TV Program Description
Premiere Broadcast on PBS: October 6, 2009
This two-hour scripted drama tells the remarkable story behind
the unveiling of the most influential scientific theory of all
time, Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural
selection. The program is a special presentation from NOVA and
National Geographic Television, written by acclaimed British
screenwriter John Goldsmith and directed by John Bradshaw.
Darwin, portrayed by Henry Ian Cusick (Lost), spent
years refining his ideas and penning what he called his "big
book." Yet, daunted by looming conflict with the orthodox
religious values of his day, he resisted
publishing—until a letter from naturalist Alfred Wallace
forced his hand. In 1858, Darwin learned that Wallace was
ready to publish ideas very similar to his own. In a sickened
panic, Darwin grasped his dilemma: To delay publishing any
longer would be to condemn his greatest work to
obscurity—the brilliant argument he had pieced together
with clues from his voyage on the Beagle, his
adventures in the Andes, the bizarre fossils of Patagonia, the
finches and giant tortoises of the Galapagos, as well as the
British countryside. But to come forward with his ideas risked
the fury of the Church and perhaps a rift with his own devoted
wife, Emma, portrayed by Frances O'Connor (Mansfield Park, The Importance of Being Earnest), who was a devout Christian.
"Darwin's Darkest Hour" is a moving drama about the genesis of
a groundbreaking theory seen through the inspiration and
personal sufferings of its originator.
Program Transcript
|
In "Darwin's Darkest Hour," actor Henry Ian Cusick plays a
young Charles Darwin struggling with the dilemma of whether to
publish his controversial theory.
|
|
|
Darwin's Darkest Hour Home |
Send Feedback |
Support NOVA
|
© | Created
September 2009
|
|
