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
Martin Chuzzlewit (1996)
8.2/10
Director: Pedr James
Starring: Paul Scofield, Tom Wilkinson, John Mills, Julia Sawalha, Keith Allen, Elizabeth...
Social comedy and serious drama meet in this BBC mini-series of the Charles Dickens' tale. Greed turns the family and friends of Martin Chuzzlewit, a... Read more
Nicholas Nickleby (2002)
7.2/10
Director: Douglas McGrath
Starring: Jamie Bell, Jim Broadbent, Tom Courtenay, Alan Cumming, Edward Fox, Romola Garai...
Beautifully realized filming of Charles Dickens' novel by Douglas McGrath ("Emma") tells of the adventures of 19-year-old Nicholas (Charlie Hunnam), s... Read more
Nicholas Nickleby (Blu-ray) (2002)
7.1/10
Director: Douglas McGrath
Starring: Alan Cumming, Barry Humphries, Christopher Plummer, Edward Fox, Jim Broadbent, J...
Beautifully realized filming of Charles Dickens' novel by Douglas McGrath ("Emma") tells of the adventures of 19-year-old Nicholas (Charlie Hunnam), s... Read more
Oliver Twist (1948)
7.8/10
Director: David Lean
Starring: Alec Guinness, Robert Newton, John Howard
The first British sound filming of the Dickens novel, David Lean's classic drama is highlighted by Alec Guinness' portrayal of the sinister Fagin. Rob... Read more
Oliver Twist (2005)
6.9/10
Director: Roman Polanski
Starring: Barney Clark, Harry Eden, Jamie Foreman, Ben Kingsley, Jeremy Swift, Edward Hard...
A dynamic, though faithful interpretation of one of Dicken's best-loved stories is Polanski's follow-up to his Oscar-winning, 'The Pianist'. Barney C... Read more
Oliver Twist (1999)
7.9/10
Director: Renny Rye
Starring: Annette Crosbie, Emily Woof, Julie Walters, Lindsay Duncan, Roger Lloyd-Pack, Ke...
Adapted by Alan Bleasdale, this version of "Oliver Twist" gives viewers a new look at an old story, waiting 90 minutes to even introduce its eponymous... Read more
Oliver Twist (BBC) (1985)
6.9/10
Director: Gareth Davis
Starring: Eric Porter, Lysette Anthony, Michael Attwell, Pip Donaghy, Scott Funnell
Exceptional BBC mini-series adaptation of Dickens' timeless tale, the story of the poor boy who asked for more. Born into a miserable workhouse orphan... Read more
Oliver Twist (BBC) (2007)
6.9/10
Director: Coky Giedroyc
Starring: Anna Massey, Edward Fox, John Sessions, Timothy Spall, Tom Hardy, Gregor Fisher,...
This gripping take on Charles Dickens' classic remains faithful to the spirit of the novel whilst delivering a modern, thrilling, tragic and occasiona... Read more
Oliver! (1968)
7.5/10
Director: Carol Reed
Starring: Harry Secombe, Jack Wild, Mark Lester, Oliver Reed, Ron Moody, Shani Wallis
The musical version of Dicken's classic 'Oliver Twist' adds song and dance to the story of a brave lad trying to survive amidst wretched social condit... Read more
Oliver! ( Blu-ray ) (1968)
7.5/10
Director: Carol Reed
Starring: Harry Secombe, Jack Wild, Mark Lester, Oliver Reed, Ron Moody, Shani Wallis
The musical version of Dicken's classic 'Oliver Twist' adds song and dance to the story of a brave lad trying to survive amidst wretched social condit... Read more