- published: 11 Oct 2015
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Henry Fielding (Sharpham, 22 April 1707 – near Lisbon, 8 October 1754) was an English novelist and dramatist known for his rich earthy humour and satirical prowess, and as the author of the novel Tom Jones.
Aside from his literary achievements, he has a significant place in the history of law-enforcement, having founded (with his half-brother John) what some have called London's first police force, the Bow Street Runners, using his authority as a magistrate. His younger sister, Sarah, also became a successful writer.
Fielding married his first wife, Charlotte Craddock, in 1734. She died in 1744. In 1747 he married his wife's former maid, Mary Daniel. She was pregnant at the time of their marriage. Mary bore five children, three of whom died young.
Fielding was educated at Eton College, where he established a lifelong friendship with William Pitt the Elder. After a romantic episode with a young woman that ended in his getting into trouble with the law, he went to London where his literary career began. In 1728, he travelled to Leiden to study classics and law at the University. However, due to lack of money, he was obliged to return to London and he began writing for the theatre, some of his work being savagely critical of the contemporary government under Sir Robert Walpole.
Actors: John Henshaw (actor), Matt Berry (actor), Margaret John (actress), Denise Welch (actress), Jonny Owen (actor), Roger Evans (actor), Charles Dale (actor), Jason May (actor), Eve Myles (actress), Neil Rayment (actor), Brendan Charleson (actor), Philip Howe (actor), Joanna Griffiths (actress), Peter Watkins-Hughes (director), Peter Watkins-Hughes (writer),
Plot: In a late night bar, Henry is approached by a mysterious woman who offers to sell him the severed "manhood" of Wales' greatest vocal entertainer... Believing he can make a fortune selling the infamous appendage on to obsessive fans, Henry stumps up the cash.
Genres: Comedy,Actors: Geraldine James (actress), Roger Hammond (actor), Toby Jones (actor), Richard Wilson (actor), John Castle (actor), Sophie Thompson (actress), Francis Magee (actor), Nicholas Rowe (actor), Michael Harrowes (editor), Philip Martin Brown (actor), Justin Hardy (director), David Blight (costume designer), Richard Blair-Oliphant (composer), Zoë Tapper (actress), Susan Horth (producer),
Plot: In 1731 the humane artist William Hogarth is struck by the plight of prostitutes who have descended into Mother Neddwell's brothels and determines to paint a series of cautionary tableaux,using young prostitute Mary Collins. Hogarth's wife and father-in-law are dismayed but Hogarth has no sexual interest in Mary,hoping only to help her with the posing fee he gives her. Unfortunately life mirrors art as Mary's downfall follows that of the harlot in the paintings.
Keywords: 1700s, 1730s, 18th-century, adultery, arrest, artist, brothel, brothel-madam, condom, courtesanActors: Anton Lesser (actor), John Woodvine (actor), Timothy West (actor), Jim Carter (actor), Jack Shepherd (actor), Philip Madoc (actor), John Simm (actor), Tom Hollander (actor), Philip Jackson (actor), Derek Jacobi (actor), Tim Pigott-Smith (actor), Wolf Kahler (actor), Chris Langham (actor), Harriet Walter (actress), Michael Feast (actor),
Genres: Drama,