David Copperfield

David Copperfield

 Cast: Freddie Bartholomew
Freddie Bartholomew
, Frank Lawton
Frank Lawton
, W.C. Fields
W.C. Fields
, Lionel Barrymore
Lionel Barrymore
, Edna May Oliver
Edna May Oliver
David Copperfield

David Copperfield

 Cast: Freddie Bartholomew
Freddie Bartholomew
, Frank Lawton
Frank Lawton
, W.C. Fields
W.C. Fields
, Lionel Barrymore
Lionel Barrymore
, Edna May Oliver
Edna May Oliver

DVD (Full Frame)

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Overview

David Copperfield was MGM's major Christmas release for its 1934-1935 season and also the first of producer David O. Selznick's major "literary" films for that studio. While a great deal of editing and streamlining was necessary to distill Charles Dickens' massive novel into 133 minutes of screen time, the end result was so successful that only the nittiest of nitpickers complained about the excised characters and events. Freddie Bartholomew plays the young Copperfield, who, after the death of his mother (Elizabeth Allan), is cruelly mistreated by his stepfather, Mr. Murdstone (Basil Rathbone). David's life brightens when he meets the ever-in-debt Mr. Micawber (W.C. Fields), and he is sheltered by Micawber's large and loving family until Micawber is carted off to debtor's prison. Forced once more to seek a home, David makes his way to the Dover estate of his Aunt Betsey (Edna May Oliver), where he meets another colorful cast of characters, none more so than the childlike Mr. Dick (Lennox Pawle). When Murdstone arrives, insisting that David be returned to him, Aunt Betsey and Mr. Dick form a united front to protect the boy. Flash-forward several years: the grown David (now played by Frank Lawton) is attending school, where he meets the lovely Agnes Wickfield (Madge Evans). David discovers that Agnes' businessman father (Lewis Stone) is under the thumb of the "'umble" prevaricator Uriah Heep (Roland Young) and the equally disreputable Steerforth (Hugh Williams). With the help of Mr. Micawber-who in a weak moment has taken a job working side-by-side with Heep-David proves Heep's treachery and rescues the Wickfields. By rights, he should marry Agnes, but David impulsively weds the empty-headed Dora (Maureen O'Sullivan). Only after Dora's death does David come to his senses, realizing that Agnes is the true love of his life. Originally, Charles Laughton was slated to play Micawber, but he pulled out of the production, worried that he wouldn't be funny enough. The casting of W.C. Fields was an inspired choice: although he injects his own established screen personality at every opportunity, Fields was born to play Micawber. Likewise, second-billed Lionel Barrymore fits his portrayal of crusty old Dan Peggoty like a glove. In fact, there isn't a false bit of casting in the whole production, and this, as much as Selznick's sumptuous production values, is the key to David Copperfield's enormous success.

Product Details

Release Date: 08/27/2013
UPC: 0883316860144
Original Release: 1935
Source: Warner Archives
Language: English
Time: 2:11:00
Sales rank: 1,789

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits
Freddie Bartholomew Young David Copperfield
Frank Lawton David Copperfield (older)
W.C. Fields Mr. Wilkins Micawber
Lionel Barrymore Dan Peggotty
Edna May Oliver Aunt Betsey Trotwood
Elizabeth Allan Mrs. Clara Copperfield/Mrs. Murdstone
Harry Beresford Dr. Chillip
Hugh Walpole The Vicar
Basil Rathbone Mr. Edward Murdstone
Herbert Mundin Barkis
John Buckler Ham
Madge Evans Agnes Wickfield (older)
Maureen O'Sullivan Dora
Lewis Stone Mr. Wickfield
Roland Young Uriah Heep
Elsa Lanchester Clickett
Jean Cadell Mrs. Micawber
Jessie Ralph Nurse Peggotty
Lennox Pawle Mr. Dick
Violet Kemble-Cooper Jane Murdstone
Una O'Connor Mrs. Gummidge
Hugh Williams Steerforth
Ivan Simpson Limmiter
Fay Chaldecott Little Emily as Child
Marilyn Knowlden Agnes as Child
Florine McKinney Little Emily as Woman
Mabel Colcord Mary Ann
Renee Gadd Janet
Arthur Treacher Dishonest Coachman
Margaret Seddon Bit
Elizabeth Allen Actor
Herbert Stothart Composer

Technical Credits
George Cukor Director
Howard Estabrook Screenwriter
David O. Selznick Producer
Joseph Newman Assistant Director
Slavko Vorkapich Special Effects
Hugh Walpole Screenwriter
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