| Cousin Basilio | |
|---|---|
| Author(s) | José Maria de Eça de Queiroz |
| Original title | O Primo Basílio |
| Country | Portugal |
| Language | Portuguese |
| Publication date | 1878 |
O Primo Basílio ("Cousin Basilio") is one of the greatest realist novels of the Portuguese author José Maria de Eça de Queiroz, also known under the modernized spelling Eça de Queirós. He worked in the Portuguese consular service, stationed at 53 Grey Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, from late 1874 until April 1879. The novel was written during this productive period in his career, appearing in 1878.
In 1988 the Brazilian company Rede Globo produced a television adaptation of O Primo Basílio in 35 episodes, starring the then rising star Giulia Gam and renowned actors Marcos Paulo and Tony Ramos. Although never rerun, this production contains some of the best dramatic moments delivered by the actors involved, especially the villainous Juliana, played by Marília Pêra.
In 2007, a movie adaptation was produced and directed by Daniel Filho, with Fábio Assunção in the role of Basílio, and Débora Falabella and Reynaldo Gianecchini as Luísa, the young adulteress, and Jorge, her dedicated husband. The role of housekeeper Juliana is acted by Glória Pires.
The action, which in the book happens in Lisbon of the 19th century, is transposed to São Paulo of the 1950s around the time of the construction of Brasília.