This lavish costume drama in the grand old traditions of the BBC is a fresh and vivid dramatisation of Henry Fielding’s ribald and rowdy tale. It follows the life of young Tom, who, as a new-born child, is taken in by the kindly Squire Allworthy. Reaching adulthood, Tom (Max Beesley) discovers a penchant for the ladies and he is thrown from his home after a dalliance with a local girl. However, his real love Sophia (Samantha Morton) marries Tom’s loathsome cousin, and so he sets out on a series of adventures (and misadventures) to win her back. A ribald and rowdy romp through the mansions and taverns of Georgian England. Henry Fielding’s fallen hero bed-hops his way out of a good home and almost into a hangman’s noose, via a series of misadventures and misunderstandings. This big budget production boasts a strong supporting cast featuring the likes of June Whitfield and John Sessions.

“It is not enough that your actions are good. You must take care that they appear so.” This is one lesson that plucky orphan Tom Jones (Max Beesley, a dead ringer for Ewan McGregor) never learns, charging through life with his chin up and his libido unchecked. With tongue firmly in cheek, narrator Henry Fielding (John Sessions) walks us through this randy satire like a tour guide, proffering introductions and amusing observations as he tours the drama. Beesley is all charm and earthy sincerity as handsome Tom, with Samantha Morton a determined, elegant, and deliciously funny Sophia and red-faced Brit stalwart Brian Blessed (Black Adder) as her blustery, bellowing pater. Comparisons to Tony Richardson’s hearty interpretation are inevitable: this 1997 miniseries favors dry wit and understated asides to Richardson’s knockabout comedy and high energy, and it’s a delight from start to its improbably (and delightfully) contrived conclusion. –Sean Axmaker

The A&E and BBC co-production is a rollicking, risque, six-hour dramatization of Henry Fielding’s picaresque novel, “Tom Jones.” Set in 18th century England, “Tom Jones” chronicles the sexy, silly and funny adventures of a handsome, charming foundling with a heart of gold (Max Beesley), who can’t stay out of trouble or out of women’s boudoirs. Delia Fine, vice president of film, drama and performing arts for A&E, believes this version is much more akin to the book in tone and spirit than the 1963 film. – LA Times

Set in 1745.

Starring Max Beesley, Samantha Morton, John Sessions, Benjamin Whitrow, Ron Cook.

Note: Also known as The History of Tom Jones: A Foundling

Included in the BBC Classic Drama Collection as DVDs 17, 18.