Hard Times

Thomas Gradgrind of Coketown raises his children facts above sentiment. Josiah Bounderby shares the philosophy and applies it to his businesses. A circus shows the Gradgrind children a world of imagination.

Louisa Gradgrind reluctantly accepts Bounderby's marriage proposal. Capt. James Harthouse, a glib Parliamentarian offers her relief from her sad household. Stephen Blackpool is unfairly fired and resolves to move.

Bounderby's fact-bound world crashes down when his bank is robbed. Stephen Blackpool is suspected, but Louisa believes the thief is closer to her heart. Harthouse makes advances toward Louisa.

Louisa has an emotional breakdown. The town's search for Stephen Blackpool ends in tragedy. The circus returns to Coketown, and the truth can emerges. Gradgrind finds a hard-won wisdom.