A lively heroine arrives in Depression-era Yorkshire to shake up education at a school for girls, sparking conflict with a stern landowner. Anna Maxwell Martin, David Morrissey and Penelope Wilton star. Laura Linney hosts.

A lively heroine arrives in Depression-era Yorkshire to shake up education at a school for girls, sparking conflict with a stern landowner. Anna Maxwell Martin (MASTERPIECE CLASSIC “Bleak House”) stars in this three-part miniseries based on the beloved 1936 novel by Winifred Holtby, adapted by celebrated screenwriter Andrew Davies (MASTERPIECE CLASSIC “Little Dorrit,” “Pride and Prejudice”). Also starring are David Morrissey (MASTERPIECE CLASSIC “Sense and Sensibility”) as the enigmatic gentleman farmer who crosses swords with the new headmistress before falling in love with her and Penelope Wilton (MASTERPIECE CLASSIC “Downton Abbey”) as a progressive town councilwoman. Laura Linney hosts.

MASTERPIECE CLASSIC "South Riding: Episode 1" premieres Sunday, May 1, 2011, 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET.

MASTERPIECE CLASSIC "South Riding: Episode 2" premieres Sunday, May 8, 2011, 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET.

MASTERPIECE CLASSIC "South Riding: Episode 3" premieres Sunday, May 15, 2011, 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET.