The Old Curiosity Shop

This was my first viewing of this Dickens classic.It was made into a rather long 2 hour (counting commercials) film in 1934 which I saw today on "London Live" which is a U.K. t.v. channel which transmits classic films daily (Mon-Fri) from 2pm GMT.Bearing in mind talkies had only been created in the cinema since 1927, sound and "talkies" were still very in their infancy.Melodramatic stage acting was still much in force then so one must make allowances, especially in the manner of the grandfather's and Quilp's acting style.

Being a fan of classical music I determined to ascertain the music the producers dubbed onto the soundtrack when little Nell is lying dead in the church ante room, as I considered Chopin's musical melancholic style rather suited this scene.After looking through my piano stool where I keep my sheet music, I retrieved his "Prelude op.28 no.20 in C minor" which is full of minor chords.

Obviously cinema was an entirely new concept to most of these theatrical actors, and it shows. The Quilp character, played by Hay Petrie was a prime example of this. It was all about stage "projection" and came across as very hammy. Also, I got the feeling that the film had under run, and bits that were quite unnecessary and repetitive for expositional purposes, were put back in. There were several external shots of the coach house that were superfluous, having already established the location of the action. However, interesting to watch from an historical aspect. I have tried to track down more information on Elaine Benson but there is very little out there, regarding her later work.

Thank you for all your reviews, I haven't yet seen the film. My Great Aunt was Lily Long (Ada Lillian Gorman) and I'm so excited to see that I can buy this film i believe on Amazon? Could anyone advise me as to the best place to purchase the film from comments have been very help full and its wonderful to see so many folk have watched this old movie, especially as it is quite along film. There are some good actors in it and although Lily Long possibly has a small part as Sally, its going to be amazing to see her 'in the flesh', so to speak. So understand this is the first Charles Dickens story to be put on screen, would I be correct in thinking this? Kind Regards, Sherry

"The Old Curiosity Shop" is a mostly straightforward adaptation of one of Charles Dickens' most melodramatic stories. The novel was extremely popular in its day, but now comes across as completely old-fashioned. This film version does try faithfully to reproduce the atmosphere and main characters of the original story, so that anyone who enjoyed the book will also like this movie.

The story concerns an elderly shopkeeper and his grand-daughter Nell, who are menaced by the rich, cruel Quilp. They decide to run away and abandon their shop, and are pursued by Quilp, even as the shopkeeper's long-estranged brother is also looking for them, for an entirely different purpose. There are quite a few characters, some of them very interesting, that get involved as the pair move from one place to another. Events lead up to a finale that, while eventful, is rather exaggerated and dated.

The movie does a decent job of creating a Dickens/Victorian feel. But there are quite a few other Dickens novels that seem much less quaint today, and his "The Old Curiosity Shop" is today mostly itself a curiosity. This film version is still worth watching for those who do enjoy very old-fashioned melodramas.

The Old Curiosity Shop is not a Dickens classic(it's far from his worst though, that's Barnaby Rudge), it is on the too long side, has a sprawling nature to it and has traps of the old-fashioned melodrama being too creaky and the much-mocked(the most notorious being Oscar Wilde) Little Nell death scene being overly mawkish. It is however very Dickensian in atmosphere, has moments where it is whimsical and intense and it also has some of Dickens's best comic scenes and the splendidly drawn character of Quilp(a contender for Dickens's best villain). This version is one that has either been maligned or has been treated indifferently among those who have seen it, and while it is a curio and there are better adaptations of the book around(1995 and 1979) it does deserve more credit. It's not perfect of course, the climax is very exaggerated that it feels hammy, there are some repetitive or added parts that were unnecessary(that's even in the photography) and bog down the pacing a bit and Little Nell's death did come across as hollow emotionally(I have been known to cry during this part despite its rep) and over-sentimentalised. It is also a little creaky and old-fashioned in places but that's forgivable because of the times and that the book has those as well.

Despite looking as though it could pass for a silent film, The Old Curiosity Shop(1934) is well made, the sets, lighting and costumes are wonderful and the photography is mostly good. A great job is done evoking the atmosphere, a lot of it does feel like you are in Dickens's time and Victorian England which is always a good quality adapting Dickens. The music is beautiful and also evocative of the era, the dialogue is intelligently adapted with evidence of Dickensian flavour, with a fair amount of humour(very funny) and suspense(very intense) and while there are scenes that don't come off well the story is compelling and coherent- not too dull either!- and in a way where you can relate to the Trents' plight and Quilp's scenes are suitably foreboding and entertaining to watch. Credit is due also for the film actually trying to respect the book and Dickens's style and it does that very well, it is one of the more faithful adaptations without being too much so. Thomas Bentley's direction is most commendable with a real vibe that he understands Dickens and has a respect for him, yes parts could have been executed much better but there is no doubting the effort he put in and he should be applauded for that. The acting is very theatrical but is still reasonably good. The supporting characters have been better fleshed out elsewhere but are still solidly played, while Ben Webster and Elaine Benson characterise the grandfather and Little Nell ably, he being compassionate and charming and she being quietly dignified and sweet(if occasionally cloying as well, that's not her fault though as Dickens's few weaknesses were how he sometimes wrote his female heroines and how his use of sentimentality can come across). Hay Petrie does steal the show, he embodies evil as Quilp to terrifying effect and while he is the most theatrical of the actors he's wickedly fun in being so. In conclusion, a pretty respectable adaptation with some imperfections. 6/10 Bethany Cox