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Scandalous secrets, strangling bureaucracy, and crippling debts collide in the compelling BBC/Masterpiece Classic adaptation of Charles Dickens' weighty novel, which debuted in serial form in 1855. Mrs. Clennam (Judy Parfitt), a shut-in, kicks the complex storyline into action when she hires 21-year-old seamstress Amy Dorrit (newcomer Claire Foy, a warm and sympathetic presence) just days before her son, Arthur (Matthew Macfadyen, Pride & Prejudice), returns to London after 15 years at sea. Amy lives with her proud father, William (a heartbreaking Tom Courtenay), in Marshalsea, the debtor's prison where Dickens' own father did time. Despite his mother’s denials, Arthur becomes convinced that there's a connection between the Clennams and the Dorrits, so he attempts to solve the mystery on his own, with help from sniveling rent collector Pancks (Eddie Marsan, Happy-Go-Lucky) and hindrance from surly servant Flintwinch (Alun Armstrong, New Tricks) and the aptly-named Circumlocution Office.
Last filmed in 1988, Little Dorrit offers material--about greedy lenders and eager investors--ripe for reinterpretation. If the series doesn't surpass Bleak House, a high-water mark in Dickens adaptations, screenwriter Andrew Davies still does the author proud, despite a sketchy subplot concerning a miserable maid and her mysterious protector. But some things never change, and Dickens presents ample scene-stealing opportunities, of which Amanda Redman as a chilly socialite, Pam Ferris as a shallow governess, Russell Tovey as a lovesick suitor, and Andy Serkis as a Gallic psychopath--his creepiest character since Gollum--take full advantage. In the featurette, cast and crew provide a perceptive look at the making of this timely drama. --Kathleen C. Fennessy
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By M. MacInnes
Format:DVD
A marvelous adaptation of the novel by Dickens....brilliant screenplay...exquisite acting by a remarkable cast....truly wonderful cinematography, makeup and sets....This film revitalizes the original story in an inspiring way and brings it into the 21st century while preserving the integrity of the novel. And as a bonus, the DVD contains numerous scenes which were edited out of the PBS TV version.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I recently watched this five part miniseries on Masterpiece Theatre. I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed it!! I was just sorry it was over in five weeks. It brought out many emotions that are rare in most films lately. It was happy, sad, exasperating, thrilling and suspenseful. The casting of each character was a good choice because the acting was truly believable for each personality.
We need more films like this. The British certainly know how to make excellent films and certain programs.
Thank you BBC . . . .
We need more films like this. The British certainly know how to make excellent films and certain programs.
Thank you BBC . . . .
By T. M. Brown
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
The BBC knows how to do stories written by England's own legendary writers and Little Dorrit is no exception. The sets, costumes and dialogue are first rate bringing you to tears in places. I found this a more detailed version of this story versus the movie that was made with Sir Alec Guinness. Tom Courtenay is outstanding at Father Dorrit, but you don't expect anything less from this fine actor. It's well worth the purchase and a great addition to any Dickens collections.
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4.7 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
little dorrit
This is an awesome series, love it. Found it by accident and so glad I did. I love old English drama. Thanks Amazon for having it so I could buy it.
Published 10 months ago by mickiedoo
5.0 out of 5 stars
Little Dorrit at its best
I've seen every dvd and television version of Little Dorrit. In my humble opinion this is the best. So glad to have it in my collection.
Published 16 months ago by deb
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not my favorite Dickens
Great story if not somewhat predictable. Acting great except I didn't like the girl who played the lead. it left lots of questions as to how the Dorrits got rich all of a sudden. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Pamela Mckinnon
5.0 out of 5 stars
Little Dorrit is wonderful.
I think this is the best adaptation of a Dicken's novel I've ever seen. Andrew Davies script beautifully condenses a very long book, without losing any of the main themes, or... Read more
Published on May 5 2011 by Virginia
4.0 out of 5 stars
Except for Mr. Pancks...
Except for the usual considerations that become necessary when adapting a 900 page novel to the screen, this rendition of Little Dorrit is true to Dickens' original storyline and... Read more
Published on Mar 19 2011 by Keli J. Schmidt
5.0 out of 5 stars
Little Dorrit
The video arrived on time, the product was in good shape and we enjoyed viewing it a great deal. We had previously watched this video on Masterpiece Theatre.
Published on Mar 11 2011 by suzyque
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful Movie
This is such a great movie...So wholesome and well presented..you might think its just a 'chic flick' but it is sooo not
Great Dickens novel brought to life!! Read more
Great Dickens novel brought to life!! Read more
Published on Jan 16 2011 by mom2all
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic!!!!
This was my best serie/show I've seen in a long time. You will get attached to Little Dorrit. The love story is beautiful. A story that all women dream to have. It is a must see!!! Read more
Published on Feb 19 2010 by Nath
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hooked
Brilliantly done! And what colourful a story with fascinating characters - each and every one is unique and complexe.
Published on July 25 2009 by C. Rice
5.0 out of 5 stars
Little Dorrit
This was an excellent British TV series, now packaged as a 4-DVD set. The bonus material (interviews, etc.) is also quite worth watching.
Published on Jun 19 2009 by Russ Jones
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