Far from the Madding Crowd help. Afterwards, she offers him back his job and their friendship is restored. At this point, the dashing Sergeant Francis "Frank" Troy returns to his native Weatherbury and by chance encounters Bathsheba one night. Her initial dislike turns to infatuation after he excites her with a private display of swordsmanship. Gabriel observes Bathsheba's interest in the young soldier and tries to discourage it, telling her she would be better off marrying Boldwood. Boldwood becomes aggressive towards Troy, and Bathsheba goes to Bath to prevent Troy returning to Weatherbury, as she fears Troy may be harmed on meeting Boldwood. On their
Far from the Madding Crowd (1915 film) of the type that appeared a decade to two ago in "The Fireside Companion", intended primarily for consumption in the scullery and pantry by the maids and the cook and the picture carries the same atmosphere." Hardy does not appear to have seen the film, although he wrote program notes for its premiere. The film's success in Britain prompted him to write his publisher that he was "glad to hear that "Far from the Madding Crowd" comes out so well." By 1920 Hardy had changed his opinion, saying that it "seems to have been a failure". No boxoffice records are