David Copperfield

Starring:David Copperfield
Studio: Good Times Video
Product Type: DVD

Average customer rating:

More pure enjoyment !
Excellence in Old England
Captures Dickens' time & place

The Charles Dickens Collection, Vol. 2 (David Copperfield / The Pickwick Papers / The Old Curiosity Shop / Dombey and Son)
Starring: Colin Douglas , John Woodnutt , Phil Daniels , Howard Lang (II) , and Shirley Cain
Director: Brian Lighthill , Rodney Bennett , and Simon Curtis
Manufacturer: BBC Warner
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

The Charles Dickens Collection (Oliver Twist / Martin Chuzzlewit / Bleak House / Hard Times / Great Expectations / Our Mutual Friend)
The George Eliot Collection (Middlemarch / Daniel Deronda / Silas Marner / Adam Bede / The Mill on the Floss)
The Shaw Collection (Pygmalion / The Millionairess / Arms and the Man / The Devil's Disciple / Mrs. Warren's Profession / Heartbreak House)
Jane Austen Collection (Sense & Sensibility / Emma / Persuasion / Mansfield Park / Pride & Prejudice / Northanger Abbey)
The Anthony Trollope Collection (The Barchester Chronicles / He Knew He Was Right / The Way We Live Now)

ASIN: B000FQIRYK
Release Date: 2006-08-15

Amazon.com

For Dickens aficionados who own the first DVD Collection, but still want some more, this four-disc set collects four sterling BBC productions of some of the author's essential masterworks. The best of the lot is David Copperfield, starring a pre-Harry Potter Daniel Radcliffe as the tragically put-upon young Copperfield. Shot on film, this impeccable 1999 production is an embarrassment of riches, with a cast that includes Academy Award-winner Maggie Smith, who earned an Emmy nomination as the formidable Aunt Betsey, Oscar-nominee Ian McKellen (The Lord of the Rings) as the cruel and sadistic teacher Mr. Creakle, a wonderful Bob Hoskins as the debt-ridden Micawber, Trevor Eve as David's loathsome stepfather Mr. Murdstone, and Nicholas Lyndhurst as the dastardly clerk Uriah Heap. Holding his own with this formidable ensemble is Ciaran McMenamin as the adult David, whose ultimate triumph is particularly hard earned. Rich with incident and populated by some of literature's most memorable characters, this production does satisfying justice to one of Dickens's most beloved and oft-told sagas. When it comes to a series of unfortunate events, Lemony Snicket has nothing on Dickens.

The Old Curiosity Shop, from 1979, stars Sebastian Shaw as the grandfather determined to provide a better life for his beloved and beautiful granddaughter, Nell (the winning Natalie Ogle). But his gambling leaves them at the mercy to the bent and malignant Quilp (Trevor Peacock). The lesser known Dombey and Son, from 1983, is a tale of foolish pride, comeuppance, and redemption starring Julian Glover as Mr. Dombey, so determined that his son take over his business that he cruelly neglects his daughter, Florence (the heartbreaking Lysette Anthony). The Pickwick Papers, from 1985, is a welcome comic change of pace that follows the misadventures of "the immortal" (and comically rotund) Mr. Pickwick (Nigel Stock) and his three friends as they embark on the first expedition of "the corresponding society of the Pickwick Club." Shot on video, the latter three miniseries are somewhat stodgy in appearance. The adaptations are faithful to a fault, but Dickens' masterful tales provide inspiration enough for the casts who grandly rise to the occasion. --Donald Liebenson

Description

These four acclaimed adaptations bring to life the legendary characters, devastating drama, and coarse humor of one of the world's greatest novelists.

Customer Reviews:

More pure enjoyment !.......2007-01-17

With the second volume of immortal works of Charles Dickens, brought to the screen by BBC, the pleasure of watching the first volume gets an extention.
I am a big fan of the classics English literature and especially Dickens. He is simply the genius. In my humble opinion no other English writer can be even compared with him.
Any one of his books is worth reading.
And to watch this BBC dramatization is a great pleasure too - it is true Dickens - bright and sparkling on the screen as he does in every one of his books.
If you are the newcomer to the world of his books - watch the movies and be encouraged to go for reading then. You will never regret.

Excellence in Old England.......2007-01-11

A joyful depiction of one of Charles Dickens writings, the details of the English shops, homes and era dress were fascinating and so believable that it made watching the movie feel as though I was right there. This is on my "to watch often" list.

Captures Dickens' time & place.......2006-10-26

Part of Dickens' genius was the ability to enable the reader to FEEL
the time and place of the storyline unfolding, as well as the visualize
the gamut of intriguing characters.
The BBC has, again, done the same for the viewer. Selection of
locations, environments and characters is simply wonderful -- sure to
keep the viewer engrossed, even though the dialogue is uncompromisingly
British.
The only caveat is that the viewer must remember that these are
ADAPTATIONS of Dickens' novels -- and, therefore, there are omissions
and modifications to the originals.
The modifications make it very easy for teachers to determine whether
or not a student has actually read the novel or just enjoyed the DVD!

Average customer rating:

great movie
More 80's Horror
Forgotten slasher jewel!
Top-notch slasher flick
Terror Train

Terror Train
Starring: Ben Johnson , Jamie Lee Curtis , Hart Bochner , David Copperfield , and Derek McKinnon
Director: Roger Spottiswoode
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Prom Night
My Bloody Valentine (Ws Sub)
The Funhouse
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ASIN: B0002IQLH6
Release Date: 2004-09-07

Description

A fraternity masquerade party aboard a chartered train turns deadly when a psychotic classmate sets out for murderous revenge.

Customer Reviews:

great movie.......2007-01-16

This is what true horror is all about. You really were on the edge of your seat. Real cat and mouse chase. I thought this was true slasher form.

More 80's Horror.......2006-12-04

A classic horror movie, Jamie Lee Curtis was perfect for these movies of the 80's

Forgotten slasher jewel!.......2006-11-03

It's New Year's Eve and college students are throwing a costume party on a charter train including Alana Maxwell (Jamie Lee Curtis). While everyone is trying to have a good time, there's a party crashing madman on board as he or she is out for blood.

Entertaining and scary low budget Canadian horror thriller that also stars popular magician David Copperfield and Ben Johnson as the conductor, this sometimes bloody slasher flick has decent acting mainly by Curtis and has good cinematography and atmosphere that gives the movie it's eerie mood. What i also liked about this movie is that it's one of the better post-Halloween/Friday The 13th films of the time and has a good ending, this is a must have for slasher fans and a remake will come soon.

This DVD has good picture and sound but the only extra is the theatrical trailer but it's still a good buy for your collection of horror movies.

Also recommended: "Halloween Series", "Friday The 13th series", "Sleepaway Camp", "Psycho (1960)", "Psycho II", "Psycho III", "Maniac (1980)", "Happy Birthday to Me", "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre series and 2003 remake & The Beginning", "A Nightmare on Elm Street", "Scream", "Scream 2", "Tenebre", "Deep Red", "Tourist Trap", "Saw", "Saw 2", "House of Wax (2005)", "Prom Night", "Bloody Birthday", "High Tension", "Phenomena".

Top-notch slasher flick.......2006-10-26

While "Terror Train" may appear as your typical '80s slasher flick, it is anything but. Believable performances, gorgeous John Alcott (The Shining. Barry Lyndon) photography, a clever script, and nice direction from Roger Spottiswoode are contributing elements to the overall suspense that is created in this tale of a college graduation party held aboard a moving train. While everyone appears to be having a grand old time, several students are turning up dead. With all of the students wearing costumes, just who could possibly be the mysterious killer? Ben Johnson is his usual likeable self as the friendly, though stern, veteran train conductor, while Jamie Lee Curtis, Hart Bochner, and the relatively unknown cast turn in very nice performances. The quality in this suspense tale shines through.

Terror Train.......2006-10-07

This film is another Halloween imitation, but you might find that there are certain pluses that make it worth getting-
1.) first and foremost, its a cheap DVD-$7.00 at FRY's.
2.) good atmosphere/visual style. the entire film is set at night.
3.) its set on a train, so theres a claustrophobic element.
4.) the killer dons five different disguises!
5.) the theme of magic and deception is played out entirely and adds to the quality of the ending (every slasher movie I've seen has a "letdown" for a ending, except this and the original SLEEPAWAY CAMP).

on the other hand....
1.) bland music.
2.)long streches where not much happens.
3.) not much gore or nudity (but I don't think thats a bad thing in most cases).
4.) I wouldn't think someone would go crazy over the pre-title prank.

overall, I thought terror train was good, but not great. an interesting note; check out the actor who plays the killer and then research him on the internet. If you read a few articles, you'll find out exactly why he was the PERFECT choice for this film!!

Motion Picture Masterpieces Collection (David Copperfield 1935 / Marie Antoinette 1938 / Pride and Prejudice 1940 / A Tale of Two Cities 1935 / Treasure Island 1934)

Average customer rating:

History and literature put together in a pleasant picture
The movie summit! As good as movies get!
A Tale of Two Cities
Motion Picture Masterpieces
Excellent collection

Motion Picture Masterpieces Collection (David Copperfield 1935 / Marie Antoinette 1938 / Pride and Prejudice 1940 / A Tale of Two Cities 1935 / Treasure Island 1934)
Starring: Edna May Oliver , Elizabeth Allan , Jessie Ralph , Harry Beresford , and Freddie Bartholomew
Director: George Cukor , W.S. Van Dyke , and Robert Z. Leonard
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Literary Classics Collection (Madame Bovary (1949), Captain Horatio Hornblower, The Three Musketeers (1948), The Prisoner of Zenda (1937 and 1952 Versions), Billy Budd)
Hollywood's Legends of Horror Collection (Doctor X / The Return of Doctor X / Mad Love / The Devil Doll / Mark of the Vampire / The Mask of Fu Manchu)
Humphrey Bogart - The Signature Collection, Vol. 2 (The Maltese Falcon Three-Disc Special Edition / Across the Pacific / Action in the North Atlantic / All Through the Night / Passage to Marseille)
TCM Archives - Forbidden Hollywood Collection, Vol. 1 (Waterloo Bridge 1931 / Baby Face / Red-Headed Woman)
Gary Cooper - The Signature Collection (Sergeant York / The Fountainhead / Dallas / Springfield Rifle / The Wreck of the Mary Deare)

ASIN: B000GRUQLK
Release Date: 2006-10-10

Amazon.com

For an accurate look at how things were at MGM in the glory days, go directly to Motion Picture Masterpieces, a DVD box with five literary-minded A-list productions. MGM liked to think of itself as the studio of class, and its highbrow aspirations (mixed with plenty of old-fashioned hokum) are on lavish display in this collection.

Louis B. Mayer ran the studio, and boy wonder Irving Thalberg supervised production. However, another strong-willed producer, future Gone with the Wind CEO David O. Selznick, was responsible for guiding a pair of highly enjoyable Dickens adaptations, both released in 1935. David Copperfield is a wonderful condensation of the sprawling novel, crammed with memorable evocations of Dickens' roster of eccentrics. Freddie Bartholomew, who became a star with this role, plays the young David; equally indelible are W.C. Fields as Mr. Micawber, Basil Rathbone as Murdstone, and especially Edna May Oliver as Besty Trotwood. Director George Cukor's empathy and craftsmanship keep the movie humming with Dickensian wit. A Tale of Two Cities followed shortly thereafter, with Ronald Colman in one of his signature roles as the drunken romantic Sydney Carton, whose throttled love for the beautiful Lucie Manette leads to the French Revolution's guillotine. Jack Conway directs in tight, brisk fashion, and once again the supporting cast (Oliver and Rathbone return from Copperfield) is flavorful.

The French Revolution also figures in the rather preposterous Marie Antoinette (1938), an eye-popping production about the bride of Louis XVI. The project was a pet of Thalberg and his wife Norma Shearer, and MGM proceeded with the overstuffed production even after Thalberg's early death. Marie gets an extramarital affair (with the young Tyrone Power) and an incredible parade of gowns and wigs, but not too much blame for the peasants starving. Robert Morley steals the show as Louis XVI, with John Barrymore in rascally form as his grandfather. Shearer's ordinariness somehow fits her out-of-it character.

Treasure Island (1934) casts Jackie Cooper as young Jim Hawkins and Wallace Beery as that one-legged seadog, Long John Silver (the pair had scored a huge hit in The Champ three years earlier). This is a lot of people's favorite adaptation of the marvelous Robert Louis Stevenson novel, and Victor Fleming's manly directing approach manages to take some of the sheen off the MGM house style (by the way, art director Cedric Gibbons, credited on all these films, is one of the stars of the box set).

Pride and Prejudice (1940) is a respectable take on Jane Austen's oft-filmed novel, with Greer Garson as the headstrong Elizabeth Bennet and Laurence Olivier as the difficult Mr. Darcy. MGM liked to corset Garson in fine-lady roles, but here she lets some of Elizabeth's sauciness come through; actually, Olivier's elaborate performance is the movie's too-theatrical weak spot. But boy, does this movie tell a good story--and that's rather the point of these (Marie excepted) solid literary adaptations. --Robert Horton

Description

MARIE ANTOINETTE The woman who was France! Norma Shearer and Tyrone Power headline an opulent saga of royalty and revolution. DAVID COPPERFIELD Based on the best-selling book by Charles Dickens. W.C. Fields is Micawber, and Freddie Bartholomew is young David in a splendid version of Dickens' most autobiographical work. A TALE OF TWO CITIES From the famed author Charles Dickens. "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." Ronald Colman stars in the lavish story of the French Revolution...and one man's redemption. PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Based on the best-selling book by Jane Austen. Mr. Darcy (Laurence Olivier) sets maiden hearts aflutter - except for that of unimpressed Elizabeth Bennett (Greer Garson). Austen's masterwork! TREASURE ISLAND Based on the unforgettable book of the same title by Robert Louis Stevenson. Avast, me hearties, for the swashbuckler about a boy with a treasure map - and a pirate (Long John Silver) with a scheme. The Champ's Wallace Beery and Jackie Cooper reunite!

Customer Reviews:

History and literature put together in a pleasant picture.......2007-05-07

Although the content of some of the movies in this box has a very tragic ending there are qualities that are common to all the dvds of the box.
First of all, the ability and amazing acting skills of the actors, whether leading roles or supporting ones, it is really a pleasure to see the superb performances they can give to a large variety of characters.
The witty dialogues, the scenery and the good restoration of the film are more than added values.
You can enjoy a journey through history with Marie Antoinette or amuse yourself with the intricated plots from Jane Austen and the classic literature from Dickens and Stevenson.
You really get your money's worth with this collection.

The movie summit! As good as movies get!.......2007-03-18

The title tells the truth. Even by 1930's golden age of Hollywood standards, these five movies are literary masterpieces and true film classics. I remember all five fondly as a teenager in the late 1960's and early 1970's in long-gone San Francisco art theaters, and cut to threads on morning prize movie TV shows. It is an honor to watch them now in a comfortable bedroom, uncut and non-commercial. They are, of course, MGM studio print editions that in one instance, MARIE ANTOINETTE, even contains roadshow music and an intermission never seen on television.

TREASURE ISLAND (1934) stars Wallace Beery and Jackie Cooper, was directed by Victor Fleming (CAPTAINS COURAGEOUS, GONE WITH THE WIND), and is based on a Robert Louis Stevenson novel about pirates and buried treasure. In gorgeous B&W, it reunites Beery and Cooper from THE CHAMP (1931) and also features Lionel Barrymore and Lewis Stone. Come to think about it, this is a reunion for half the cast of GRAND HOTEL (1932).

DAVID COPPERFIELD and A TALE OF TWO CITIES (both 1935) are towering masterpieces based on Charles Dickens novels; both are impeccably produced by David O. Selznick. Painstakingly faithful to very long books, they both have gorgeous art direction and are cast to perfection down to the bit roles: W.C. Fields as Micawber, Freddie Bartholomew and Frank Lawton as David, Basil Rathbone as Mr. Murdstone, and Edna May Oliver as Aunt Betsey in DAVID; and Ronald Colman in maybe his greatest performance in TALE, which also features Oliver and Rathbone. At about 130 minutes each, they are long enough to do justice to the Dickens novels; I am sure he would have loved both immensely.

MARIE ANTOINETTE (1938), presented in a never-seen 157 minute roadshow edition, has an Oscar-nominated Norma Shearer in a wonderful role. If someone wanted to know who Shearer was, I would show this incredibly opulent and literate costume romance to them. It is the underrated masterpiece of this box set and also stars Tyrone Power and an Oscar-nominated Robert Morley as a shy, child-like King Louis XVI. The magnificent art direction and regal music were also Oscar-nominated. W.S. Van Dyke (THE THIN MAN, SAN FRANCISCO) directed.

Finally, we have a splendidly cast and written adaptation of Jane Austen's PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (1940), starring Greer Garson as Elizabeth Bennet and Laurence Oliver as Mr. Darcy. Aldous Huxley and Jane Murfin scripted this lovely and witty romantic comedy of manners that won an Oscar for B&W Interior Set Decoration.

But you don't just get five great movies in this Warner Home Video boxed set. TREASURE ISLAND also comes with two shorts, a cartoon, and a theatrical trailer. DAVID COPPERFIELD has the marvelous Technicolor short PIRATE PARTY AT CATALINA ISLE, along with a second Technicolor short, a cartoon, and a theatrical trailer. A TALE OF TWO CITIES has a memorable 60 minute Lux Radio Theater adaptation of TALE from 1942, starring Ronald Colman, along with two vintage cartoons and the theatrical trailer. MARIE ANTOINETTE has two shorts and a theatrical trailer, all tied in to the 1938 movie. And PRIDE AND PREJUDICE has an Oscar-nominated patriotic short on Navy training during World War Two, plus a color cartoon and theatrical trailer. It is one hell of a DVD boxed set, a labor of love and an absolute must-see on a slow TV week.

A Tale of Two Cities.......2007-01-16

We acquired this collection because we wanted to own the 1935 version of A Tale of Two Cities. We just watched it and had a wonderful experience. The movie is very close to the plot, the performances are superb. Charles Dickens' book will forever be a testament to the struggle of humanity between the have and have nots.

The performance of Blanche Yurka, as Madame DeFarge is outstanding. The citizens of France, seeking to put an end to the tyranny they experience from the oppressing aristrocracy, presents the never ending example that when rights are stepped on, it always ends in revolution and change. The Marquis St. Evremonde, played by Basil Rathbone, provides a view to the horror it represents for anyone to show they do not care about those who suffer. Especially when it comes to children; for the horror committed against this family, sparks the fire that leads to events that put an end to the ruling society.

Dr. Manette's performance as the innocent man who was a prisoner at the Bastille for over 18 years is superb. His daughter, played by Elizabeth Allen, represents the person that inspires great love in two men, one Charles Darnay, and Sydney Carton, superbly played by Ronald Colman.

The character of Miss Pross, played by Edna May Oliver, is awesome. We go from disliking her, to admiring and then loving her for her sacrifice that saves the life of Ms. Manette. In the end, the sacrifice made by Sydney for the love of Lucie is one of the most sensitive and touching of all love stories. He finds purpose for his life, knowing full well that his actions shall forever live in the hearts of those he sacrifices for. Would highly recommend owning this DVD. The other movies shall be reviewed as we see them.

Motion Picture Masterpieces.......2007-01-14

A set of classic movies.

The collection includes several of my favourite movies - now in excellent video and sound quality.

I particularly enjoyed Prode and Prejudice - this is the version that all following copies are judged against. The acting is superb, and the cast is amazing!

This is a collection worthy of keeping ( and enjoying) for years to come.
An excellent example of Hollywoos at it's prime.

Excellent collection.......2007-01-12

This DVD set is a great example of the golden age of the movie studios. There is a little something for everyone in this set. The length of each of the DVD's hovers around 90 minutes and the time really zips by. For my money, this is the best version of David Copperfield with a top rate cast including WC Fields as Macawber and little Freddie Bartholomew as David. Marie Antoinette with Norma Shearer is heads and tails above that awful recent Marie misfire. This Pride and Prejudice is quick, to the point and completely enjoyable with Lawrence Olivier as Darcy and Greer Garson as Elizabeth (not to mention the amazing Mary Boland as Mrs. Bennett). A Tale of Two Cities is the best adaptation of Dickens ever on the screen. Ronald Coleman is perfect as the doomed hero. And finally the original pirate movie Treasure Island with the fantastic Wallace Beery as Long John Silver. Force your kids (and yourself) to watch all or at least some of these great classics. You won't be sorry.

Average customer rating:

David Copperfield
At last, a sparkling gem has been brought to DVD!
Charles Dickens would turn over in his grave
A mediocre classic
David Copperfield

David Copperfield (1935)
Starring: Edna May Oliver , Elizabeth Allan , Jessie Ralph , Harry Beresford , and Freddie Bartholomew
Director: George Cukor , Gene Burdette , and Hugh Harman
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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Marie Antoinette

ASIN: B000GRUQK6
Release Date: 2006-10-10

Amazon.com

The rich beauties of Dickens come to flavorful life in David Copperfield, a scrupulous example of a sprawling novel distilled into manageable movie form. The saga of young master Copperfield moves quickly through Dickens' marvelous gallery of eccentrics, with David played as a youth by the exceptionally good Freddie Bartholomew (you'll see why he became a star) and as an adult by Frank Lawton. The remainder of the cast is an almost unbelievable feast of acting, most famously with W.C. Fields stepping out of character--but not too far--as the grandiloquent Mr. Micawber ("You perceive before you the shattered fragments of a temple that was once called Man"). Basil Rathbone is David's stepfather, the ice-cold Murdstone; Lionel Barrymore is warm-hearted Dan Peggoty; Maureen O'Sullivan the adorable Dora; and Roland Young a creepy-crawly Uriah Heep. But best of all is Edna May Oliver, whose Betsy Trotwood bustles through the movie like a no-nonsense field general (if Oscars for supporting acting had been invented in 1935 instead of 1936, Oliver surely would have bagged the first award). The film is a shining example of producer David O. Selznick's Tradition of Quality approach, given all the sheen MGM could apply. Director George Cukor brings empathy and an unfailing sense of dramatic craftsmanship to the episodic material, which throbs with genuinely Dickensian wit and heart. --Robert Horton

Description

"We are friends for life." The man speaking: Micawber, played by W.C. Fields with great comedic charm and human warmth. The child addressed: David, played by Freddie Bartholomew in his Hollywood debut. The movie: David Copperfield, still one of the best-ever screen adaptations of a Charles Dickens novel. "To call the casting inspired is to underrate it," historian David Shipman wrote in his The Story of Cinema. Lionel Barrymore, Edna May Oliver, Maureen O'Sullivan, Basil Rathbone and more joined Fields and Bartholomew in portraying the eccentrics, cads and loving family of this film directed by George Cukor. David O. Selznick produced, insisting on an attention to Dickensian detail that included matching the sets to the first edition's illustrations. The result: one of the greatest page-to-screen adaptations ever.

DVD Features:
Other
Theatrical Trailer

Customer Reviews:

David Copperfield.......2007-06-20

Cukor's sensitive, ennobling version of this Dickens classic was sumptuously produced for the big screen by producing titan David O. Selznick. A box-office smash when it was released in 1935, "Copperfield" is eminently faithful to the spirit of the Victorian-era novel, tracing the hardships of Bartholomew's orphan hero as he bounces from home to home in search of a real family. Oliver, Rathbone, Maureen O'Sullivan, and Lionel Barrymore are all superb in their respective roles, while Fields musters up an unforgettably charming mix of eccentricity and warmth as Micawber, a role he seemed born to play. Roll out the welcome mat for "David Copperfield."

At last, a sparkling gem has been brought to DVD!.......2007-04-16

1939 has often been touted as the peak of Hollywood's Golden Era. While I would not argue with that (Ted Sennett wrote a whole book about it), 1935 was a Sterling year for American movies also. All the studios turned out fine films that year: "The Little Colonel" and "The Littlest Rebel" at 20th Century-Fox, "Top Hat" and "The Informer" at RKO, "The Ruggles of Red Gap" and "Lives of a Bengal Lancer" at Paramount, "Bride of Frankenstein" at Universal, "The Whole Town's Talking" at Columbia, "Call of the Wild" at United Artists, "Gold Diggers of 1935" and "Captain Blood" at Warner Brothers, and at MGM, "A Night at the Opera", "Naughty Marietta", "Anna Karenina", "Mutiny on the Bounty", "A Tale of Two Cities" and "David Copperfield" (whew!)

David Copperfield is deservedly one of the outstanding pictures of 1935 or any other year! I definitely have to agree with Charles Dickens himself, when he said "Of all my books, I like this the best". And of all the Dickens' books adapted to the screen, I like this one the best, and I bet he would have been pleased, too.

The film has many pleasures: the outstanding cast (of whom Freddie Bartholomew as young David, Edna May Oliver as Aunt Betsy Trotwood, and W.C. Fields as Mr. Micawber, stand out), the well-written screenplay by Howard Estabrook and Hugh Walpole (why drag a story out for five or six hours and multiple parts, when you can tell it well in two or three hours?), the expert direction of George Cukor, and the period flavor.

But perhaps the reason it is SO good is the genius that was David O. Selznick. He pulled all the parts together to make a thoroughly satisfying whole with a brillent skill that would reach it peak four years later with "Gone with the Wind". The production has "class" stamped all over it, and this was due to Mr. Selznick. We will never see his like in Hollywood again. What a shame.

I highly recommend this film. The use of the English language (have your dictionary ready) by WC Field as Mr. Micawber is worth the price of DVD in and of itself. Buy it to-day! While I'm at it, you'd be wise to watch and/or buy most any movie produced by David O. Selznick (Google his name, you will find a list). He knew how to draw you into a film and entertain you with a great story!

Charles Dickens would turn over in his grave.......2007-03-09

The "classic" 1935 version with W.C. Fields is horrible--I returned it for a refund and purchased a later BBC version. The 1935 version looks as if it was filmed in 1935--poor directing, poor acting--a travesty for anyone who loves Dickens. I would never recommend this version of the classic David Copperfield.

A mediocre classic.......2007-02-17

One of the old classics that, sad to say, has not outlived its fame well. Melodramatic to the bone. It has ups & downs, but the pace is generally slow and tedious. I loved the film when a kid. Now it irritated me. I was thinking that it would have made an excellent silent film. Actually there's no need to hear the ridiculous lines (no comparison with the book) that are in this script. A nice soundtrack instead of all the babbling would have made a great difference. Why? Because the faces tell it all. Mind you that George Cukor was a great director, only this one wasn't his best work.

The adult Copperfield is annoying to the utmost. And the film is 30 minutes too long. Aside from all these faults, it's still viewable.

David Copperfield.......2007-02-08

This is a great story.

For you old timers, this cast is the best ever.
They don't make them like this anymore.

I am very happy to have this one for my collection.

Average customer rating:

Dickens Must have turned over in his grave
Dickens would be proud
One of my favorite movies
Much better than expected
It will break your heart and mend it well again!

David Copperfield
Starring: Emilia Fox , Pauline Quirke , Maggie Smith , John Normington , and Daniel Radcliffe
Director: Simon Curtis
Manufacturer: Wgbh Boston
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00006HAZG
Release Date: 2002-10-01

Amazon.com

A year before he played his first Quidditch match as Harry Potter, Daniel Radcliffe cast his spell on audiences as young David Copperfield in this stellar British miniseries based on Charles Dickens's classic novel. Vastly superior to the 2000 American-made miniseries (which gave us Michael "Kramer" Richards as Micawber), this impeccable production, originally broadcast on ExxonMobil Masterpiece Theatre, is an embarrassment of riches, with a cast that includes Oscar® winner Maggie Smith (Radcliffe's Potter costar) as the indomitable Aunt Betsey, Oscar nominee Ian McKellen (The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings) as sadistic teacher Mr. Creakle, a wonderful Bob Hoskins (Oscar nominee for Mona Lisa) as the debt-ridden Micawber, Trevor Eve as David's loathsome stepfather Mr. Murdstone (he believes in "firmness" with a vengeance), and Nicholas Lyndhurst as the scheming clerk Uriah Heap. Holding his own with this formidable ensemble is Ciaran McMenamin as the adult David, whose soap opera existence spans an idyll-shattered childhood, unscrupulous villains, tragic romance, and a hard-won happily-ever-after. Rich with incident and populated by some of literature's most memorable characters, this production does full justice to one of Dickens's most beloved and oft-told sagas. --Donald Liebenson

Description

The classic David Copperfield was not just Charles Dickens' favorite work. It has been the most popular of his books since it was first published 150 years ago. Micawber, Peggotty, Betsey Trotwood, Uriah Heep, Mr. Creakle, Mrs. Crupp, and Mr. Dick... never were so many of Dickens' famous and vest-loved characters gathered together in just one of his works.

They are all brought to life by a world-class cast including Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone), Oscar-winner Maggie Smith (The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie), Bob Hoskins (Hook), Nicholas Lyndhurst (Bullshot) and Pauline Quirke (The Elephant Man) in this sparkling adaptation.

The most autobiographical of Dickens' work, David Copperfield often echoes the writer's own life. It tells a moving story of David's journey from birth to maturity, a journey which inextricably links his life with some of Dickens' most colorful and extraordinary families.

Special DVD features include: Cast list; Masterpiece Theatre poster gallery; access to David Copperfield Web site featuring production notes, interviews with the cast and crew, a Dickens timeline, a guide to the featured characters, and more; scene selection; English audiotrack; and closed captions.

One one DVD9 disc. Region coding: All regions. Audio: Dolby stereo. Screen format: Widescreen (Anamorphic)

Customer Reviews:

Dickens Must have turned over in his grave.......2007-06-27

A terrible adaptation of the novel. This movie cannot begin to capture the true essence of David Copperfield. Poorly scripted, casted and directed. Ideas are conveyed in the movie which aren't even in the book while major concepts and instances are blatantly ignored. If you respect Dickens work then don't buy this movie. You'll be sorely cheated if you do.

Dickens would be proud .......2007-04-22

By enlarge, a refreshing aspect of this film is the quality of acting and the casting for the parts of Dickens characters. Daniel Radcliffe (of Harry Potter fame) does a good job of young David Copperfield, seeming to bring the innocence and mistrust to the boy who hopes for a better future. Maggie Smith does a superb job of playing David's aunt, Betsey Trotwood, capturing the dimensionality expected of a character who first rejects, then accepts David into her life.

The film exemplifies the mood of Dickens' work. David endures quite a troublesome and painful existence as a child, either being neglected or treated maliciously by his cold, callus stepfather, Mr. Murdstone. After David also has difficulties in school, and then is robbed and left penniless, he takes a chance on his aunt for help. There is a wonderful scene where Betsey has a confrontation with Murdstone, who is trying to gain custody of David, and ends up telling him to leave.

There are other characters who represent bright spots in David's life, such as Clara Peggotty (David's nanny), Mr. Peggotty, Mr. Micawber, and David's true love, Agnes Wickfield. Agnes represents a true soul for David's troubled life, as she listens to David's concerns and is always there for him in his times of desperation, even while he is married to the child-like Dora.

A prevalent aspect of Dickens-based works is the idea that those who have difficult stations in life can rise up to bigger and better things if they struggle along and find their way. We see this subject captured in David Copperfield, and the bitter aspects of his life are all a part of the journey to overcoming, and having hope for the future.

If there is one beef with this film, it is the pacing. As one reviewer mentioned, the second part of the film tends to wane a little, and doesn't quite have the same impact as the first half. Still, this doesn't take away from the over all impact of the film.

Dickens once said that, of all novels, David Copperfield was his "child," because it was close to home, and nearest to his life. I think he would be satisfied with this film effort. I think you will too!

One of my favorite movies.......2007-03-27

Yes it's another story about an orphan but who would not like this movie?
Daniel Radcliff was such a darling thing.

Much better than expected.......2007-01-18

David Copperfield is quite simply a phenonmenal book. It shows Dickens at his best in creating characters and a plot that masterfully combines comedy, tragedy, intrigue and the joys and sorrows of life. Like other reviewers, I approached this film adaptation concerned that it simply would not be able to maintain those high standards.

I was pleasantly surprised. The casting was very appropriate, I can't think of one character that was not well portrayed. The filming and music were engaging and the sets very well chosen and designed. And the film moved along at a good pace. (Even my seven year old enjoyed it the whole way through.) To keep the film to 3 hours some characters and incidents were left out, but this was done sensitively so the story does not seem at all disjointed.

I have one criticism that prevented me giving 5 stars. Author Russell Baker appeared giving quite a good introduction to the story. But why, oh why did he have to pop up again just before the final music/credits? Literally, just before the movie ends it fades out, he appears and talks about it for a few minutes, and then it fades back to the final music. This was totally inappropriate and if we had not fast-forwarded him in disbelief, it would have stolen something from the atmosphere and sweet after-taste of an extremely engaging and heart-tugging production.

Go ahead and buy this version. You will not regret it.

It will break your heart and mend it well again!.......2006-12-10

It was with great hesitation that I purchased this film, feeling that this rendition would be less desirous than others that came before. But as the opening credits began, I watch as if I had never heard the story told. The cast is exquisite, from the young David Radcliffe, with his insightful ability to contain emotion in such young eyes, to the infamous Maggie Smith, whom always rises to the occasion.

I went to my duty of watching this film, completely stocked in popcorn and soda, but alas, it seems that I forgot the tissues.

Each character was beautifully displayed, with background and wholeness that is lacking in so many other movies based upon the works of countless, talented authors. But with this film, you feel as though you love them as well. What good can come of the story, if you do not know the people in them?

I suspect that you will in time, hold them dear to your own heart as closely as "Davie" holds them to his. You will wonder of the intentions of David Copperfield's childhood friends, and delighted in the new friends that come into his life.

It is a movie, I will watch again, and again, if for nothing more than to visit my old friends!

Average customer rating:

david copperfield - illusion
Awesome
Magical!
A great buy for all David Copperfield fans!
DAVID COPPERFIELD ON DVD!!!!!

David Copperfield - Illusion
Starring: David Copperfield
Director: David Copperfield
Manufacturer: Standing Room Only
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0001KNDTE
Release Date: 2004-04-27

Amazon.com

In the magical realm of David Copperfield's Illusion, seemingly anything is possible. Essentially a "greatest hits" compilation of jaw-dropping illusions from Copperfield's 20-year legacy of highly rated CBS TV specials, this delightful DVD is guaranteed to entertain even the most skeptical critic of Copperfield's glitzy, Vegas-styled stage shows. The master magician is open to ridicule with his GQ looks, Versace wardrobe, atrociously dated hairstyles, and flamboyant posing, but he's the first to admit it, and his crowd-pleasing showmanship is merely the entertaining warm-up for a magic show unparalleled in the history of illusion arts. Featuring Copperfield's former fiancée Claudia Schiffer as a reporter who interviews Copperfield about his life and career, the CBS special 15 Years of Magic provides the bulk of this program, along with a variety of additional tricks and sleight-of-hand mastery.

The best-known illusions are all here (e.g., disappearance of the Statue of Liberty, walking through the Great Wall of China, the imploding building, the vanishing airplane), along with glimpses of artifacts (further detailed in the bonus features) from Copperfield's extensive, one-of-a-kind museum of magic tricks, automatons, and precious historical documents. And while Copperfield's commentary track necessarily avoids any explanation of how his illusions work, he gives generous credit to other illusionists who contributed their copyrighted work to these shows while explaining the logistical circumstances surrounding each illusion. He's also self-deprecating despite an obviously healthy ego, and the clip from Late Night with Conan O'Brien--in which a faux Copperfield performs ridiculous non-tricks on the streets of Manhattan--is a real hoot. Of course, any cynic could dismiss Copperfield's work as the product of precision engineering and rigorous rehearsal, but one simple fact remains: Not a single one of his marvelously staged illusions fails to delight and astonish. It's no mistake that the song "Young at Heart" is prominently featured; Copperfield invites us to embrace a childlike sense of wonder, making us partners in the act of defying everyday reality. Simply put, it's pure magic. --Jeff Shannon

Description

David Copperfield - the performer the NYT calls "Our Era's Giant of Magic" brings you two decades of his spellbinding career. The Master of Illusion takes you on a guided tour of his magic and his mind. Witness the epic illusions that redefined his art; The Disappearance of the Statue of Liberty, Walking Through the Great Wall of China, The Imploding Building, The Vanishing Airplane, and much more. Included are illusions featured in his Broadway show "Dreams and Nightmares" and Flying, the signature effect that took him seven years to develop.

Customer Reviews:

david copperfield - illusion.......2006-03-03

an absolutly and wonderful dvd. what i expected and more. would recommend this dvd to everyone.

Awesome.......2005-12-05

David copperfield's Illusion dvd was one of the most entertaining things I have ever seen. If your a magic buff this is a must have. Now if only Lance Burton,Siegfried & Roy, David Blaine and Brandon Mcnearney would come out with a dvd!!!!!!!!!

Magical!.......2005-11-16

I was lucky enough to see David Copperfield perform on his European tour 10 years ago. It was by far one the most entertaining nights of my life to date. If you think David Copperfield has a magical charisma and aura about him on TV you can easily multiply that by 100 when you see him for real. The magic tricks are mind boggling to say the least. One can only imagine how much time was spent to rehearse and put a show like that together. I applaud David Copperfield for putting a new twist and fresh breath on " old " magic tricks.

A great buy for all David Copperfield fans!.......2005-08-28

If you are any fan of illusion or David Copperfield, this is his "greatest hits"! A great buy as usual from Amazon!

DAVID COPPERFIELD ON DVD!!!!!.......2005-08-18

WOW! This 2-HOUR PLUS DVD showcases over 20years of the best magic the world has ever seen! Jam-packed with Special Features included a FEATURE LENGTH audio commentary by Copperfield Himself! Do not miss this!

David Copperfield has appeared in 18 televised specials since 1977. He has done one every year until 1995, with his 18th one in 2001. He has vanished a jet airplane and the Statue of Liberty, and walked throught the Great Wall of China. He's escaped being chained underwater, escaped from alcatraz, has survived a tornado of fire and going over niagara falls! In "Illusion", experience the best of the best! Funny, astonishing, entertaining, and awe-inspiring!

David has never released any of his 20 year magic history on any video or DVD. This is the first official release. Hopefully his first 18 1-hour specials will be realeased in a box-set soon! There are some TV specials found on e-bay from Singapore but in poor quality VCD. However this "Illusion" DVD has crystal-clear audio an video!

Copperfield uses no camera tricks, and does all illusions filmed live in front of a live audience (up to 10,000 spectators!). Copperfield today still goes strong, performing over 550 times a year in his worldwide tours! Up to 3 times every day! You will see here exactly what you would if you were watching live at one of his shows!

Track Listing: 1:Intro by Claudia Schiffer, 2:Orient Express vanish, 3:Fires of Passion (burning rope over burning spikes escape), 4:Graffitti Wall (Predicting Random-Drawn words/objects), 5:Cocoon (Metamorphosis), 6:MONTAGE #1: 15 Years of Magic, 7:David's History & Jet Airplane Vanish, 8:New Illusion/Preview, 9:Death Saw escape, 10:Brazilian Water Levitation, 11:[funny moment]/preview, 12:Statue of Liverty vanish, 13:MONTAGE #2: Slight of hand clips, 14:[trips on stair]/pt. 2, 15:MONTAGE #3: Romantic magic clips, 16:interactive flying (move your finger around the screen to experience the magic at home!), 17:[funny moment]/preview, 18:walking through the Great Wall of China, 19:Building Implosion escape, 20:Flying, 21:MONTAGE #4: Closing Credits, 22:Four Aces card trick, 23:Barclay House (haunted house illusion), 24:Snow

Also between each illusion, Claudia Schiffer interviews David leading up to the next illusion.

10 out of 10 stars! a MUST BUY! If you would like to collect or trade the original 20 years of TV specials on DVD contact me. Simply search Amazon users for "weareallone" to find me.

SPECIAL FEATURES: Full Length Commentary by David Copperfield, Television Trailers, "clone-on o'brien" Conan O'Brien spoof, Secret Artifacts From International Museum & Library of the Conjuring Arts, Biography and other Copperfacts, Awards and Honors, Languages, Dolby Digital Surround Sound.

In conclusion, enjoy Great Magic and an indepth look into the mind of Copperfield. The insightful feature length commentary makes this DVD a must have! A++ 100/100%

Average customer rating:

Dickens Must have turned over in his grave
Dickens would be proud
One of my favorite movies
Much better than expected
It will break your heart and mend it well again!

David Copperfield
Starring: Emilia Fox , Pauline Quirke , Maggie Smith , John Normington , and Daniel Radcliffe
Director: Simon Curtis
Manufacturer: BBC Warner
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000FQIRXQ
Release Date: 2006-08-15

Amazon.com

Description

Dickens' most autobiographical book, David Copperfield tells the moving story of David's journey from birth to maturity, a journey which links his life with some of the most colorful, extraordinary characters including the flamboyant Mr. Micawber, eccentric Aunt Betsy Trotwood, the kindly Peggotty family, the cruel Murdstones, the ever so humble Uriah Heep, and loyal, loving Agnes Wicklow. David navigates through a life fraught with hardships and challenges, unexpected joys and even love.

Customer Reviews:

Dickens Must have turned over in his grave.......2007-06-27

Dickens would be proud .......2007-04-22

One of my favorite movies.......2007-03-27

Yes it's another story about an orphan but who would not like this movie?
Daniel Radcliff was such a darling thing.

Much better than expected.......2007-01-18

It will break your heart and mend it well again!.......2006-12-10

Average customer rating:

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR...
Interesting, well paced version of Copperfield
Great acting - gripping historical drama

David Copperfield

Manufacturer: Digiview Productions
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

The Charles Dickens Collection (Oliver Twist / Martin Chuzzlewit / Bleak House / Hard Times / Great Expectations / Our Mutual Friend)
David Copperfield (BBC, 1974)
David Copperfield
Great Expectations (1974)
The Old Curiosity Shop

ASIN: B0006JJNXK

Product Description

Digitally Remastered - Charles Dickens' Literary Classic Brought to Life. The film Follows young David's journey through life, beginning as an orphan to an adult filled with regret, who eventually finds resolution in the present. ALL STAR CAST!!!

Customer Reviews:

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR..........2006-05-22

This DVD seemed a bargain, as it was a period piece with a most illustrious cast. Being a lover of period pieces and a fan of Charles Dickens, I immediately snapped it up. Well, you get what you pay for. Despite the illustrious cast, this body of work is dead on arrival.

Robin Phillips gamely plays the part of David Copperfield. He is, however, a rather colorless chap and is not strong enough to hold this film together, which is unfortunate, as he is the linchpin around which this drama revolves. Told in a series of flashbacks, this contrivance is one of the weaknesses in the film, as it tends to be confusing and adds nothing to the film, but rather, detracts a great deal. This retropsective of David Copperfield's life shows him losing his mother at an early age and being left in the hands of an unloving stepfather. Pulled out of school to toil in a factory as a young child, he runs away and makes it to the home of his loving aunt who raises him. The viewer watches him grow up in Victorian England and sees how he fairs against the vicissitudes of life. The cast of characters with whom he interacts is vibrant, and it is they who manage to keep this two hour film somewhat afloat. Ultimately, however, it tanks.

The all star ensemble is a plethora of riches, with screen greats Richard Attenborough, Ron Moody, Lawrence Olivier, Ralph Richardson, Michael Redgrave, Dame Edith Evans, Wendy Hiller, Susan Hampshire, and Pamela Franklin lighting up the screen at different moments. Even their individual, luminous performances, however, are not enough to make this turkey work, so poorly put together and choppy is the film.

The DVD is offers some special features, such as a classic cartoon, a movie trivia game, and a DVD dictionary. The picture quality is only fair, as the picure is somewhat grainy and washed out looking, though the sound quality is good.

Interesting, well paced version of Copperfield.......2005-10-23

I will often find it difficult to sit through an entire movie at home, and will stop it after 30-45 minutes, then return to it later. But with this film, to my surprise, the first time I looked at the time expired, it was already over an hour, and I was happy to stay with it longer. The film is two hours, and it held my interest from start to finish.

It concisely gave us the story, with all its memorable characters. There's the mean stepfather Murdstone, loquacious Micawber, the willing Barkis and the Peggoty family, kind Aunt Betsey and her dimwitted Mr. Dick, Steerforth and Traddles, Copperfield's sweethearts silly Dora and wise Agnes, eely Uriah Heep, sweet Emily, and the rest of the wonderful Dickens characters.

It seems odd to me that Australia is seen as the great escape, the land to start fresh, and that all your problems are solved once you board that boat to Down Under. It seems like a condemnation of Britain, and I don't see why you can assume that things will work out well in Australia. It seems that you have a whole new movie about the emigrants trying to make a new life there.

When I was a child I read this book and it seemed very heavy, very oppressive. In the movie, the nastiness involved with Murdstone and Heep went by quickly enough, which I was glad of.

There is a life lesson at the end, an answer to the eternal question "why are we here?". The answer is that it is not good enough to be happy and loving. We must pass through the fire and become strong. I suppose there's something to that, though the intensity and type of fire we must pass through varies from one person to another.

This version of David Copperfield gets a thumbs up from me, and is well worth the dollar you have to pay for it at the supermarket. But I noticed that these dollar DVDs are disappearing from the supermarkets, and you have to pay a lot more for their DVDs, so why not order it from Amazon. It's cheap enough, and a good movie.

Great acting - gripping historical drama.......2005-10-15

I wasn't expecting much when I picked this movie up for $1 at Walmart, but I recognized Olivier's name and bought it. I confess I started to watch David Copperfield with little hope. The very beginning was not very encouraging either, with with audio clips that were strange. As the film wore I on I found myself connecting with the characters, and laughing at some great performances. I won't bother you with the plot line, but assure you that it interesting and won't leave you dissapointed.
Laurence Olivier and Wendy Hiller grace the film with cameo's. I higly reccommend this film for lovers of history (especially for a buck!)

P.S. I left off one star for the slightly jarring flash-backs and awkward camerawork.

Average customer rating:

"Capturing the many hardships Dickens indured ... David Copperfield (2006) ... Koch Vision"
a dearth of Copperfields
Craft Did Exellant on this D Copperfield
Best version of David Copperfield

David Copperfield (BBC, 1974)
Starring: David Yelland , Patience Collier , Colette O'Neil , Pat Keen , and John Gill (IV)
Director: Joan Craft
Manufacturer: Koch Vision
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B000E3L7HI
Release Date: 2006-04-04

Product Description

In this definitive BBC adaptation of Charles Dickens classic, David Copperfield struggles to fulfill his potential after enduring the hardships of cruelty, poverty and injustice. Starring David Yelland, Arthur Lowe, Martin Jarvis, Liz Smith, Patricia Routledge.

System Requirements:

Running Time 325 Mins.

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

"Capturing the many hardships Dickens indured ... David Copperfield (2006) ... Koch Vision".......2006-10-19

Koch Vision and BBC present "David Copperfield" (1974) - David Yelland (325 mins/Color) (Dolby Digital) --- Under Julian Aymes (Director), John McRae (Producer), Charles Dickens (Book Author), Hugh Whitmore (Screenwriter) ----- the cast includes David Yelland (David Copperfield), Patience Collier (Betsey Trotwood), Collette O'Neill (Clara Copperfield), Ian Hogg (Mr. Peggotty), Martin Jarvis (Uriah Heep), Patricia Routledge (Mrs. Micawber), Arthur Lowe (Mr. Micawber) . . . . . our story is simply superb with David Yelland in the title role as David Copperfield in this 1974 BBC mini-series ... follow young Copperfield as he's taken from his Mother and loving maid by his stepfather who is as bad as they get ... will David be dumped into a boarding school and given his lessons through a hickory stick ... this bittersweet story has all the ear marks of another Dickens classic with magical direction, wonderful cast and outstanding production --- "My school-days! The silent gliding on of my existence - the unseen, unfelt progress of my life - from childhood up to youth! Let me think, as I look back upon that flowing water, now a dry channel overgrown with leaves, whether there are any marks along its course, by which I can remember how it ran" --- these and other quotes are waiting for you in this marvelous mini-series of David Copperfield by Dickens.

Great job by Koch Vision for releasing "David Copperfield" (1974) - David Yelland, the digital transfere with a clean, clear and crisp print...looking forward to more high quality releases from the BBC mini-series film market...order your copy now from Amazon or Koch Vision where there are plenty of copies available on DVD, stay tuned once again for top notch drama mixed with an outstanding cast and director --- just the way we like 'em

Total Time: 325 mins on DVD ~ Koch Vision KOCV6382 ~ (4/04/2006)

a dearth of Copperfields.......2006-09-15

If the BBC can devote 26 episodes to the Forsyte Saga (an excellent movie), surely they can devote 12 episodes to the greatest novel in the English language. Or to put it another way, if the BBC can devote five hours to an inferior novel like "The Buccaneers", surely they can devote twice that number to David Copperfield.

The 1974 version of the book is 5 hours long, the longest version so far. It includes all the important events of the novel, but only touches on these events and the many characters and does not have time to make the events as effective as they could be. The script is creditable except a few times where it ducked a dramatic scene, breaking before and coming in afterward, including the scene which Tolstoy called the greatest in all of world literature--the storm at sea. It is also a low budget film.

The casting is inferior with weak performances of almost all the actors (the exceptions being Anthony Andrews as Steerforth, the actress who played Aunt Betsy and the actor who played Heap, who gave us the best Uriah of any of the movie versions). Outstanding examples of bad casting were (1) David's mother, who should have been young and dainty instead of 40 and rugged, and (2) Dora, who should have been 16 and petite instead of late 30s and tall and sturdy. Also, the actor played Macawber too seriously without the touch of comic absurdity which the book has and which the part required. The actor who played the grown-up David did not look half so bad as the picture on the cover and played his part adequately.

The 1935 version with its stark black and white resembles the Cruikshank drawings in the book, and many of the performances are definitive: Freddy Bartholomew as young David, Edna Mae Oliver as Aunt Betsy, Basil Rathbone as Murdstone, Lionel Barrymore as Mr. Peggoty, as well as the people who played David's mother, little Emily, and most of the minor characters. The settings are a joke, cardboard, painted backdrops and the arid landscape of California filling in for the lush green English countryside. Still, it is an effective and indelible movie, marred only by having to leave so much out (2 hours 10 minutes) and by the horrendously inappropriate casting of W.C. Fields as Macawber (the most laconic actor in the movies to play the most loquacious character in all literature?!) His laboring to get the words out is painful to watch. The director, George Cukor, wanted Charles Laughton. Louis B. Mayer overruled him. But the filmmaker knew how to make movies, and the screenwriter knew how to write screenplays. The same cannot be said for the other film versions.

The 1970 version is a joke. Some smart-aleck screenwriter thought it would be clever to chop the story up into bits, toss them in the air, pick them up randomly and show them to the audience. All the moving events are thus rendered totally ineffective. This version is useful only as a lesson in how to ruin a great story.

The 1999 version is only three hours long and has more elaborate sets, some location shooting, and background music, but suffers from poor or inappropriate casting. Maggie Smith chose to play Aunt Betsy as a straight serious role, depriving the character of the comic touches which make Aunt Betsy such a cherished character. Bob Hoskins' performance bears no relation to Macawber, thus depriving us of one of the most colorful characters in all literature. Incredibly, the actor chosen to play Murdstone looks almost identical to Hoskins! Imelda Staunton portrays Mrs. Macawber very well, and the boy does well enough as young David, but the rest of the cast is lamentable. And the omission of Traddles is a loss. The script is hit and miss. But the most serious problems are the introduction of a narrator who is constantly narrating and keeping the audience at one remove from the events, and the actor who played the grown-up David, who constantly smiled and smirked, sometimes even in the tragic scenes. He seemed to have no other facial expression.

Bottom line: If you can only afford one version, the 1974 version is your best bet. Alas.

Craft Did Exellant on this D Copperfield.......2006-09-02

This production follows what C Dickens wanted and did say in his book "David Copperfield." I think Mr Dickens would have been happy and gave it his approval. We are Dickens fans and usually see major plots are left out of the film, but not here. Do not look for Hollywood glizt here. Buy this BBC master.

Best version of David Copperfield.......2006-04-03

I have seen quite a few versions of David Copperfield and, in my opinion, this one is the best. The actors are outstanding, with a special nod to Anthony Andrews who plays a chilling Steerforth, and the locations and script are excellent also. I highly recommend this production. I have been waiting for it to come to DVD for a long time, and I'm so happy it finally has. It is definitely worth seeing.

Collector's Classics: Once Upon a Book - Jane Eyre/Decameron Nights/Anna Karenina/David Copperfield

Average customer rating:

Collector's Classics: Once Upon a Book - Jane Eyre/Decameron Nights/Anna Karenina/David Copperfield
Starring: Collectors Classics: Spaghetti Westerns
Manufacturer: Gladiator
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD