A LESSER known Thomas Hardy tale hit the big screen in 1998 and today we bring you pictures from the Dorchester premiere of The Scarlet Tunic.

The film is based on a short story by Hardy, The Melancholy Hussar of the German Legion.

This was the story of farmer's daughter Frances Grove, who falls for German cavalry officer Matthaus Singer, who is planning to desert from his regiment.

The German legion is encamped on the downs as the threat of war with Napoleon looms. Matthaus longs for his homeland and Frances is trapped in an interminable engagement to one of her father's business associates, Humphrey Gould. Illicit meetings between Frances and Matthaus flare into a passionate affair as each searches for escape and happiness. Were they to be discovered, she would be branded a soldier's whore and he a disgrace to his regiment.

The film cost just £350,000 to make and was described as 'A credit to all those who lent their time and talent.'

Jean-Marc Barr, who plays the German officer, was said to have given 'a passionate performance'. Also in the film were Simon Callow, known for Four Weddings and a Funeral, and John Sessions.

Director Stuart St Paul and star Emma Fielding, of the TV period drama Cranford, and Gareth Hale (of Hale and Pace fame) attended the gala screening of the film in aid of Dorset County Hospital's MRI Scanner Appeal.

The premiere took place in November 1997 and saw guests greeted on the red carpet by pipers.

Film-makers shot scenes for The Scarlet Tunic in Chideock, Seatown and Bridport to provide an accurate portrayal of Hardy's Wessex.