Howards End was first written and published by E.M. Forster in 1910. He described it self deprecatingly
in his journal as “my best novel, and approaching a good novel”, and it is widely regarded alongside A Passage To India as his finest work. A new Howards End TV series brings this classic alive on screen this November on BBC One.
Howards End TV Series Cast
Howards End TV Series will be telecast on BBC One in four parts and explores the changing landscape of social and class divisions in turn of the century England through the prism of three families. The series premieres on Starz in April 2018.
Howards End (2017)
Developed By: Kenneth Lonergan
Cast: Hayley Atwell, Philippa Coulthard, Alex Lawther, Matthew Macfadyen, Tracey Ullman, Julia Ormond
Network: BBC One, Starz
Release Date: November 12 2017
Howards End TV Series Plot
Margaret (Hayley Atwell) and Helen Schlegel (Philippa Coulthard) are intelligent and idealistic
young women living together with their hypochondriac younger brother Tibby (Alex Lawther) in
Edwardian London.
Since the death of their parents and despite their interfering Aunt Juley’s (Tracey Ullman) best intentions, the sisters lead independent and slightly unorthodox lives. After meeting the wealthy and conservative Wilcox family on holiday, Margaret forms a friendship with the older and more traditional Ruth Wilcox (Julia Ormond).
When Ruth unexpectedly dies, Margaret finds herself drawn to the newly widowed Henry Wilcox
(Matthew Macfadyen), a self-made businessman who inherits his late wife’s beloved country home Howards End. Meanwhile, the passionate and capricious Helen takes up the cause of Leonard Bast (Joseph Quinn), a young bank clerk who is struggling to make ends meet, trapped by his promise to marry his alluring but vulnerable lover Jacky (Rosalind Eleazar).
Howards End TV Series Trailer
Watch this trailer of Howards End TV series and tell us if you like this adaptation of the classic.
Howards End Episode Guide
Can’t wait to find out what’s happening in the two families? Take peek inside with our episode guide.
Episode 1
On hearing that Helen has fallen for the youngest Wilcox son, Paul, Aunt Juley is swiftly dispatched to Howards End to represent the Schlegel family – slightly prematurely as the engagement does not come to pass.
Leaving the social awkwardness of the Wilcox encounter behind them, the Schlegels attend a concert in London with visiting German relatives. During the performance Helen strikes up conversation with Leonard Bast, a struggling young bank clerk, and accidentally leaves the concert with his umbrella. On discovering the mix-up Margaret gives her card to Bast and implores him to stay for tea with them at their Wickham Place home, but he quickly becomes uncomfortable in their company and leaves.
In a twist of fate the Wilcoxes move up to London and end up renting the apartment across the street from the Schlegels, and Margaret strikes up a friendship with enigmatic but ailing Mrs. Wilcox.
Episode 2
As 1907 dawns, the Schlegels also face seismic changes to their world as they are given an eviction date for their house, which is due to be demolished and replaced by luxury flats.
When Jacky Bast appears on their doorstep the Schlegel sisters take up the cause of her husband, with unintended consequences.
Episode 3
Helen leaves for Europe with no explanation for her absence, only agreeing to return to London on hearing that Aunt Juley has fallen seriously ill.
Desperate to reconnect with their sister, Margaret and Tibby appeal to Henry who suggests a plan to resolve the issue at Howards End – where the Schlegels, the Wilcoxes and Bast have a final encounter.
Episode 4
While Margaret becomes more involved with the Wilcox family, Helen is incensed by the unfair fate of the struggling Basts. In a dramatic encounter at Evie Wilcox’s wedding the three families collide, and Henry’s past is thrust into the present.
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