The Diary of Samuel Pepys explained

Genre:	Historical
Starring:	Peter Sallis Douglas Wilmer
Composer:	Christopher Whelen
Country:	United Kingdom
Language:	English
Num Series:	1
Num Episodes:	14
Producer:	Chloe Gibson
Company:	BBC
Channel:	BBC 1

The Diary of Samuel Pepys is a British historical television series which was originally broadcast on the BBC in 1958.^[1] Based on the diaries of the naval administrator Samuel Pepys, it portrays life at the court of Charles II during the 1660s.

Main cast

• Peter Sallis as Samuel Pepys
• Susan Maryott as Elizabeth Pepys
• Alan Rowe as William Hewer
• Diana Fairfax as Lady Castlemaine
• David Peel as Duke of York
• Douglas Wilmer as King Charles II
• Manning Wilson as Lord Sandwich
• Paul Eddington as Sir William Coventry
• John Arnatt as Duke of Albemarle
• Howard Lamb as William Bowyer
• Anthony Newlands as Sir William Penn
• John Sharplin as John Evelyn
• Frederick Peisley as John Pepys
• Raymond Rollett as Sir John Minnes
• Jill Carey as Duchess of York

Review

This series was Peter Sallis's first appearance as a principal character on television. A reason for this was that he bore a resemblance when compared to contemporary picture portraits of Samuel Pepys. The series was dramatised by A R Rawlinson for Chloe Gibson. Chloe Gibson was one of the first female producers for BBC television.^[2]

Using the diaries as a template, Sallis captured the wit, verve and cheeky humour of Pepys and was lauded for his performance.^[3]

References

1. Baskin p.30
2. Best of British Magazine; February 2021 Issue; Pages 52-53
3. Best of British Magazine; February 2021 Issue; Pages 52-53)

Bibliography

• Baskin, Ellen . Serials on British Television, 1950-1994. Scolar Press, 1996.