Great Expectations is a British-American television serial based on Charles Dickens' 1861 novel of the same title. The serial was first broadcast in the US in three parts[1] on The Disney Channel in 1989,[2][3] and in the UK in six parts on the ITV network in 1991.[4]
| Great Expectations | |
|---|---|
| Based on | Great Expectations by Charles Dickens |
| Written by | John Goldsmith |
| Directed by | Kevin Connor |
| Starring | |
| Music by | Ken Thorne |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of series | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 3 |
| Production | |
| Producer | Greg Smith |
| Cinematography | Douglas Milsome |
| Editor | Barry Peters |
| Running time | 120 mins per episode |
| Production companies | HTV Primetime Television Ltd. Tesauro Television Walt Disney Television |
| Original release | |
| Network | The Disney Channel |
| Release | 9 July – 11 July 1989 (USA) |
Jean Simmons, who played the role of the young Estella in the 1946 film, played Miss Havisham in the 1989 version. Other key roles include John Rhys-Davies as Joe Gargery, Ray McAnally as Jaggers, Anthony Calf as the adult Pip, Kim Thomson as both young and adult Estella, Adam Blackwood as Herbert Pocket, Anthony Hopkins as Abel Magwitch, Niven Boyd as Orlick, Susan Franklyn as Biddy and Martin Harvey as young Pip. Having the same actress play Estella as a child and adult provided a smoother transition in following the character than in some adaptations.
Serial format
editThe drama serial format, running five hours, enabled much more of the original story to be filmed than other versions, allowed the restoration of significant characters omitted in other versions, such as Orlick and Wopsle, and the better examination of the roles of other characters, such as Biddy, Drummle, Miss Havisham and the adult Estella. The result is more understandable plot development, and the revelation of themes of the work that tend to be obscured in shorter versions, such as class striving and the values of character vs. wealth. This version takes relatively few liberties with characters and plot turns, and adheres closely to Dickens' published ending.
Plot summary
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Cast
edit- Anthony Hopkins as Magwitch
- Jean Simmons as Miss Havisham
- John Rhys-Davies as Joe Gargery
- Ray McAnally as Mr Jaggers
- Anthony Calf as Pip
- Kim Thomson as Estella
- Adam Blackwood as Herbert
- Martin Harvey as Young Pip
- Susan Franklyn as Biddy
- Rosemary McHale as Mrs Gargery
- Niven Boyd as Orlick
- Sean Arnold as Compeyson
- Frank Middlemass as Uncle Pumplechook
- John Quentin as Mr Wopsle
- Preston Lockwood as Mr Hubble
- Eve Pearce as Mrs Hubble
- Simon Warwick as Startop
Locations
edit
Harty Church on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent was used for the moment when young orphan Pip, whilst visiting his parents' grave, meets the escaped convict, Abel Magwitch. Upnor Village was used as the home of Herbert Pocket's fiancée Clara's house. Upnor Lighthouse is visible as Pip docks in the village.[5]
Release
editThe first episode aired on the Disney Channel on July 9, 1989. It was released on video in 1990.[6]
References
edit- ^ Pointer, Michael (1996). Charles Dickens on the Screen. Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press. p. 192; ISBN 0-8108-2960-6.
- ^ Rosenberg, Howard (7 July 1989). "Disney Miniseries Lives Up to 'Great Expectations'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
- ^ Rule, Sheila (2 July 1989). "TELEVISION; A Great 'Great Expectations' Haunts a TV Version" The New York Times. Retrieved 23 January 2020.
- ^ Radio Times, 20–26 July 1991
- ^ Kent Film Office. "Kent Film Office Great Expectations Film Focus".
- ^ "Great Expectations (television)". D23. Retrieved 22 February 2024.