Adaptations for stage and screen, and ...

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

Thanks Robin!

Does anyone else have information about online productions of our current group read: A Christmas Carol?

[Kathleen]

My husband and I recently watched the BBC’s 2008 mini-series of Little Dorrit, which was divided into eight parts of about an hour each. I thought that the acting and the cinematography were excellent. The use of light was especially good.

I had problems with the script.

First, I was disappointed that the audience knows many important facts from the beginning scenes that the reader does not learn until the very end of the book. These have to do with papers and a burning. It was a cheat!!!

Second, I thought that the script was confusing for someone who does not know the story. We stopped the DVD over and over again, especially in the first and second hours, so that I could explain what was happening. Sometimes my husband stopped it to ask questions and sometimes I stopped it because I thought it was unclear what was happening and I wanted to interject some helpful comments.

Oh, and I don’t want to forget to add that Fannie’s Oriental make-up, in the last part, was absolutely delightful!

[Katy]

Kathleen wrote: "My husband and I recently watched the BBC’s 2008 mini-series of Little Dorrit, which was divided into eight parts of about an hour each. I thought that the acting and the cinematograph..."

I just finished watching the DVD yesterday. I absolutely loved it, but I agree that there were many times I would not have known what was going on if I hadn't read the book. I find that this is often the case when a movie is based on a book.

[Cynda]

I have just now watched a short film version of A Christmas Carol with Vincent Price as narrator. It was worth watching simply to see Price play a straight character instead of a villian. The movie seems to be a device for the filmmakers to make money from Vincent Price's participation. Also actors sometimes enjoy making films that their young family members and friends can watch. Might have been a win-win.

I saw the movie on Hoopla, an eservice my library subscribes to. It can also be found on You Tube.

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

Kathleen and Katy - I agree. Often with such dramatisations I do enjoy them, but they make me want to get back to reading the book. I know what you mean about having to explain certain parts ... And to divulge about the papers right at the start is unforgivable! Charles Dickens made his original readers wait over a year before he shared that little nugget of information.

Although this eight part series is largely more faithful to the book, and does not miss out nearly as many characters, largely I prefer the acting in the earlier one. I prefer Derek Jacobi to Malcolm MacFadyen as Arthur Clennam, Sir Alec Guinness to Tom Courtenay as Edward Dorrit and Eleanor Bron rather than Amanda Redman as Mrs Merdle. On the other hand, I do like Anton Lesser as Mr Merdle and Andy Serkis as Rigaud.

I also though the earlier one was very effective in conveying the London of the time; the hurly-burly of the streets etc. But the second series was far better at staying faithful to the book; the first went through the story twice, from two different points of view. It was a bit experimental.

To be honest, I thought both had drawbacks. It's time they tried again! And yet we have two excellent miniseries of Bleak House.

Cynda - That sounds interesting. Thank you.

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

There is a virtual performance - a live broadcast - of A Christmas Carol from the "Charles Dickens House Museum" in Doughty Street (where he wrote some of his books) tomorrow, 20th December, and another performance later in December. Partly live action and partly puppets, with a starry cast, played under candlelight and with sound effects. It sounds unusual.

Details and tickets are available LINK HERE.

[Judy]

A nice article on the BBC website about how a large number of theatres are doing productions of A Christmas Carol this year, in many cases online:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainm...

Last night I watched the 1980s film with George C Scott as Scrooge, and enjoyed it - an excellent cast.

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

Lovely, thanks Judy :)

[Robin P]

I just watched the online one from Milwaukee Rep and, in spite of seeing this many times, and having just read the story again, found myself crying at the end - Ah, Dickens!

The version was pretty faithful, using a lot of the original language, though there were a few changes, and an interactive part where Scrooge sometimes involves the audience. The special effects for the ghosts were well done. This was apparently filmed at a live production in a previous year.

[Tr1sha]

For anyone in the UK, the one man show of Christmas Carol with Simon Callow is available on BBC iPlayer for about a month (free). I haven’t watched it yet but heard good reports of it.

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

Thanks Robin and Trisha :)

Here's an unusual one I've just watched: a Bengali adaptation of A Christmas Carol, performed by kids on zoom. "Shukutara Ankhi Meli Chaye" lasts just 9 minutes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=...

[Janelle]

For any other Australians in the group, “The Man who Invented Christmas” is currently available on SBS on demand.

[Kathleen]

Over the last few evenings we watched the four part television mini-series of David Copperfield which was produced in 1999. The BBC originally released it as a two part series.

I loved the first part which closely follows the book. However, the other three parts are so drastically abridged that I did not enjoy them. Most of the subplots are included but are so shortened that they had minimal meaning to those not familiar with the book. Tommy Traddles was completely written out of all the scenes.

Maggie Smith was perfect as Betsey Trotwood and Daniel Radcliffe’s cherub face made a great young David. I was surprised that many of the characters were exceedingly large and overweight, including Mr. Dick, Clara Peggotty and Wilkins Micawber. Uriah Heep was creepy, as he should be, but older in the early scenes than the book.

I don’t recommend viewing this production except to see the characters.

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

Janelle wrote: "For any other Australians in the group, “The Man who Invented Christmas” is currently available on SBS on demand."

I watched that on TV over Christmas and really enjoyed it! I was a bit apprehensive, but most of it was factual.

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

Kathleen wrote: "Over the last few evenings we watched the four part television mini-series of David Copperfield which was produced in 1999. The BBC originally released it as a two part series ..."

We also discussed this earlier in this thread (as you've probably seen) and the consensus was that most enjoyed it - but really I think that was because some of the acting - the characterisation was so good, I think!

What you said makes a lot of sense, and I usually find that I too am disappointed with many dramatisations in that they miss too much out - sometimes whole characters and therefore many "sub" plots (though in away nothing is a subplot in Charles Dickens. Still, I do enjoy them, but some are certainly better than others! The best adaptation I know of David Copperfield is a radio one, which is 10 hours long :)

By the way, Uriah Heep did look older than he was. We learn this in chapter 15:

"I saw a cadaverous face appear at a small window on the ground floor ... in the grain of it there was that tinge of red which is sometimes to be observed in the skins of red-haired people. It belonged to a red-haired person—a youth of fifteen, as I take it now, but looking much older—whose hair was cropped as close as the closest stubble; who had hardly any eyebrows, and no eyelashes, and eyes of a red-brown, so unsheltered and unshaded, that I remember wondering how he went to sleep."

It's a portrait of Hans Christian Andersen, of course. I thought Nicholas Lyndhurst played the part very well - so obsequious and oily :D He must have been around 38 at the time though.

[Janelle]

I just finished watching the TV show Dickensian and really enjoyed it. It takes characters from various Dicckens books and puts them all together. It tells the back stories for Miss Havisham and Lady Dedlock so lots of spoilers for Great Expectations and Bleak House. The main thread through the episodes is Inspector Bucket (Bleak House) investigating the murder of Jacob Marley. A lot of fun though the Bumble storyline seemed more like “Carry On Dickens” with lots of innuendo.

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

Oh I loved the "Dickensians" TV series, Janelle! I'm glad you enjoyed it ... I have it on DVD now. I'd worried when I first heard about it, that it might be a travesty, but I felt it was quite faithful to Charles Dickens's depictions.

I think it's just so clever, with an invented mystery running all the way through, and incorporating so many characters from other books. I did feel that they all stayed true to their characters, although sometimes we meet them at different ages from how they are in the stories. Mr. Bumble is very lustful after all, but he only plays a minor character in "Dickensians", doesn't he, and flirts with someone from a different novel as I remember. It's definitely time I watched it again :)

I did wonder, when it was broadcast, how anyone not used to Charles Dickens would follow it. I don't think the writers created any new characters - they were all from his novels and stories - and it had lots of "in jokes"! They had planned another one, based on Oliver Twist, just as the starting point for the first series was Bleak House, but sadly it was cancelled by the BBC.

[Janelle]

Such a shame the second season didn’t go ahead, Jean! I thought it was well written and acted although I’m not sure miss Havisham was ever so nice..
The Cratchit family were wonderful and Nancy was lovely too. (I think Nancy is my favourite Dickens character, such a sad life)
Definitely a show worth rewatching, I’m sure I missed things.

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

Wasn't Miss Havisham cast as a young women Janelle, and a friend of someone in Bleak House? I thought that was intriguing, putting all characters from different novels together.

Yes. I liked Nancy too :)

[Janelle]

Yes it told the story leading up to the wedding day. Compeyson is suitably evil. I just find it hard to imagine Miss Havisham as such a nice young woman! The future Lady Dedlock is her best friend. The crossover between the different novels seemed very natural. Scrooge and Marley supplying loans, Jaggers is everyone’s lawyer, people buy things from the old curiosity shop, Mrs Gamp is everyone’s nurse etc :))

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

That's it! It's all coming back to me ... thank you Janelle :)

[[deleted user]]

There is a 1983 BBC production of Dombey and Son available on BritBox (US - not sure about elsewhere).

I watched 6 of the 8 episodes last night (30 minutes each), and it's really good! So far it's mostly following the novel, some things are missing but it feels pretty faithful. The actor who plays Mr Dombey is very stiff and icy - pretty good depiction!

I adore these older BBC productions - the sets and costumes aren't as lavish, but the scripts and acting are always over the moon fantastic. The simpler backgrounds make it easier for me to focus on the actors and the story.

Edit to add - I was mistaken, there's 10 episodes not 8

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

Thanks for mentioning this, Cozy-Pug! There are actually 2 dramatisations of Dombey and Son available on DVD, and both are supposed to be good, although I'm thinking I'll get the one from 1983 (when budget allows), since you are enjoying it so much. It stars Julian Glover as Mr. Dombey. LINK HERE for the wiki page, including the cast list.



I definitely saw that when it was broadcast, but am not sure about the earlier one from 1969. That had John Carson as Mr. Dombey - he is an equally fine actor with a powerful voice. He used to do a lot of voiceovers. Here's the wiki page for that one: LINK HERE

[Lori]

I've had my eye on the BBC production on Britbox so I will definitely get to it soon!

[Angela]

Cozy_Pug wrote: "There is a 1983 BBC production of Dombey and Son available on BritBox (US - not sure about elsewhere).

I watched 6 of the 8 episodes last night (30 minutes each), and it's really good! So far it's..."

Americans with Amazon Prime, you can stream this for free.

[[deleted user]]

Angela wrote: "Cozy_Pug wrote: "There is a 1983 BBC production of Dombey and Son available on BritBox (US - not sure about elsewhere).

I watched 6 of the 8 episodes last night (30 minutes each), and it's really ..."

I tried that but it said this program was only viewable through BritBox. I have Prime, in the US, not sure why mine told me differently than yours.

[Sue]

Prime does show films and shows from other streamers, such as PBS, HULU, etc. if you don’t belong to those you can’t watch or have to rent. That may be what’s going on. That’s happened to me when I thought something was going to be free at Prime.

[Lori]

What an apropos moment I had a few nights ago while watching an older crime series on Britbox called New Tricks. Some of you may be familiar with it but maybe not. My husband and I have been binging this show and we’re on season 9 episode 5 called ‘Body of Evidence’. In this episode, the mysterious person they are trying to locate is called Boz on their online profile. Lo and behold at the end, one of the detectives makes a connection to the Dickens novels mentioned on the profile to the person’s name -Boz. He tells the story of Dickens and his brother Augustus not being able to pronounce Moses and it becoming boses and then Boz. I had just read that chapter in Forster’s biography and was so excited to be able to make that connection! I had a sneaking suspicion all along because of the name Boz! And Jean has provided that story over in the summer reads thread for our first read.

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

Yep, I remember that episode Lori. Thanks for the reminder and the chuckle :)

The series "New Tricks" is great comfort watching, although the later line-ups never really grabbed us (or anyone really) as much as the first. We still watch them over again though :)

[Curt]

Quite interesting.

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

Have you seen any films or TV adaptations of Charles Dickens's novels Curtis?

[Curt]

Bionic Jean wrote: "Have you seen any films or TV adaptations of Charles Dickens's novels Curtis?"
I believe I've seen most of them. From A Tale of Two Cities to Bleak House to David Copperfield and more. Most are pretty good. Of course, we lose the flourish of Dickens' prose. But I'm glad they're keeping his legacy alive.

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

I enjoy them too, and am sure Charles Dickens himself would. After all, he loved the theatre above everything, and performed so many readings himself :)

My favourite radio dramatisation was of David Copperfield - the one from 1994 - not the more recent one. It was 10 hours long, and made it on to cassette but never CD. Such a shame :(

[Curt]

It is so important to read great literature, starting with Dickens. The sad fact is that after high school, 50 percent of Americans never read another single book.
They may read manuals for work, instruction sheets, and People magazine, but never open another book.
Many even brag about it, like it's a badge of honor.
So glad to be among readers.

[Connie]

Curtis wrote: "It is so important to read great literature, starting with Dickens. The sad fact is that after high school, 50 percent of Americans never read another single book.
They may read manuals for work, ..."

I've heard it's about 33 % that don't read books after high school. But many of them read magazines, newspapers, and online articles. I can't imagine a life without books, so I'm grateful for our online community.

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

I feel the same way, Curtis and Connie. I have no idea of the English statistics, (I am not American) but mostly I feel so sorry for those who do not read for fun. They are missing out on so much! Something must have put them off at school, I expect :( At least articles and so on are a start, and might trigger more of an interest.

Also, adaptations of Charles Dickens's wonderful stories might encourage some "reluctant readers" to read the originals - even in abridged form.

[LiLi]

@Bionic Jean, there was an earlier radio dramatization of _David Copperfield_ as well, I think? I remember listening to it on the portable tape player in the back seat of the car on family camping trips. it's possible it's the same one, but I'm guessing the one we listened to was from the 70s/80s. It was great.

I can't help feeling that enjoying reading for pleasure must be a personality trait that develops early. I've always been an obsessive reader, even as a very young child. Others enjoy maths, sports, games of strategy. To each their own, right? But I sometimes wish I could meet more readers. Thank goodness for this group.

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

I don't think I know that one Elizabeth! I'm sure I'd enjoy it though. Can you remember anyone who was in it, and I'll try to track it down :)

Yes, I too always had my nose in a book, as a kid. The librarians used to get cross with me as I would try to take a book back the same day, having read it in the duration :D

It's so good to see your commenting again!

[LiLi]

@Bionic Jean, I just tried doing an image search to see if I could find a link to the tapes, but alas. I will probably have to ask my parents.

Libraries are great. :) I still remember what ours looked like from when I was growing up (it has since expanded exponentially). They had a great selection and wonderful librarians. I don't recall returning anything same-day, but maybe that's because I would check out a stack I could barely carry out the door. :D

Thanks! I don't always have a lot to say, but I do frequently read the threads. There's always such interesting discussion going on in this group! :)

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

Aw, thanks for looking anyway LiLi. And it's lovely to hear that you read the threads - and join in when you feel like it :)

[Anna]

Channel 5 in the UK is running a series on literary giants. Gyles Brandreth explores the homes and locations that inspired the stories of Charles Dickens. I watched it on catch up . Excellent.

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

This sounds a great series! Thank you Anna :)

[Curt]

Cool

[Greg]

Well, I thought I had seen the Alastair Sim version of A Chistmas Carol (or Scrooge), but it turns out I was wrong. I think I was confusing it with the Seymour Hicks one? Anyway, we watched it tonight as Ron bought me a copy of it for Christmas. The Alastair Sim adaption is a new favorite! The part toward the end where his cleaning lady thinks he has gone off his rocker is priceless; the whole thing is wonderfully acted!

I don't think this will put me off watching Muppets Christmas Carol and Mr Magoo Christmas Carol most years as I like to keep a little childishness in my heart, but I will definitely be watching this Alastair Sim one every year as well!

In fact, we loved the Alastair Sim version so much that Ron has given me a repreive, and we will wait to take down the Christmas decorations until next Friday. I get one more week! Thank you Mr. Sim!

However, the Flintstones Christmas Carol that we gave a chance yesterday, I hope to never ever see again. :)

[Curt]

Mr. Magoo Christmas Carol is pretty good, especially for young viewers.

[Greg]

Curt wrote: "Mr. Magoo Christmas Carol is pretty good, especially for young viewers."

I think so too Curt!

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

Oh I do love the Alastair Sim one! I like Patrick Stewart one too ... but Alastair Sim is just so grouchy - and so wonderfully exuberant at the end :)

We watched the one with George C. Scott this time, but although I was invested in it by the end, I found him rather wooden at the beginning. Just an ordinary if hard-nosed business chap, with no hint of an inner tortured soul. Some of the other performances were very good though, and the production values were excellent.

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

Well I'd love to watch another Christmas Carol, but apparently it's all over tomorrow (Twelfth Night) :(

[Greg]

We snuck in one more yesterday Jean, but I wish we'd chosen another adaption. It was unfortunately atrocious.

The Stingiest Man in Town
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_S...

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

It actually looks so bad that it might be rather good ... ;)