A semi-fictionalized account of the life of writer F.R. Leavis, his mentor Arthur Quiller Couch, and Leavis's own students at Cambridge University.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Ian HolmF.R. Leavis | F.R. Leavis |
 Leo McKernSir Arthur Quiller-Couch | Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch |
 Sara KestelmanQueenie Leavis | Queenie Leavis |
 Alan CummingTulloch | Tulloch |
 Rufus SewellMike Costain | Mike Costain |
| JJohn Lloyd FillinghamYoung F.R. Leavis | Young F.R. Leavis |
| HHelga BrindleYoung Queenie Leavis | Young Queenie Leavis |
 Miranda ForbesMiss Greve | Miss Greve |
| AAlice DouglasGirton Girl | Girton Girl |
| SSean O'CallaghanPolice Constable | Police Constable |
 Charles DaleAmbulance Driver | Ambulance Driver |