AllMovie

Previously adapted for British television in 1958, Charles Dickens' novel Our Mutual Friend was converted into a four-part miniseries 18 years later. The two-pronged story line focused on a pair of young women, both vainly seeking happiness and fulfillment: Lizzie Hexam (Lesley Dunlop) and Bella Wilfer (Jane Seymour). In addition to being saddled with a father suspected of murder, Lizzie found herself the romantic bone of contention between two ardent suitors, a class-conscious triangle which culminated in tragedy. Meanwhile, Bella entered into an arranged marriage with the owner of a refuse-recycling firm, a circumstance that was linked to Lizzie's plight by the requisite Dickensian coincidence. Originally telecast by the BBC beginning March 1, 1976, Our Mutual Friend subsequently aired in the United States courtesy of PBS, beginning April 16, 1978.