Martin Chuzzlewit [Import]

I didn't understand or like Dickens' story-telling until I watched this film. Something clicked as to how he (Dickens) protrays the morals in his characters and his style of writing.

The Elder Martin Chuzzlewit at first seems like a dumb, cranky old man who complains much. He treats his grandson (Martin) cruelly when younger Martin falls in love with his charge, Mary. To earn a living, so that he can marry Mary, younger Martin sets out to find his fortune in America--where it turns into a disaster and he nearly dies!

During the tale of the story we also meet Tom Pinch (who is one of my favorite characters), his sister (Ruth--another favorite), the arrogant Mr. Pecksniff and his two daughters ("Cherry" and "Merry"), the evil Jonas, and the kind-hearted old man (Mr. Chuffey), to name a few.

This is just the cream of the story, and doesn't do any justice in telling you of the example of nobility, honor, and righteous character Dickens' protrays in this story. I could watch this the film over and over and not tire of it. The surprise ending is the best part. I always have to watch it several times before ending the movie. =) You will not be disappointed with this film.

Truly, one of the best I have ever seen and yes, do like to watch over and over again...

I had a "Dickens" of a time in the mid 90's trying to find this video a while after it was first presented on PBS, but at the then discounted price of $60, it was very well worth it!

It's an enthralling tale you become one with...you feel as though you are an observer on the sidelines trying to keep score as this thoroughly amusing bunch of people go from scene to scene, fleshing out Dickens' tale that portrays many of the worst and also the good and decent qualities of human behavior. The actors are THAT believable and so right in their respective roles!

I find though that I have to listen carefully in a few parts of this story, as the words said in the thick English slangy accent from a few of the characters can pass me by.

Altogether this is a truly superb show that unlike so much else out there, I will never tire of seeing again and again!

I thought this was a brilliant adaptation. The side characters who are usually loathsome in Dickens novels are superb. You never fully comprehend how the plot will twist and turn. The settings and costumes represent the period well and you can almost smell the filth on the London Streets. Mrs Gamp was so superbly awful you lean away when she speaks for fear of catching a waft of her breath. Tom Wilkinson is outstanding along with Keith Allen and in many scenes his face says it all with almost pantomime effect giving some much needed comedic relief. There is a huge cast of characters in here even an appearance from Joan Simms. It is a like a little treasure trove full of suprises. I think it was one of Dickens best works and I am so pleased to see it brought to life. As a side note I remember when this was aired on TV and Ben Walden was interviewed. He said that he was offered to audition but had never heard of this particular works so in a panic he phoned his father, Brian Walden the interviewer, who was very well read and he told him the entire outline of the story the night before. The rest, as they say, is history.