A Dangerous Thing
Biographical drama by John Sessions about the enduring friendship between two giants of 18th-century literature, Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift.
By John Sessions.
May 1744: Alexander Pope is on his deathbed in Twickenham; Jonathan Swift is losing his wits in Dublin. The two friends have not seen each other in 17 years, although each is very much on the other's mind.
In his final hours, Pope talks to his emotional and intellectual soulmate, Martha 'Pattie' Blount, about his relationship with Swift and the events that have conspired to keep the two friends apart for most of their lives. He also recalls Swift's last visit to London, when an unexpected encounter with a young burglar put the divergent philosophies of the two friends to the test.
Jonathan Swift ...... Timothy Spall
Alexander Pope ...... John Sessions
Martha 'Pattie' Blount ...... Amanda Root
Boy (Tom)/John Gay ...... Joe Thomas
Amica ...... Tessa Nicholson
Dr Cheselden/Lord Bolingbroke/Waterman ...... Nigel Hastings
Swift's Servant/Dr Arbuthnot/Matthew/ Gentleman ...... John Biggins
Written by John Sessions
Produced by Emma Harding.
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Broadcast
- Wed 2 Dec 2009 14:15麻豆官网首页入口 Radio 4
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