The History Man

1981

1 Season

3.6

Drama

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.

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Episodes

E1Jan 4, 198148m

Part 1: October 2nd 1972

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.

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E2Jan 11, 198148m

Part 2: October 3rd 1972 (A.M.)

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.

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E3Jan 18, 198149m

Part 3: October 3rd 1972 (P.M.)

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.

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E4Jan 25, 19811h 3m

Part 4: Gross Moral Turpitude

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.

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