The Pickwick Papers

I just finished watching the 12th and final episode of the BBC adaptation of Dickens' The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club. Much more of the plot could be included over the span of 6 hours than in the 1952 movie version of less than 2 hours. The only significant omissions were the extended interplay between the medical students Benjamin Allen and Bob Sawyer, the Bath episode, and the Reverend Mr. Stiggins' malign influence over Sam's step-mother. As already mentioned by one reviewer, Phil Daniels as Sam Weller and Patrick Malahide as Mr. Jingle are standout performances. I found Sam Weller as portrayed by Daniels particularly affecting - cheeky irreverence conjoined with solicitude and kindliness. The 1952 movie is also worth watching if only for its array of terrific British character actresses: Joyce Grenfell, Hermione Gingold, Athene Seyler and Hattie Jacques.

Although considered lightweight when compared to later works, this (to date) most recent adaptation of Dickens' first major work is still a delight.

Nigel Stock was born to play this role after decades of creditable character parts and a short-lived lead as Owen M.D. a spin-off from the BBC soap opera, The Newcomers (1967-1971). Another notable performance is from Patrick Malahide as Mr Jingle.

At the time it was a revelation, as Malahide was then principally known for his role of Chisholm in the Euston Films series Minder. Almost stealing the show from both Stock & Malahide however is Phil Daniels as Sam Weller, unsuprising as Weller is one of the stand out characters in Dickens' novel. Daniels however manages, to give his portrayal an added flourish, proving that he was more talented than his roles to that date had revealed. Jack Davies' adaptation is creditable, as is the direction from Brian Lighthill, although the original broadcast format of twelve 30 minute episodes diminished the impact on audiences. I would have preferred less episodes of longer duration. The BBC Video presentation released in the late 80's edited all but the opening & final titles (plus the excellent narration from Ray Brooks), reducing the running time to 5 hours.

To date, this remains the best adaptation and deserves a DVD release, hopefully with all Ray Brooks' narration restored.

This adaptation of The Pickwick Papers may have a slow and overly-serious start, but once it gets going and providing you stay with it it is delightful. The photography is very natural-looking, while the sets and costumes are pretty and colourful while true in detail and atmosphere to Victorian England. The dialogue is faithfully Dickenesian with the comedy being genuinely funny and there are several charming moments. The story is charmingly and absorbingly told, the series is long and the pacing is not what you call swift but the strength of the script allows the comedy to make its mark and the drama breathes and resonates paced that way in a way that doesn't feel long-winded. You cannot go wrong with good performances. We have those, great even. Nigel Stock amuses and affects in the title role, but the standouts are Patrick Malahide's wonderfully comic to the point of insanity(but in a good way) Mr Jingles and Phil Daniels' scene-stealing Sam Weller. To conclude truly delightful if not quite among the absolute best Dickens adaptation. Oh and the extra with Simon Callow in Charles Dickens garb is worth checking out too. 9/10 Bethany Cox