The Ebony Tower

1st edition cover (Jonathan Cape)

The Ebony Tower (1974) by John Fowles is a collection of five short novels with interlacing themes, built around a medieval 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, the shortest tale in the book, is a translation of an old Breton folk tale 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 The Ebony Tower as a clear parallel of and influence on the titular 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 of the case.

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 adaptation of the novelette by John Fowles. Directed by Robert Knights it stars Laurence Olivier in the role of the elderly painter.

Cast

• Laurence Olivier - Henry Breasley
• Roger Rees - David Williams
• Greta Scacchi - Diana, 'The Mouse'
• Toyah Willcox - Anne, 'The Freak'
• Georgina Melville - Beth Williams
• Yves Brainville - Jean-Pierre
• Denise Bailly - Mathilde

Trivia

• Olivier was recovering from pleurisy 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 Collection and The Laurence Olivier Centenary Collection.

Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: The Ebony Tower

The Enigma (1980)

The Enigma is a 1980 television adaptation of the novelette by John Fowles, produced as part of BBC2's BBC2 playhouse series. It was also directed by Robert Knights.

Cast

• Melinda Clancy
• Shelley Crowhurst
• Nigel Hawthorne
• Ursula Howells
• Barbara Kellerman
• Elizabeth Spriggs
• Raymond Westwell
• Douglas Wilmer

External links

• The Ebony Tower at the Internet Movie Database
• The Enigma at the Internet Movie Database

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