The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby

Starring:Cathryn Harrison, William Maxwell, Shirley King, Clyde Pollitt, Sally Nesbitt, Rose Hill, Lucy Gutteridge, Timothy Kightley, Suzanne Bertish, Andrew Hawkins, Alun Armstrong, Sharon Bower, Jane Downs, Mark Tandy, Roger Rees, John McEnery, Janet Dale, Nicholas Gecks, Jeffery Dench, Christopher Benjamin
Director: Trevor Nunn, Jim Goddard, John Caird
Studio: A&E Home Video
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
Yes, it's nine hours long. Yes, it's Charles Dickens, he of the 900-page novels you had to read in high school. And, yes, it's a film of a play. But the Royal Shakespeare Company's Tony Award-winning 1981 production of The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby at London's Old Vic Theatre was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and those of us who missed its Emmy-winning PBS broadcast can be thankful for A&E's superb video boxed set. Dickens's story of greed, poverty, and cruelty in Victorian England is handled deftly by director Jim Goddard and set designer John Napier, who never deny their film's staginess but instead seek to exploit it, unafraid to show the viewer the skeletal nature of the theater and, in one instance, boldly using actors as props. The RSC makes excellent use of this mise en scène, bringing to life Dickens's characters with intensity, verve, and just the right notes of melodrama--this being a Dickens story, after all.

Amazon.com

Yes, it's nine hours long. Yes, it's Charles Dickens, he of the 900-page novels you had to read in high school. And, yes, it's a film of a play. But the Royal Shakespeare Company's Tony Award-winning 1981 production of The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby at London's Old Vic Theatre was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and those of us who missed its Emmy-winning PBS broadcast can be thankful for A&E's superb video boxed set. Dickens's story of greed, poverty, and cruelty in Victorian England is handled deftly by director Jim Goddard and set designer John Napier, who never deny their film's staginess but instead seek to exploit it, unafraid to show the viewer the skeletal nature of the theater and, in one instance, boldly using actors as props. The RSC makes excellent use of this mise en scène, bringing to life Dickens's characters with intensity, verve, and just the right notes of melodrama--this being a Dickens story, after all.

Customer Reviews:

The Best Thing I've Ever Seen.......2007-06-01

Nicholas Nickleby is not only my favorite Charles Dickens' book--indeed, my favorite book period--but this production is the ONLY adaptation of which I wholeheartedly approve. It is eminently true to the text and only a handful of adaptations (of any work) are. I've lost track of how many times I've watched this production. I used to check it out of the library at every available opportunity and finally, I decided to buy my own copy. I watched it twice within the first week I owned it and have happily loaned it out to two of my students, who appreciate such experiences.

If you're a fan of stage productions in general and enjoy analyzing directing styles, this will appeal to you on that level as well. Even the narration is breathtaking. The cast is unparalleled--characterizaztions are spot-on as Dickens would have intended. His wonderful characters "live" in this production as in no other I've seen. You'll love them, hate them, cheer for them and weep for them and feel as if you've lived among them for these hours.

This is a must-see for anyone who loves Dickens, England, literature, or the stage in general.

An Amazing Theatrical Experience.......2004-08-26

Neither the 2000 television version nor the 2002 film could ever hope to match the magic, passion, dramatic heights and emotional involvement of this nine hour Royal Shakespeare Company production. All the characters and subplots of Dickens' novel are presented in a whirlwind of drama, comedy, tragedy and romance. It was a wise decision, when putting the production on film, to retain as much of its theatrical flavor as possible. Because it is that theatricality that produces as much of an impact and lasting impression as the characters and plot.

Originally staged by the RSC in the early 80's at the Aldwych Theatre, this version was taped at the Old Vic before the company took the show to New York. At times, an audience is visible (and audible) especially when various characters leave the stage to wander or race through the aisles or along the front of the balcony. It must have been a wonderful experience. But the DVD compensates us for not actually being there by providing that which you cannot get in a theatre - close-ups of the actors. Only once is this overdone - when Ralph Nickleby is finally denounced, the camera lingers much too long on an extreme close-up as the other characters are only heard revealing the sins of his past. But other times, such as during the silences between lines or the looks between characters, the close-ups are quite wonderful.

A cast of 30-some actors portray about 150 characters between them. Of course, doubling or even tripling is an ancient theatrical convention. But never have I seen it used as effectively as here. Only Roger Rees, as Nicholas, plays a single part. This is real acting we are witnessing.

The nine hours are divided into four acts spread over three discs. Each act is divided into two or three parts, each with the same opening and closing credits. This makes it possible to watch in installments although one at a time never seems enough. My wife insisted that we watch the entire 167 minute final disc in one sitting. The time flies by.

The story is typical Dickens, full of noble poor people and disreputable rich ones, with complex plotlines that would be the envy of any modern soap, complete with Dickens' famous penchant for incredible coincidences. But this is more than mere melodrama and everything about the production combines to make it all fresh and exciting and involving. These are characters you genuinely care about (or, in a few instances, love to hate). And there will not be a dry eye in the house during Smike's final scene.

As I said, all the actors are brillian but most memorable are Roger Rees (who seemed born to play the part), David Threlfall as Smike (an astonishing performance), John Woodvine as the evil Ralph Nickleby (cool underplaying with bursts of temper), Alun Armstrong as Squeers, the villain from hell, Edward Petherbridge as Newman Noggs, Suzanne Bertish in several roles, a pre-Edge Of Darkness Bob Peck as two wildly different characters, and Emily Richard in the thankless role of goody-goody Kate Nickleby.

One word to anyone who has never seen this production. Act One is decidedly grim and occasionally brutal. When this was first shown on television, I knew several people who never got beyond that part. But don't give up. Once Nicholas rebels against Squeers and leaves the school, everything lightens up considerably. And no one should miss the marvellous finale to Act Two when Nicholas and Smike and a travelling theatre company perform the final scene from Romeo And Juliet, complete with exaggerated Victorian acting and a happy ending ("I wasn't dead - I was stunned")!

I'm absolutely delighted that Nicholas NIckleby has become available on DVD. I recommend it to anyone who loves theatre, great acting or just a rollicking good old-fashioned story.

Only technical flaws, otherwise immortal.......2004-01-07

I saw 'Nicholas Nickleby' about 20 years ago and have never been able to forget it. It is the best theatre I've ever seen or will ever see again. The sheer facts are astounding: nine hours long, 39 actors playing 150 parts. Only Roger Rees has one part as Nicholas Nickleby, and it's easy to see he could have hardly taken more, being so much on stage. He is a bit old for Nicholas, but creates a very convincing, somewhat naive but - when needed - passionate young man. And his part is heavy for the mere fact that he has to carry Smike and fall down on the floor with Fanny Squeers around his neck - twice, because they do it again on one of the 'what has happened so far' -scenes in the beginning of acts. Edward Petherbridge has only two parts, but makes such a wonderful work as Newman Noggs, that he is one of the most memorable actors. His droopy, worried face is absolutely priceless!

There is a lot to listen in this version, it starts with the whole cast telling, what happened before Nicholas, Kate and their mother came to London to seek help from Uncle Ralph, in the beginning of other acts there are 'what has happened' -scenes (which are wonderful!) - and at times the actors comment or fill in the facts - and then again become clouds, walls, poor people watching in from behind the windows or rich people eating well inside the same windows. This is smooth working, flawless, yet clearly something that they love to do and have fun doing it. Everybody's been telling, how much they love John Woodvine as uncle Ralph, but I still want to praise him - and wonder about how effortlessly he becomes an opera singer and a few moments later appears again as Uncle Ralph. David Threlfall is a heart-breaking Smike, twisted from head to toe, o-u-t-cast whose only home is Nicholas. And Alun Armstrong deserves his place in the closing credits for more than alphabetical reasons, his Squeers is wonderful, horrible, hilarious as the whole Squeers family. He later appears as a drunken actor, who saves the day as king in 'Romeo and Juliet', the Crummles' production with happy endings for everyone. Men who play Cheeryble brothers looked so much alike that I had to check they weren't twins, but had completely different family names. And their fury was something to see: when they decide to take ultimate measures to lighten to work of their clerk, they threaten him with making him a partner.

I would still like to mention other Squeers: Lila Kaye, Mrs. Squeers and later Mrs. Crummles, both wonderful performances which I still remembered well after all these years, and Suzanne Bertish, who has to be admired and envied for such delicious, different parts as Fanny Squeers, Miss Snevellici and Peg Sliderskew, the old hag who has a big part in the happy ending.

And yes: the technical transfer to DVD could have been much better done. As wonderful as these actors are, we don't need to see their names so many times. But even if I had to skip and fast forward, this was still a delight. Dickens is one of my favourites and this is one of those very, very rare occasions, when one can say: the movie (or play) was as good as the original book.

Brilliant Program - Inexcusable transfer.......2003-09-17

This DVD presents one of the finest stage productions ever preserved on film. Other reviews have very ably pointed out the transcendant writing and performances. HOWEVER...these disc are truly the most careless tranfer I have ever seen outside of the public domain. The broadway production was offered in 2 parts, each part contained 2 acts. If you really wanted the full immersive experience you saw part one on a Saturday or Sunday Matinee, broke for dinner and returned that same night to complete the epic. Some of the power of the piece comes in the cumulative effect of losing yourself in Dicken's world. The original broadcast was similarly aired with no commercial interuptions (Thanks, I believe, to Exxon) over four nights. WHY then has A&E broken its 4 discs into hour long segments, each containing the begining and ending credits? (You can't skip these segments, only fast forward over them.) The transfer, even on my 24" TV looks like a VHS copy recorded on the economical speed, grainy and washed out. Don't even try to play it on a large screen TV. (I just read a review of their transfer of the Miss Marple series which makes similar complaints.) It feels like A&E literally had some authoring house get a VHS copy of a copy of a copy from the store and record it as is. I am very glad I bought this box set for 2 reasons. 1... I've long wanted to revisit the brilliant production unvailable for so many years. 2... I learned to NEVER buy another A&E disc until they start respecting the shows they transfer.

The Life & Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby-VHS.......2003-06-02

I'm not sure how good the production was because the audio was so terrible on 5 of the 9 VHS versions( a loud hum through the whole episode) I couldn't understand it. I am in the process of returning the set.

The Life & Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby - Volume 1

Average customer rating:

The Life & Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby - Volume 1

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Period Piece | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby [Region 2]

Average customer rating:

Douglas McGrath Nicholas Nickleby is much Better
Nicholas Nickelby
Fantastic Dickens Adaptation
Excellent Adaptation
What a great production!

The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby [Region 2]
Starring: John Dallimore , James D'Arcy , Sophia Myles , Diana Kent , and Charles Dance
Director: Stephen Whittaker
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( L ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

David Copperfield
Middlemarch
Bleak House
A Tale of Two Cities (Masterpiece Theatre, 1989)
North & South

ASIN: B0000649IA

Customer Reviews:

Douglas McGrath Nicholas Nickleby is much Better .......2007-04-05

I was very disappointed with this production. I dont like it when someone takes a great classic novel and adds things in the production that is not there. It actually cheapens the novel.
Do yourself a favour and buy Douglas McGrath - Nicholas Nickleby. It is far Better. You will not be disappointed with it.
As for this DVD I will not be keeping it. It would have been an excellent Production if it was not for the added sences.

Nicholas Nickelby.......2007-03-10

I throughly enjoyed this version of Nicholas Nickely with John Dallimore. A great performance, cast and backdrops. A truly entertaining film!

Fantastic Dickens Adaptation.......2006-06-29

Bravo's miniseries of Nicholas Nickleby, based on the Charles Dickens novel, tells the story of a young man who has just lost both his father and fortune and must begin to make it on his own in the world. Charles Dance is wonderfully wicked in his role as Nicholas's stingy, hypocritical, money-obsessed Uncle Ralph, who will barely lift a hand to help.

The film is wonderfully put together and delightful. It has a great script and is cast perfectly. All of the actors were truly magnificent in their roles--James D'Arcy is both handsome and strong as the title character, while Sophia Myles gives a very good performance as Nicholas's beautiful and determined sister Kate. Lee Ingleby also gives a heartbreaking and sympathetic performance as the tragic Smike, whom Nicholas takes under his wing.

Thanks to Dickens there are, of course, plenty of wonderful plot twists to keep everyone interested.

Bravo has done quite a nice job.

Excellent Adaptation.......2004-11-03

This latest version of Dickens's wonderful Nicholas Nickleby is yet another in a line of excellent BBC produced dramatizations of classics; something Hollywood rarely if ever does these days because "art" doesn't sell! All I can say is "Thank God for television!"

Everything about this adaptation speaks of excellence. The casting in particular is a joy. James D'Arcy is the finest Nicholas on screen. He is a "Candide"-like figure; total believable and you want to root for him just as Dickens wanted his readers to sympathize with the protagonist. Charles Dance is equally effective as Nicholas's villainous uncle. But it doesn't end with the two leads. Every single character (and there are a lot of them) is cast perfectly and totally believable from a physical standpoint; from the lowest street people to the wealthy upper class. There's not a dud in the lot! The casting director should be knighted!

The direction is fluid and unflinching as it examines the seedier sides of the story. Pairing down the story to three hours is done with excellent comprehension. Those parts of the story missing are inevitably not missed for a dramatic presentation. The art direction is exquisite throughout. Costumes, sets and locations are brilliantly handled.

I'll also take exception to those who prefer the Royal Shakespeare version. That production was a noble effort to bring the story to the live theater and in many respects it was original and excellent. It suffers, however, from a forced stage theatricality inherent in such projects and simply gets bogged down with too much detail. The result is way too long. The new version sacrifices some length for clarity and precision story telling and has better casting in every role.

I have no hesitation in finding the entire production to be delightful; and by all means go out and buy it.

What a great production!.......2004-04-27

I am very glad that I saw this adaptation of Nicholas Nickleby. It is well-acted, and very evocative.
It is always good to see the time in which a story takes place depicted as honestly as possible. This is a really gritty story at times. The scenes at the boys' school, in which the children are routinely starved, beaten and humiliated by Mr. Squeers, are grim and disturbing, which is what Dickens intended. It is very sad that Wackford Squeers was based on a real schoolmaster, William Shaw.

There are some wonderful performances in this show, particularly by Charles Dance (Ralph Nickleby), Lee Ingleby (Smike), and James D'Arcy (Nicholas). I loved James D'Arcy's portrayal of Nicholas- it was very kind and sincere, whereas the Nicholas of the recent movie (Charlie Hunnam?) seemed too bent on revenge. I hope James has a wonderful career because he sure is talented. Bravo!

I have little to complain about with this production, only that the music is a little overbearing and intrusive at times. And Madeline Bray is really passive, even for the character and the times. You want her to look more averse to marrying that old man Ralph set her up with (who is one of the grossest characters I've ever seen on screen!).

Product Description

parts 4 and 5 in the 4: nicholas wins acclaim for his star performance....part 5: while nicholas is enjoying his newfound celebrity, katies situation is increasingly dire

Average customer rating:

The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby [Region 2]
Starring: Cathryn Harrison , William Maxwell , Shirley King , Clyde Pollitt , and Sally Nesbitt
Director: Trevor Nunn , Jim Goddard , and John Caird
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

( L ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B0000AM73S

DVD:

DVD

DVD

DVD

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Fighting Temptations

Play Misty for Me (REGION 1) (NTSC)

DVD: Wee Sing King Cole's Party

Bill Evans - The Universal Mind Of Bill Evans