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Charles Dickens died nearly two decades before the birth of motion pictures, but his novels have inspired generations of filmmakers.
By Times staff
© St. Petersburg Times, published February 7, 2002
Today marks the 190th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens, whose novels have inspired an impressive number of theatrical and television movies. Dickens died in 1870, nearly two decades before motion pictures existed, yet his imagination inspired filmmakers from the start.
A segment of Oliver Twist performed silently by vaudeville actors Mabel Fenton and Charles Ross became the first Dickens film adaptation in 1897, titled The Death of Nancy Sykes. Last year's animated version of A Christmas Carol continued the posthumous relationship into the 21st century. Overall, 140 productions have translated Dickens' words to the screen; A Christmas Carol leads the pack with 39 versions in a variety of formats from musical to Mr. Magoo to Muppets.
Some Dickens movies are the best of times while others are the worst of times. Here are some suggested titles available on home video if you don't have time to read the book:
Great Expectations (1946) -- Orphaned Pip (John Mills) is aided by an anonymous benefactor and becomes the toast of London society. Director David Lean (Lawrence of Arabia) works wonders with such sprawling material, cutting to the human drama amid the historical settings.
Great Expectations (1998) -- The story of Pip (renamed Finn) is updated to contemporary Manhattan's art world with Ethan Hawke and Gwyneth Paltrow as would-be lovers and Robert De Niro as a crafty convict. Anne Bancroft makes a marvelously decadent aristocrat. Some segments were filmed in Fort De Soto Park and Sarasota.
Oliver Twist (1948) -- Lean confirmed his position as Dickens' truest interpreter with this version of youthful pickpockets and the schemer (Alec Guinness) behind them.
Scrooge (1951) -- Alastair Sim's portrayal of skinflint Ebenezer Scrooge is widely considered the best (and darkest) of all interpretations of A Christmas Carol.
Scrooge (1970) -- Same title but a much different holiday entertainment. Albert Finney is superb in this musical version with songs by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse.
The Old Curiosity Shop (1975) -- Newley parlayed his Scrooge duties into another Dickens musical starring himself as Mr. Quilp, a cheater getting conned.
Oliver! (1968) -- An Oscar winner for best picture. Ron Moody's spry performance as Fagin leads a charming musical cast.
The Pickwick Papers (1952) and Hard Times (1977) -- Two of Dickens' least-filmed works, possibly because of their episodic natures. More tales of class distinctions and romance performed with flair.
David Copperfield (1935) -- Child star Freddie Bartholomew plays a lad dealing with a new, cruel stepfather (Basil Rathbone). Life improves when he escapes to live with a kindly aunt (Edna May Oliver).
The Mystery of Edwin Drood (1935) -- An unfinished Dickens novel becomes a suspenseful film. Claude Rains plays a respectable citizen responsible for several murders.
The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickelby (1982) -- A comprehensive TV miniseries version of another Dickensian life. Roger Rees, who later joined Cheers, plays the title role battling family impositions.
A Tale of Two Cities (1935) -- Ronald Colman plays a lawyer during the French Revolution defending Donald Woods on charges of spying against England. 'Tis a far, far better thing that other filmmakers have done with the material.