''The Ebony Tower'' (1974) by

John Fowles John Robert Fowles (; 31 March 1926 – 5 November 2005) was an English novelist of international renown, critically positioned between modernism and postmodernism. His work was influenced by Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus, among others. Aft ...

is a collection of five novellas and short stories with interlacing themes, each built around a

medieval In the history of Europe, the Middle Ages or medieval period lasted approximately from the late 5th to the late 15th centuries, similar to the post-classical period of global history. It began with the fall of the Western Roman Empire ...

myth: ''The Ebony Tower,'' ''Eliduc'', ''Poor Koko'', ''The Enigma'' and ''The Cloud''.

Plot synopses

''The Ebony Tower''

Henry Breasley is an elderly painter whose secluded retirement is invaded by a brash young artist commissioned to write a biographical study of the great man. Breasley shares his home with two young English girls, both former art students, Diana and Anne. In this strange ménage, David is left in no doubt about his host's views on modern abstract art. However, he is puzzled by the old man's relationship with the girls, especially when he himself is attracted to Diana.

''Eliduc''

Eliduc "Eliduc" is a Breton lai by the medieval poet Marie de France. The twelfth and last poem in the collection known as ''The Lais of Marie de France'', it appears in the manuscript Harley 978 at the British Library. Like the other poems in this colle ...

, the shortest tale in the book, is a translation of a

Breton lai A Breton lai, also known as a narrative lay or simply a lay, is a form of medieval French and English romance literature. Lais are short (typically 600–1000 lines), rhymed tales of love and chivalry, often involving supernatural and fairy-w ...

Marie de France Marie de France (fl. 1160 to 1215) was a poet, possibly born in what is now France, who lived in England during the late 12th century. She lived and wrote at an unknown court, but she and her work were almost certainly known at the royal court o ...

, in which a hero goes into exile in England, leaving his wife behind. While in exile, he falls for the daughter of a local king. The story is deliberately placed after ''The Ebony Tower'' as a clear parallel of and influence on the title story.

''Poor Koko''

An elderly writer has borrowed a country cottage from friends in London. On the first night of his stay, the house is burgled. ''Poor Koko'' tells of his encounter with the burglar.

''The Enigma''

John Fielding, British Member of Parliament, disappears without trace. Was foul play involved, or did he fake his own disappearance? The case presents few clues for the police officer in charge.

''The Cloud''

A seemingly idyllic picnic in the south of France for a group of English family and friends hides deeper, troubled undercurrents.

Television adaptations

The Ebony Tower (1984)

''The Ebony Tower'' is a 1984 television film adaptation of the novelette by

. Directed by

Robert Knights Robert Knights (born 1942 in England) is a British film and television director, perhaps best known for his film '' The Dawning'', about the Irish War of Independence. He has been nominated for three BAFTA TV Awards and he won the Montréal W ...

it stars Laurence Olivier in the role of the elderly painter. ;Cast * Laurence Olivier - Henry Breasley *

Roger Rees Roger Rees (5 May 1944 – 10 July 2015) was a Welsh actor and director, widely known for his stage work. He won an Olivier Award and a Tony Award for his performance as the lead in ''The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby''. He also re ...

- David Williams *

Greta Scacchi Greta Scacchi, OMRI (; born 18 February 1960) is an Italian-Australian actress. She holds dual Italian and Australian citizenship. She is best known for her roles in the films '' White Mischief'' (1987), '' Presumed Innocent'' (1990), '' The Pl ...

- Diana, 'The Mouse' *

Toyah Willcox Toyah Ann Willcox (born 18 May 1958) is an English musician, actress, and TV presenter. In a career spanning more than 40 years, Willcox has had eight top 40 singles, released over 20 albums, written two books, appeared in over 40 stage plays an ...

- Anne, 'The Freak' * Georgina Melville - Beth Williams *

Yves Brainville Yves Brainville (8 March 1914 – 16 November 1993) was a French film and television actor.Hayward p.245 Selected filmography * ''Entrée des artistes'' (1938) - Sylvestre * ''Accord final'' (1938) - Chenal - l'ami de Georges * ''Eduardo VII'' ...

- Jean-Pierre * Denise Bailly - Mathilde *

Vincent Lindon Vincent Lindon (born 15 July 1959) is a French actor and filmmaker. For his role in the film '' The Measure of a Man'' (2015), Lindon won Best Actor at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival, Best Actor at the 41st César Awards and the IFFI Best Actor A ...

;Trivia * Olivier was recovering from

pleurisy Pleurisy, also known as pleuritis, is inflammation of the membranes that surround the lungs and line the chest cavity ( pleurae). This can result in a sharp chest pain while breathing. Occasionally the pain may be a constant dull ache. Other sy ...

during filming. * Filmed in Limoges, Haute-Vienne in France. ;DVD and VHS The film was released on VHS during the 1990s. It has been released on DVD format and is included on the

Laurence Olivier Presents ''Laurence Olivier Presents'' is a British television anthology series made by Granada Television which ran from 1976 to 1978. The plays, with the exception of '' Hindle Wakes'', all starred Laurence Olivier. Some of the plays were based on ...

Collection and The Laurence Olivier Centenary Collection.

The Enigma (1980)

''The Enigma'' is a 1980 television adaptation of the novelette by

, produced as part of BBC2's playhouse series. It was also directed by

. ;Cast *

Neville Barber Neville may refer to: Places *Neville, New South Wales, Australia *Neville, Saskatchewan, Canada *Néville, in the Seine-Maritime department, France * Néville-sur-Mer, in the Manche department, France *Neville, Ohio, USA * Neville Township, Pen ...

- Chairman of Labour Meeting *

Philip Bowen Philip Bowen is a British actor who has appeared in a number of British film and television roles including in ''The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous'', ''Agatha Christie's Poirot'', ''Kavanagh QC'' and ''Soldier Soldier''. He was born in Sutton Cold ...

- Peter Fielding * Melinda Clancy - Caroline Fielding * Shelley Crowhurst - Francesca Fielding *

Andrew Downie Andrew is the English form of a given name common in many countries. In the 1990s, it was among the top ten most popular names given to boys in English-speaking countries. "Andrew" is frequently shortened to "Andy" or "Drew". The word is derived ...

- Drummond *

John Franklyn-Robbins John Franklyn-Robbins (14 December 1924 – 21 March 2009) was an English character and voice actor. A prolific Shakespearean actor, he trained at RADA and proceeded to work at the Manchester Library Theatre and the Bristol Old Vic early i ...

- John Marcus Fielding *

Lyndam Gregory Lyndam Gregory (c. 1955 – 15 July 2014) was an Indian-born British theatre, television, soap opera, and voiceover actor. His best known credits include his portrayal of Sammy Patel on '' Coronation Street'' in 1983, his recurring role as Guppy ...

- Peter's flat-mate *

Nigel Hawthorne Sir Nigel Barnard Hawthorne (5 April 1929 – 26 December 2001) was an English actor. He is most known for his stage acting and his portrayal of Sir Humphrey Appleby, the permanent secretary in the 1980s sitcom '' Yes Minister'' and the Cabi ...

- Fenton *

Ursula Howells Ursula Howells (17 September 1922 – 16 October 2005) was an English actress whose elegant presence kept her much in demand for roles in film and television. Life and career Howells was born in London, the daughter of composer Herbert Howells, ...

- Mrs. Fielding *

Barbara Kellerman Barbara Rose Kellerman (originally spelt Kellermann; born 30 December 1949) is an English actress, known for her film and television roles. She trained at Rose Bruford College. Kellerman was born in Manchester, Lancashire. Her Jewish fath ...

- Isobel Dodgson *

Elizabeth Spriggs Elizabeth or Elisabeth may refer to: People * Elizabeth (given name), a female given name (including people with that name) * Elizabeth (biblical figure), mother of John the Baptist Ships * HMS ''Elizabeth'', several ships * ''Elisabeth'' (sch ...

- Miss Parsons * Michael Thomas - Michael Jennings *

David Troughton David Troughton (born 9 June 1950) is an English actor. He is known for his Shakespearean roles on the British stage and for his many roles on British television, including Dr Bob Buzzard in ''A Very Peculiar Practice'' and Ricky Hanson in ''Ne ...

- Andrews * Raymond Westwell - Len Bargate *

Douglas Wilmer Douglas Wilmer (8 January 1920 – 31 March 2016) was an English actor, best known for playing Sherlock Holmes in the 1965 TV series ''Sherlock Holmes''. Early life Wilmer was born in Brentford, Middlesex, and received his education at Kin ...

- Henry Wild

References

External links

FowlesBooks.com
��The Official John Fowles web site * * {{DEFAULTSORT:Ebony Tower, The 1974 British novels 1980 television films 1980 films 1984 television films 1984 films British television films English-language books Jonathan Cape books Novels by John Fowles Novels about artists British novels adapted into films 1980s English-language films