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The Kreutzer Sonata

Sofya copies a new manuscript, a disturbing tale about a man who murders his wife. Is it directed against her? Stars Haydn Gwynne, Ian McDiarmid.

By Stephen Wakelam.

The Kreutzer Sonata: Sofya copies a new manuscript. A disturbing tale about a man who murders his wife. Is it directed against her?

In his fifties the great writer Leo Tolstoy has a spiritual crisis and converts to Christianity. He stops sleeping with his wife. They have ten children. Taking the vows of poverty and chastity literally Tolstoy wants to give everything away but Sofya has a large family to feed. This is the woman who transcribed 'War and Peace' six times and who fights off rivals on daily basis for a place at his side. For forty eight years, the Tolstoys tormented each other with love and hate. Ian McDiarmid and Haydn Gwynne star in this portrait of a tempestuous marriage.

Sofya Tolstoy ..... Haydn Gwynne
Leo Tolstoy ..... Ian McDiarmid
Chertkov ..... Paul Ritter
Tanya Tolstoy ..... Vineeta Rishi

Directed by Claire Grove.

15 minutes

Last on

Wed 11 Sep 2013 14:00

Broadcasts

  • Wed 11 Aug 2010 10:45
  • Wed 11 Aug 2010 19:45
  • Wed 11 Sep 2013 14:00

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