Great Expectations
1946
David Lean directs this definitive version of the Charles Dickens classic about an orphaned boy befriended by a mysterious benefactor who enables him to become a gentleman of means. In the gloom of a country graveyard, the young boy encounters an escaped convict, and a chance meeting years later leads the boy to mysterious .. Read more
| Starring | John Mills, Alec Guinness, Jean Simmons, Bernard Miles |
|---|---|
| Director | David Lean |
| Genres | Family |
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Great Expectations
David Lean directs this definitive version of the Charles Dickens classic about an orphaned boy befriended by a mysterious benefactor who enables him to become a gentleman of means. In the gloom of a country graveyard, the young boy encounters an escaped convict, and a chance meeting years later leads the boy to mysterious adventure, wealth and joy.
| Starring | John Mills, Alec Guinness, Jean Simmons, Bernard Miles, Valerie Hobson, Francis Sullivan, Finlay Currie, Freda Jackson, Hay Petrie, Torin Thatcher, Martita Hunt, Ivor Barnard, O. B. Clarence, George 'Gabby' Hayes, Anthony Wager |
|---|---|
| Director | David Lean |
| Studio | ITV DVD |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 58 mins Blu-ray: 1 hr 53 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Family |
| Language | DVD: English Blu-ray: English |
| Hearing-impaired | English |
| Subtitles | DVD: None |
| Released | DVD: 12 Apr 1999 Blu-ray: 23 Jun 2008 Production year: 1946 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (2)
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Despite the inevitable simplifications, this is a superbly pictorial rendering of a much-loved novel, with all the famous characters in safe hands and masterly judgement in every department.
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Still Lean's best film, and probably - along with Cukor's David Copperfield - the best of all the cinema's many stabs... read more on Time Out
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Most helpful member's review
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4 out of 4 people found this review helpful
excellent adaptation
This is an excellent adaptation of Dickens novel, skillfully streamlining the story and omitting the more extraneous material to create a tight narrative. The acting is superb, particularly John Mills and Alec Guinness, and the tale of Pip's woes as he atteempts to impress Estrella remain compelling. The only real downside here is the ending, which has been changed from the moody downbeat ending of the novel into the typical upbeat Hollywood ending, but the film still remains enjoyable.
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Most recent members' review
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
OK so I havent't read the book ...
... but why bother when there is such a great film to watch instead? Okay, so in this film version little Pip appears to mature from a gangly adolescent to a middle aged bachelor overnight, and the supposed beauty Estella is an over made-up minger with Margaret Thatcher's teeth, but don't let that distract you from the story. Maybe there were simply fewer actors to choose from when this film was made, maybe everyone was busy rebuilding their houses out of old ration cards or something.
Anyway, back to the film. Our hero, Pip, is determined to become a gentleman, having become the plaything of an embittered old spinster and her adopted daughter ( the aforementioned Estella). On coming of age, a mysterious benefactor fulfils his dream by bankrolling a lavish London lifestyle. Pip is convinced it is the elderly spinster Miss Haversham and furthermore that he and Estella are destined to marry ... -
News and features
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A Twist in the tale
- 11 Oct 2005
As a film adaptation Oliver Twist has had its far share of treatments, most notably David Lean's 1948 version and Carol Reed's 1968 musical Oliver!. However, not many directors can inspire such anticipation as the celebrated Roman Polanski, creator of such masterpieces as China Town, Rosemary's Baby and The Pianist. In this new version of the Charles Dickens classic Harry Eden plays the Artful Dodger, while Ben Kingsley is the evil Fagin and Barney Clare the eponymous lead. For those who have... Read more
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- Great Expectations - BLU-RAY Version
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Lean's definitive version of the Dickens classic about an orphaned boy befriended by a mysterious benefactor who enables him to become a gentleman of means. In nineteenth century London, in the gloom ... -
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Great Expectations
David Lean directs this definitive version of the Charles Dickens classic about an orphaned boy befriended by a mysterious benefactor who enables him to become a gentleman of means. In the gloom of a country graveyard, the young boy encounters an escaped convict, and a chance meeting years later ...
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