The Old Curiosity Shop Based on a story by Charles Dickens. When Little Nell's grandfather loses everything, including his curiosity shop, to a scheming, wicked villain, Nell and Grandfather must wander and beg for charity. Grandfather can not overcome his gambling addiction which has tragic consequences. Meanwhile, the wicked Quilp and his associates set out to prevent a mysterious stranger from finding Little Nell and her grandfather. This was a really strange story. I wasn't sure what was happening through most of it because it went by so quickly. I felt there wasn't enough time for character development. This was not the best of Masterpiece's offerings.
Little Dorrit A thrilling Charles Dickens tale of a young woman born in debtor's prison. Amy Dorrit has selflessly cared for her father, who a prominent inmate (the Father) of the Marshalsea Prison. Amy also cares for the poor people of Bleeding Heart Yard, a local slum, and worries about her older sister and brother as they attempt to make their way in the world by not quite respectable means. Amy is hired as a seamstress by the wealthy crotchety old invalid, Mrs. Clenham. When Mrs. Clenham's son, Arthur, returns from 20 years in China with a message from his father's deathbed to never forget... something.... what, Arthur isn't sure of and his mother isn't telling. Arthur becomes convinced the secret has something to do with the Dorrit's misfortune and sets out to uncover the secret. This is a complex story featuring many quirky characters and one incredibly nasty villain. The story takes many twists and turns on the way to the predictable conclusion. I enjoyed this production which featured incredible acting from Mr. Dorrit and Andy Serkis (aka Gollum) as Rigaud. Overall, there were too many characters to make this story easily followed as a serial. It would be better as a long movie, especially on DVD, where the viewer can go back and refresh their memory. I did enjoy watching it though and I especially liked the quirky secondary characters Pancks, Mrs. Plornish and Flora Finching.
Oliver Twist The story of a poor orphan boy who retains his optimism despite numerous hardships including the workhouse, a terrifying apprenticeship, a band of young thieves and a villain who wants Oliver out of the way - permanently. Though the plot was rather predictable, I thought this was a fine production of a typical Dickens tale. The acting was incredible, especially Tom Hardy as the villainous Sikes who was terrifying and the heartbreaking Sophie Okenedo as Nancy. I really liked how dark and dirty and gritty the streets of London appeared. The contrast between upper class and lower class London was shocking and probably realistic. I haven't seen any other versions of Oliver Twist, except Disney's animated Oliver & Company so I can't compare but I thought this was a particularly good version.
Wuthering Heights
This is a gothic romance of star crossed lovers set on the moors of Yorkshire, England. Young Cathy Earnshaw runs free on the moors with Heathcliff, the mysterious youth her father took in. Cathy's brother Hareton can not feel the same attraction to Heathcliff and the two boys detest each other. When Mr. Earnshaw dies unexpectedly, Hareton takes charge and delegates Heathcliff to a subservient role. Heathcliff and Cathy's bond deepens into love, despite her brother's attitude. An unexpected stay at the home of the quiet, genteel Lintons causes Cathy to choose comfort over love and Heathcliff is abandonned to his increasingly violet feelings towards the Earnshaws and Lintons which have consquences that trickle down to the next generation. I loved this novel in high school, but haven't seen any of the other productions. The scenery was gorgeous and the acting very good. Tom Hardy was excellent as the raging, maniacal Heathcliff, yet made Heathcliff into a tragic character. I think this story lost a little something in the transition to TV. The passion was there but I think the portrayals of Cathy and Heathcliff were a little too kind! That being said, I did enjoy this production, especially the gorgeous scenery.
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