Charles Dickens
One of the most popular writers of the 19th Century, Charles Dickens was a major celebrity in his own lifetime. He published many of his novels in serial form and wanted his writing to reflect and be accessible to all classes. Readers would eagerly anticipate the next instalment in the lives of young Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, Little Dorritt and the scores of other lively characters inhabiting his stories. Many of his works have been translated to the big screen and gathered below is Alice's collection of adaptations from one of the greatest storytellers of all time.
"Whatever I have tried to do in life, I have tried with all my heart to do it well; whatever I have devoted myself to, I have devoted myself completely; in great aims and in small I have always thoroughly been in earnest." - Charles Dickens
A Christmas Carol (2009)
6.8/10
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Starring: Bob Hoskins, Cary Elwes, Colin Firth, Gary Oldman, Jim Carrey, Robin Wright
Director Robert Zemeckis uses the techniques developed for 'The Polar Express' and 'Beowulf' for this computer animated retelling of Charles Dickens'... Read more
A Christmas Carol (BBC) (1976)
6.8/10
Director: Moira Armstrong
Starring: Michael Hordern, Bernard Lee, John Le Mesurier, Clive Merrison, Patricia Quinn,...
Michael Hordern plays the sour Scrooge in this wonderful BBC adaptation of Charles Dickens' great Christmas story. John Le Mesurier is Jacob Marley a... Read more
A Christmas Carol / Songs From Grope Lane (2003)
Director: Geraldine Dowd
Starring: Anton Lesser
'A Christmas Carol' - At his house, a group of friends and relatives listen to Dickens as he tells his Christmas story. Anton Lesser, as Dickens, brin... Read more
A Christmas Carol: The Musical (2004)
6.5/10
Director: Arthur Seidelman
Starring: Kelsey Grammer, Jesse L Martin, Jane Krakowski, Jason Alexander, Jennifer Love H...
This elaborate musical re-telling of Dickens' Christmas story is based on a stage version that was performed for ten consecutive years in New York's M... Read more
A Tale of Two Cities (1958)
7.1/10
Director: Ralph Thomas
Starring: Dirk Bogarde, Dorothy Tutin, Cecil Parker
A faithful retelling of the Dickens story in this well-made British production, with Dirk Bogarde a good Sydney Carton. Read more
A Tale of Two Cities (1935)
7.8/10
Director: Jack Conway
Starring: Basil Rathbone, Edna May Oliver, Elizabeth Allan, Ronald Colman, Reginald Owen
An elaborate adaptation of Dickens' classic tale of the French Revolution. Dissipated lawyer Sydney Carton defends emigre Charles Darnay from charges... Read more
Blackadder's A Christmas Carol (1988)
Director: Richard Boden
Starring: Rowan Atkinson, Tony Robinson, Robbie Coltrane, Hugh Laurie, Miranda Richardson
Take a laugh-filled look at Christmas through the centuries past and into the future with the Blackadder families in this spoof of the Charles Dickins... Read more
Bleak House (2005)
8.4/10
Director: Justin Chadwick, Susanna White
Starring: Gillian Anderson, Alun Armstrong, Charlie Brooks, Warren Clarke, Pauline Collins...
Another stellar Dickens adaptation here penned by Andrew Davies ('Bridget Jones' Diary', the BBC's 'Pride and Prejudice'). Thrilling and romantic, the... Read more
David Copperfield (1935)
7.5/10
Director: George Cukor
Starring: Lionel Barrymore, Freddie Bartholomew, W C Fields, Edna May Oliver, Basil Rathbo...
Director Cukor assembled a fine cast to portray the assortment of characters that populate Charles Dickens' epic novel, the original title of which wa... Read more
David Copperfield (BBC) (1999)
7.8/10
Director: Simon Curtis
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Bob Hoskins, Maggie Smith, Ian McKellen, Zoe Wanamaker, Ciaran...
Like a fine gourmet meal, this adaptation of "David Copperfield" has something to suit every taste: a well-paced screenplay that keeps the tale bowlin... Read more