Category: TV Drama; 91Èȱ¬ ONE
Date: 18.05.2006
Printable version
A stellar cast has been lined-up to join Billie Piper who stars in the 91Èȱ¬'s adaptation of award-winning writer Philip
Pullman's The Ruby In The Smoke.
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Oscar-nominated Julie Walters takes on
the role of the charismatic and deadly Mrs Holland, a woman determined to
mastermind Sally's demise.
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Robert Glenister, David Harewood, Ramon Tikaram, JJ
Field and Don Gilet also star in the 91Èȱ¬ ONE drama.
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The Ruby In The Smoke is the first book in a quartet and charts the adventures
of Sally Lockhart (Piper), a feisty young Victorian heroine.
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Armed with a
pistol, a thorough grounding in the principles of military tactics and a working
knowledge of Hindustani she embarks on a journey to discover the truth behind
her father's death, and unravel why his colleague dies of fear after she utters
the three little words: "The Seven Blessings".
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Adapted by Bafta-winning writer Adrian Hodges (Charles II, Rome, The Lost
World), The Ruby In The Smoke is a gripping tale of mystery, danger, puzzling
letters and a blood soaked jewel.
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The film is set in the heart of Victorian
London.
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Filming commences on location in London and Liverpool this month and will
transmit later this year.
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Producer Kate Bartlett says: "I am absolutely thrilled to announce such a
talented, dynamic and popular cast.
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"It is a real credit to Philip Pullman, who
is without question one of Britain's leading and most brilliant novelists; and
to Adrian Hodges, for his superb adaptation of this exciting action adventure
that will appeal to both adults and children alike."
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Executive Producer Sally Woodward Gentle says: "I am delighted that we have the
opportunity to bring Philip Pullman's extraordinary novels to a television
audience.
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"The commissioning of The Ruby In The Smoke is a further example of
91Èȱ¬ ONE's commitment to offer more inspiring and varied drama which appeals to a
wide-ranging audience."
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The film will be directed by highly-acclaimed Brian Percival (Much Ado About
Nothing, North & South, Clocking Off).
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The executive producer is Sally Woodward
Gentle and the producer is Kate Bartlett.
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The Ruby In The Smoke will be followed by the second novel The Shadow In The
North, which films later this summer and will be aired in 2007.
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The Ruby In The Smoke is part of a broad portfolio of projects from 91Èȱ¬ Drama
Series and Serials, including the forthcoming The State Within, Jane Eyre and the
critically-acclaimed Waking The Dead for 91Èȱ¬ ONE; The Line Of Beauty for 91Èȱ¬ TWO;
and The Fear Of Fanny (the life of Fanny Cradock) and The Secret Life of Mrs Beeton for 91Èȱ¬ FOUR.
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