Adam Bede (Iain Glen), a humble carpenter, is overcome with affection for upper-class beauty Hetty Sorrel (Patsy Kensit), but she seems intent on marrying a wealthy nobleman (James Wilby) instead. Meanwhile, as Adam rallies to win over Hetty, kindhearted Dinah Morris (Susannah Harker) waits in the wings. Jean Marsh also stars in this "Masterpiece Theatre" adaptation of George Eliot's classic novel about class and social prejudice.