David Copperfield (2000)

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(3,361 ratings)

Hot on the heels of the BBC's multipart 1999 adaptation of Charles Dickens' semiautobiographical novel David Copperfield came this American-financed version, prepared for the TNT cable network as part of the Hallmark Hall of Fame. Child actor Max Dolbey and adult performer Hugh Dancy share the role… More Hot on the heels of the BBC's multipart 1999 adaptation of Charles Dickens' semiautobiographical novel David Copperfield came this American-financed version, prepared for the TNT cable network as part of the Hallmark Hall of Fame. Child actor Max Dolbey and adult performer Hugh Dancy share the role of David Copperfield who, after enduring a tempestuous youth at the hands of his cruel stepfather Murdstone (Anthony Andrews), manages to survive into adulthood with the help and support of such sympathetic figures as Aunt Betsy Trotwood (Sally Field), the eternally-in-debt Mr. Micawber (Michael Richards), and loyal old Dan Peggoty (Nigel Davenport). Even so, David's later years are none too serene, thanks in great part to antagonists like the wheedling, "'umble" Uriah Heep (Frank MacCusker), and to his own star-crossed romantic misadventures. At the time of its first telecast on December 10, 2000, this two-part adaptation of David Copperfield was criticized for the "stunt" casting of former Seinfeld regular Michael Richards as Micawber, who is transformed into a Kramer-esque slapstick figure; however, one must remember that not everyone was enamored of W.C. Fields' now-classic interpretation of the same character in the 1935 film version. David Copperfield was lensed on location in Ireland. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 3 hr.
Directed By: Simon Curtis
Written By: Adrian Hodges
Genres: Drama, Television

In Theaters: Apr 16, 1999 Wide
On DVD: Dec 17, 2002
Studio: WGBH Boston Video

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Featured Audience Ratings

Eliza N

It was a nice film but the book is better.....
Sunil J

An okay adaptation of the Dickens classic.
Barry L

Its okay....but its been done to death. The book will always be better....I should be sho for that but still...

Cast

            Anthony Andrews as Edward Murdstrone

            Eileen Atkins as Jane Murdstone

            Judy Cornwell as Clara Peggotty Barkis

            Nigel Davenport as Dan Peggotty

            Vernon Dobtcheff as Quinion

            Edward Hardwicke as Wickfield

            Alan Howard as Spenlow

            Freddie Jones as Barkis

            Lesley Manville as Mrs. Micawber

            Alec McCowen as Jorkins

            Murray Melvin as Dr. Chilip

            Terence Orr as Tungay

            Michael Richards as Micawber

            Dudley Sutton as Mr. Dick

            Peter Woodthorpe as Mr. Creakle

            Sally Field as Aunt Betsy Trotwod

            Frank MacCusker as Uriah Heep

            Julie Cox as Dora Spendlow Copperfield

            Emily Hamilton as Agnes Wickfield

            Doreen Keogh as Mrs. Heep

            Paul Bettany as James Steerforth

            Hugh Dancy as David Copperfield

            Andrew Grainger as Ham Pegotty

            Sarah Smart as Clara Copperfield

            Simon Delaney as Tommy Twaddles (older)

            Max Dolbey as Young David

            Sarah Farooqui as Young Emily (20s)

            Sean Flanagan as Mealy Pertsers

            Sharon Hogan as Miss Skeegs

            Fiona Lalor as Miss Horton

            Anna Maguire as Young Emily (age 9)

            Sean O'Shaughnessy as Mick Walker

            Phyllis Ryan as Mrs. Gummidge

            Charles Wyn-Davies as Young Tommy Traddles

            Fiona York as Mrs. Creakle

            Laura Dunne as Young Agnes Wickfield

            Bob Hoskins as Micawber

            Maggie Smith as Aunt Betsey Trotwood

            Ian McKellen as Mr. Creakle

            Ciaran McMenamin as David Copperfield

            Pauline Quirke as Clara Peggotty

            Emilia Fox as Clara Copperfield

            Trevor Eve as Mr. Murdstone

            Zoë Wanamaker as Miss Murdstone

            Alun Armstrong as Daniel Peggotty

            Imelda Staunton as Mrs. Micawber

            Amanda Ryan as Agnes Micawber

            Michael Elphick as Mr. Barkis

            Tom Wilkinson as Narrator

            James Thornton
            
            Oliver Milburn
            
            Dawn French
            
            Cherie Lunghi
            
            Daniel Radcliffe as Young David Copperfield

            Joanna Page as Dora
See full cast