The Bugler Story by Rick Pulford

Author and scriptwriter Rick Pulford is working in partnership with the Hardy Society to develop an intriguing episode in Thomas Hardy’s last years for the big screen. The full-length dramatisation will break new ground in relating how Hardy in his eighties lost his heart to a beautiful actress in her twenties, Gertrude Bugler – to the fury of the second Mrs Hardy.

The Bugler story, already the subject of articles, novels and a play, is ‘aching to be told for film’, Rick says. The picture is provisionally titled Your Friend, Tom.

Associated pages

Members portal

Log out

Society calendar

Upcoming events

2026 THS Dates for your diary

From 29/05/2026 until 12/12/2026
Starts 11:00 until 13:00

Thomas Hardy Birthday Weekend 2026

From 29/05/2026 until 31/05/2026
Starts 19:00 until 20:00

27th International Thomas Hardy Conference and Festival

From 25/07/2026 until 01/08/2026
All day event

Roman Casterbridge

On 25/07/2026
Starts 13:30 until 15:30