morally complex characters, and Pity in History is a strong example of his theatrical voice translated to the screen.
When was Pity in History released?
Pity in History was released in 1985 as a BBC television production. It was part of the BBC's tradition of commissioning bold, literary drama from leading stage writers, bringing Howard Barker's challenging theatrical sensibility to a wider television audience.
How long is Pity in History?
Pity in History runs for 60 minutes, making it a compact, single-sitting drama. Despite its brief runtime, the film packs in considerable dramatic and thematic weight, typical of Howard Barker's writing and the BBC's commitment to serious literary television in the 1980s.
What are some films similar to Pity in History?
If you enjoy Pity in History's historical drama and moral tension, you might appreciate The Scapegoat (2012) or The Profession of Arms (2001). Both share a similar interest in conflict, loyalty, and the human cost of war, offering compelling viewing for fans of serious period drama.
More About Pity in History
Explore further details about this BBC production on the following resources.