David Copperfield

One of those magic moments when a whole cast produces a version of a novel that every critic can applaud. Patience Collier, a complete Aunt Betsey, Arthur Lowe and Patricia Routledge as the Micawbers, Martin Jarvis and a newly emerging Liz Smith as the Heeps. Anthony Sharp as the pompous Spenlow and Sheila Keith as Mrs Steerforth- two careless parents. Two issues which Dickens could only avert to in 19th century England are broadened out. First, there's Anthony Andrews, as Steerforth, blatantly grooming the young David (or Daisy); done subtlely but causing disquiet. And the other issue is Steerforth's almost sado-masochistic relationship with Rosa Dartle. Surely this is the finest performance by Jacqueline Pearce, the abused and rejected woman who bears a facial scar of Steerforth's psychopathic innocence, but who has an insane and possessive love for her abuser to the point of tracking down and threatening the damaged and abused Emily, his more recently damaged victim. Lots of Victorian critics miss these themes or even bypass them, but they are there and, if film does a service to literature, this is it. The idea of Steerforth passing on Emily when he's used her and, to Victorian eyes, ruined her for life is again unusually pointed for its day. Anthony Andrews, then moviegoers heartthrob everywhere is perfect as the handsome but wicked betrayer who never loses his looks and whose charm ensnares David too. David Yelland's handsomeness is more homely and the series manages to convey his equivocal feelings about Steerforth without the director feeling the need to provide extra lines to spell things out, add might be done by more 'popular' versions. The rest of the cast are perfect for the more satirical Dickens characters and the tragedy of Ham Peggoty are rendered with less excess than is usual. Six riveting episodes. The scene where Micawber finally denounces Heep, should have won Arthur Lowe that bafta, and the oligenous and insinuating Martin Jarvis might have shared it.

Well written, well designed, well acted, and well directed, this solidly produced BBC mini-series merits praise all around.

Mr. Dickens' novel is not easily truncated for television, even in six installments, but the scenarists here have done such an admirable job of distilling the essential story points and characterizations, that viewers are afforded a well rounded treatment.

At first, David Yelland seems an odd choice for the title role, given that his physiognomy does not especially match with the youngster who plays the child David in the early chapters. Mr. Yelland is further hampered by a peculiar (and anachronistic) fringed bang hairdo, that looks like nothing so much as a Beatle wig. Despite these handicaps, however, he more than justifies his selection by his excellent performance.

Not only does he manage the emotional depth required in the stories later chapters, upon the betrayal of Steerforth etc,. but manages a comedy scene (a disastrous dinner party with wife Dora) with expert understated finesse.

Indeed, space precludes individual acting citations, since the players are down to the smallest bit, all outstanding in characterization, appearance and deportment. This is truly outstanding ensemble acting.

Particular mention must be accorded Patricia Routledge, in her hilarious turn as Mrs. Micawber, Arthur Lowe as Mr. Micawber, Patience Collier as Betsy Trotwood, Anthony Andrews, (both chilling and attractive)as Steerforth, and perhaps most memorably, Jacqueline Pearce, (of Hammer horror fame) as Rosa Dartle and Sheila Keith as Mrs. Steerforth.

Indeed, the scenes between Misses Pearce and Keith, rife with bitter and hidden anguish, are shot with a tension and blood freezing quality, you'll not soon forget! (all the better to offset the sentimentality elsewhere).

Production design in both settings and costumes is apt, and the production team are to be commended on the way they cleverly fused outdoor footage with studio sets in seamless fashion.

Recommended.

I remember this as a glorious adaptation with a wonderful cast.

In response to the previous review, I'm pretty sure it was Jacqueline Pearce (Servalan in 'Blake's 7') who was Rosa Steerforth, and wasn't Anthony Andrews, Steerforth?...

In a dream world I'd have this on DVD, in the meantime, did anyone ever record it???

(If you click on 'more' under the cast overview, you will see the whole cast and crew list!)

I found it interesting that in this five hour production of David Copperfield, it was still necessary to do some substantial editing, all in the interest of time, no doubt. For example, a wonderful character like Mrs. Gummidge is not well developed, and to understand her, you would have to have read the novel. Likewise, there's no mention of the alligator book. Small details, I know, but very apparent as you're viewing. By the time I reached the last episode, the story was getting a little tiresome, but I think that's true of the novel, too. The part of the adult Agnes, however, is played by Gail Harrison, and for that bit of brilliant casting, I say Bravo! She is absolutely lovely.

Not quite as good as the 1999 and 1935 adaptations, but it does a great job telling the story within 5-episodes. Its attention to characterisation is remarkable, especially with Uriah Heap, the Micawbers and Tommy(a character that is often ignored or not always interesting). The pacing of the last episode drags just a tad, but not enough to spoil things. The adaptation is beautifully made as well as true to period, apart from David's hairstyle, with fluid photography and evocative settings and costuming, striking but careful not to be too clean. The writing is faithful in spirit to Dickens, the tragic elements are very touching and the scenes that require a foreboding touch- like with Uriah Heap and the Murdstones- are so. What it also does well is making the comedy believable, the Micawbers are hilarious, in this regard this is one of the better adaptations of the book to bring this out. The story draws you in and doesn't let go, also respecting the source material. The performances are fine too, Martin Jarvis stands out as a very snake-like Uriah Heap as does Patricia Routledge as one of the funniest Mrs Micawbers you'll ever see. Arthur Rowe is similarly amusing and kindly, and Anthony Andrews convinces being both chilling and handsome. David Yelland is a likable and charismatic lead, while the Agnes is just lovely. The Murdstones are also convincingly played but have a little more memorable elsewhere, in most other adaptations of the book(especially 1999 and 1935) they are one of the best assets but here they're out-shined. Overall, fine and very well done. 9/10 Bethany Cox