Victorians! discussion

Many know that Mr. Dickens loved the theater; that he acted himself and wrote plays for the stage. So it's not surprising that many, if not all, of his books have been turned into movies and mini-series over the years.

This is a place to discuss some of your favorite (and least favorite) screen adaptions of his books.

I love the David Lean adaptation of "Great Expecations" with Alex Guiness and John Mills, among others. I think it's from the 1940's.

Natalie wrote: "I love the David Lean adaptation of "Great Expecations" with Alex Guiness and John Mills, among others. I think it's from the 1940's."

Oh hi Natalie! Thanks for reminding me about the David Lean version. I have seen a few newer versions of GE, but I really want to see this black and white classic rendition. I do like David Lean's films very, very much. Such great photography!

Oh, yes! This is such a classic. I agree that the photography is phenomenal. These are the images my mind conjures whenever I reread or even think of this book.

The most recent version of GE I watched was BBC's mini-series with Gillian Anderson (does that count as a "screen version"?). It was actually quite wonderful following the novel to a very high degree. The acting was exquisite and I was completely immersed in the story even though I knew it so well. I presume that is a sign of a good film maker (or perhaps it is Dickens' magic)?

I really loved the adaptation of Little Dorrit--treated myself to it after finishing the book a few years ago. Thought the casting was terrific, and really enjoyed the scenes in Venice especially.

Jane wrote: "I really loved the adaptation of Little Dorrit--treated myself to it after finishing the book a few years ago. Thought the casting was terrific, and really enjoyed the scenes in Venice especially."

Me too!! I bought it right away after reading it! I want to watch it now lol.

I also loved the Bleak House version...can't remember the MC character actress's name but Gillian Anderson was in that too.

Lady Dedlock. It's a wonderful screen adaption. Such excellent performances. And the costumes were perfection.

Have just finished binge watching the BBC production of Martin Chuzzlewit in six parts, with Paul Scofield as the elder MC. It's superbly done, very true to the book (except leaving out most of the scenes in America, which didn't hurt the film at all). It got a bit sappy in the ending, but of course the book is sappy, too (not as bad as the ending of The Old Curiosity Shop, but not that far off).

I highly recommend it. Fortunately my library had it, so I could watch it for free.

That's one I haven't seen, nor read. I've been waiting to do the one after finishing the other. Am very glad to hear it will be worth the wait.

Everyman wrote: "Have just finished binge watching the BBC production of Martin Chuzzlewit in six parts, with Paul Scofield as the elder MC. It's superbly done, very true to the book (except leaving out most of the..."

I really enjoyed this one too. And as a special gift to you all - an apology for my long absence - here's the first part on YouTube. The following parts are all there on the page.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TeA1G6-...

There's also a nicely done Dombey and Son from 1983. I was given the DVD set as a present several years ago, and its worth looking around for. As well as a youngish Julian Glover in the title role, you get to see "Jane Eyre" (Zelah Clarke) morph into a wonderful Susan Nipper, cockney accent and all, and Paul Darrow gets Carker's creepy grin just right!

As far as I can remember, the only major omission from the book is the sub-plot with Carker's brother. I might be wrong - it was a long time ago I watched it.

It's not until I rewatch these adaptations from the 70s, 80s and early 90s, that I remember how studio-based most TV filming used to be.

You can find the whole series on YouTube, although I found that the image and audio were out of sync. That could just be my device playing up.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6DyrMhs...

I've been very lucky in that once I get a great video recommendation, I can usually get it through my town library. I'll be looking for both Chuzzlewit and Dombey!

I'm wrapping up Martin Chuzzlewit now and I'll have to check that out!

A Christmas Carol with Alistair Sim. Both my favorite Dickens movie and my favorite Christmas movie. I also enjoyed the 1930's and 1940's versions of Great Expectations. Both had Francis L Sullivan as Jaggers.

Not an adaptation, but there's a good episode of Doctor Who with Simon Callow as Dickens, and some of it shows him in one of his one man shows.