Adapted from the novel by Malcolm Bradbury
1981 · 1 season · 1h 0m · ★ 4.1
The History Man is a four-part 1981 British television drama miniseries written by Christopher Hampton, based on Malcolm Bradbury's 1975 novel of the same title. Ardently left-wing, or so it seems, Howard Kirk subtly extends his power over students and colleagues alike at a redbrick university.
Start from S1E1 · Part 1: October 2nd 1972
E11981 · 48m
Howard Kirk is a radical Sociology lecturer at the University of Watermouth. It's a new term and he and his disenchanted wife Barbara throw a house party for students and faculty while he uses Professor Mangel's non-visit to stir up the students.
E21981 · 48m
The day after the night before. Henry Beamish attempted suicide, Jane McIntosh gave birth, and Kirk had sex with his student Felicity Phee. George Carmody threatens Kirk with exposure after he fails him in class for not fitting in.
E31981 · 49m
A meeting of the senate is sitting. Howard's plan to add right-wing Mangel to the visitors list pays dividends when Dr Zachery insists he should be invited. Felicity Phee helps Barbara and has a chance to confront Kirk.
E41981 · 1h 3m
Kirk is vindicated over his marking of Carmody's work. However, Carmody has filmed Kirk having sex with Felicity and files an official complaint to the Vice Chancellor. Kirk gets his demonstration for Mangal but tragedy strikes on the way there.
Antony Sher
Professor Howard Kirk
Geraldine James
Barbara Kirk
Jonathan Bruton
Martin Kirk
Charlotte Enderby
Celia Kirk
Isla Blair
Flora Beniform
Laura Davenport
Annie Callendar
Paul Brooke
Henry Beamish
Veronica Quilligan
Felicity Phee
Maggie Steed
Myra Beamish
Zienia Merton
Miss Ho
Julia Swift
Becky Pott
Lloyd Peters
Michael Bernard
Fated Hearts
2025·8.7
