David Copperfield (1999)
While the 1935 version is adorable and brought Freddie Bartholomew to the world, there’s just no comparison to the 1999 miniseries. I own a well-worn DVD copy and have watched it countless times. I even forced my entire family to watch it on my birthday. They all loved it, and my mom was inspired to borrow my copy of the book. Even my sister-in-law loved it, and English isn’t even her first language!
I love the 1935 original; I really do. But with a 1200-paged book, there’s only so much that can be included in two hours. Adding an extra hour really helps the story unfold naturally, instead of feeling a tad rushed. In this version, you have the time to really fall in love with Micawber, fear the ominous Uriah Heep, and understand the importance of each woman in David’s life. Black-and-white films have their charm, especially with period pieces; but is there anything more charming than a Christmas BBC broadcast that introduces a very young Daniel Radcliffe to the world? It’s really impossible to pick which young Copperfield is more adorable. When Daniel shows up at Maggie Smith’s house dressed in rags and cries, “If you please, Aunt,” it just makes you want to weep and bundle him up in a hug. Or, as Mr. Dick suggests, give him a bath.
As I always say, a great supporting cast turns a good movie into a wonderful one. Lionel Barrymore, Edna May Oliver, and Maureen O’Sullivan are lovely, but they just don’t have the time to express themselves like the 1999 actors do. In Maggie Smith’s scenes, you’re able to see the tenderness hidden behind her tough exterior. Mr. Dick is given a different interpretation by Ian McNeice, one that gives more credence to Maggie’s faith in him. Alan Armstrong is faithful and loving as Mr. Peggoty, just as loving and kind-hearted as his sister Peggoty, played by Pauline Quirke. You can truly see Emilia Fox’s weakness as David’s mother, and how Joanna Page as Dora is a substitute but not a replica. Bob Hoskins is a pauper because he’s too generous and has a big heart, not because he’s foolish. He really does understand the ways of the world, but his passions run away with his heart and mind. Imelda Staunton is absolutely adorable as she declares she “never will desert Micawber!” time and again. Everyone plays into the melodrama of the book because it is young David Copperfield’s memory of them, skewed by the view of a child. Since everyone’s emotions are heightened, it makes for a wonderful entertainment.
Watch the original first. It’ll give you a good start, and Freddie Bartholomew is too cute for words. Then watch the miniseries to really immerse yourself in Dickens’s classic. If you’re feeling particularly daring, read the book next. It’s so close to the miniseries it feels like you’re watching it all over again, so you won’t get lost or bogged down. The tiniest details are included from the page to the screen, from Nicholas Lyndhurst’s sweaty palms as he creeps out the audience as Uriah Heep, to Dawn French as the landlady repeatedly mispronouncing Copperfield. Every line is delightful, from “Barkis is willing” to Tom Wilkinson’s narration of direct passages from Dickens. Hats off to teleplay adapter Adrian Hodges, and to everyone in the cast. This is a classic to treasure.
More Daniel Radcliffe movies here!
More Maggie Smith movies here!
Be sure and check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 1935's David Copperfield here!
I love the 1935 original; I really do. But with a 1200-paged book, there’s only so much that can be included in two hours. Adding an extra hour really helps the story unfold naturally, instead of feeling a tad rushed. In this version, you have the time to really fall in love with Micawber, fear the ominous Uriah Heep, and understand the importance of each woman in David’s life. Black-and-white films have their charm, especially with period pieces; but is there anything more charming than a Christmas BBC broadcast that introduces a very young Daniel Radcliffe to the world? It’s really impossible to pick which young Copperfield is more adorable. When Daniel shows up at Maggie Smith’s house dressed in rags and cries, “If you please, Aunt,” it just makes you want to weep and bundle him up in a hug. Or, as Mr. Dick suggests, give him a bath.
As I always say, a great supporting cast turns a good movie into a wonderful one. Lionel Barrymore, Edna May Oliver, and Maureen O’Sullivan are lovely, but they just don’t have the time to express themselves like the 1999 actors do. In Maggie Smith’s scenes, you’re able to see the tenderness hidden behind her tough exterior. Mr. Dick is given a different interpretation by Ian McNeice, one that gives more credence to Maggie’s faith in him. Alan Armstrong is faithful and loving as Mr. Peggoty, just as loving and kind-hearted as his sister Peggoty, played by Pauline Quirke. You can truly see Emilia Fox’s weakness as David’s mother, and how Joanna Page as Dora is a substitute but not a replica. Bob Hoskins is a pauper because he’s too generous and has a big heart, not because he’s foolish. He really does understand the ways of the world, but his passions run away with his heart and mind. Imelda Staunton is absolutely adorable as she declares she “never will desert Micawber!” time and again. Everyone plays into the melodrama of the book because it is young David Copperfield’s memory of them, skewed by the view of a child. Since everyone’s emotions are heightened, it makes for a wonderful entertainment.
Watch the original first. It’ll give you a good start, and Freddie Bartholomew is too cute for words. Then watch the miniseries to really immerse yourself in Dickens’s classic. If you’re feeling particularly daring, read the book next. It’s so close to the miniseries it feels like you’re watching it all over again, so you won’t get lost or bogged down. The tiniest details are included from the page to the screen, from Nicholas Lyndhurst’s sweaty palms as he creeps out the audience as Uriah Heep, to Dawn French as the landlady repeatedly mispronouncing Copperfield. Every line is delightful, from “Barkis is willing” to Tom Wilkinson’s narration of direct passages from Dickens. Hats off to teleplay adapter Adrian Hodges, and to everyone in the cast. This is a classic to treasure.
More Daniel Radcliffe movies here!
More Maggie Smith movies here!
Be sure and check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 1935's David Copperfield here!