Movies About Charles Dickens

From David Lean, starring Robert Newton, Alec Guinness, Kay Walsh, Francis L. Sullivan
Rated Not Rated

Oliver Twist is a 1948 British drama film directed by David Lean. It is based on Charles Dickens' 1838 novel of the same name. The film follows the orphan Oliver Twist (played by John Howard Davies) as he is sent to a workhouse and later falls into the clutches of a criminal gang led by the sinister Fagin (Alec Guinness). Eventually, Oliver is adopted by a kindly benefactor, and he is able to escape the dark life he was born into. The film features a star-studded cast, including Robert Newton as Bill Sikes, Kay Walsh as Nancy, and Henry Stephenson as Mr. Brownlow. The film received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with Guinness' performance as the villainous Fagin being particularly praised. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and is now considered a classic of British cinema.

From Directors: Jack Conway, Robert Z. Leonard, starring Ronald Colman, Elizabeth Allan, Edna May Oliver, Reginald Owen
Rated Passed

A Tale of Two Cities is a 1935 American historical drama film directed by Jack Conway and Robert Z. Leonard and based on the Charles Dickens novel of the same name. It stars Ronald Colman as Sydney Carton, Donald Woods as Charles Darnay, and Edna May Oliver as Madame Defarge. The film follows the story of two men, Charles Darnay, an exiled French aristocrat, and Sydney Carton, an alcoholic English lawyer, both of whom are in love with the same woman, Lucie Manette. Both men's lives become intertwined as the French Revolution begins and the Reign of Terror brings chaos to the country. As the violence and bloodshed of the Revolution continues, Carton makes a selfless sacrifice that ultimately unites Darnay and Lucie. The film is a classic example of the historical drama genre, blending elements of romance, tragedy, and heroism to tell a timeless and captivating story. It features a stirring score by Alfred Newman and notable performances by the cast, including an Academy Award-nominated performance by Edna May Oliver.

From David Lean, starring John Mills, Valerie Hobson, Tony Wager, Jean Simmons
Rated Approved

Great Expectations is a 1946 British drama film directed by David Lean and based on the novel by Charles Dickens. The film stars John Mills, Alec Guinness, Jean Simmons, and Valerie Hobson. It follows the story of Pip, an orphan boy who is given an opportunity by a mysterious benefactor to become a gentleman. With the help of his friend Herbert Pocket, Pip embarks on a journey of self-discovery and the pursuit of the woman he loves. As the story progresses, Pip comes to realize the true nature of his benefactor and confronts the consequences of his choices. With sweeping visuals and a timeless story, Great Expectations is a classic example of a period drama.

From Edwin L. Marin, starring Reginald Owen, Gene Lockhart, Kathleen Lockhart, Terry Kilburn
Rated Passed

A Christmas Carol (1938) is a classic holiday film directed by Edwin L. Marin. The film is an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ beloved novella of the same name. The film follows the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge (Reginald Owen), a cold-hearted man who hates Christmas and all it stands for. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his deceased business partner, Jacob Marley (Gene Lockhart), who warns him of three spirits who will visit him throughout the night. The spirits take Scrooge on a journey through his past, present, and future, showing him how his attitudes have affected those around him and what will happen if he does not change his ways. Through the spirits' guidance, Scrooge comes to realize the importance of kindness, generosity, and the spirit of Christmas, and ultimately reforms his ways. By the end of the film, Scrooge is a changed man, and the audience can rejoice in the spirit of Christmas.

From Carol Reed, starring Mark Lester, Ron Moody, Shani Wallis, Oliver Reed
Rated G

From George Cukor, starring Freddie Bartholomew, Frank Lawton, Edna May Oliver, Elizabeth Allan
Rated Passed

From Douglas McGrath, starring Charlie Hunnam, Jamie Bell, Christopher Plummer, Jim Broadbent
Rated PG