Watch Catherine Cookson's The Gambling Man

Set in England in the early 1900s, Catherine Cookson's The Gambling Man is a gripping drama that tells the story of a young man named Rory Connor (Robson Green) who has a passion for gambling. Despite his father's warnings about the dangers of gambling, Rory becomes embroiled in a world of high stakes betting and unscrupulous bookmakers. Along the way, he falls in love with a wealthy heiress named Mary Ellison (Sylvestra Le Touzel), but their future together is uncertain due to their class differences.

The series begins with Rory's father, Michael Connor (played by Bernard Hill), a hardworking miner who has spent his entire life trying to provide a better future for his family. He is determined to keep his son away from the dangerous and financially ruinous world of gambling, but Rory is too stubborn and too drawn to the thrill of betting to listen. Despite his father's warnings, Rory begins to gamble more and more, eventually racking up debts that he can't pay off.

One day, Rory meets Mary Ellison, a wealthy young woman who is instantly taken with him. Mary is the daughter of the local squire, and her family is horrified by her choice in a suitor. But Mary is determined to be with Rory, even if it means defying her family and risking their financial support.

As Rory's debts begin to mount, he is forced to take desperate measures to try to win back his losses. He becomes involved with a crooked bookmaker named Jack Venables (Sammy Johnson), who promises to help him win big. But Jack is not to be trusted, and Rory finds himself in even deeper trouble when he becomes embroiled in a dangerous match-fixing scheme.

Throughout the series, Rory and Mary's relationship is threatened by their class differences and the disapproval of Mary's family. Meanwhile, Rory's gambling addiction spirals out of control, with devastating consequences for himself and those around him.

Robson Green delivers a powerful performance as the charismatic but troubled Rory, who is torn between his love for Mary and his dangerous addiction to gambling. Sylvestra Le Touzel is equally impressive as Mary, who is both headstrong and vulnerable in her quest for love. Bernard Hill shines as Rory's father, Michael Connor, who serves as a voice of reason and warning throughout the series.

The production design and costumes are excellent, with the series capturing the look and feel of early 1900s England. The cinematography is also impressive, with sweeping shots of the countryside and intimate close-ups of the characters.

Catherine Cookson's The Gambling Man is a gripping drama about love, class, and the dangerous world of gambling. The series is well-acted, well-written, and visually stunning, making it a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and period pieces.

Catherine Cookson's The Gambling Man is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (3 episodes). The series first aired on February 26, 1995.