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Great Expectations (1946)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers:
Release Date:
26 December 1946 (UK)
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Tagline:
From the Vivid Pages of Charles Dickens' Masterpiece ! more
Plot:
A humble orphan suddenly becomes a gentleman with the help of an unknown benefactor. full summary | add synopsis
Awards:
Won 2 Oscars.
Another 3 nominations
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NewsDesk:
(5 articles)
What are the 25 Best Book to Film Adaptations?
(From Rope Of Silicon. 10 September 2009, 4:46 AM, PDT)
Oscar Winner John Mills Dead at 97
(From Studio Briefing - Film News. 25 April 2005)
(From Rope Of Silicon. 10 September 2009, 4:46 AM, PDT)
Oscar Winner John Mills Dead at 97
(From Studio Briefing - Film News. 25 April 2005)
User Comments:
A miracle of invention, economy and detail
more (70 total)
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| John Mills | ... | Pip | |
| Tony Wager | ... | Young Pip (as Anthony Wager) | |
| Valerie Hobson | ... | Estella | |
| Jean Simmons | ... | Young Estella | |
| Bernard Miles | ... | Joe Gargery | |
| Francis L. Sullivan | ... | Mr. Jaggers | |
| Finlay Currie | ... | Abel Magwitch | |
| Martita Hunt | ... | Miss Havisham | |
| Alec Guinness | ... | Herbert Pocket | |
| Ivor Barnard | ... | Mr. Wemmick | |
| Freda Jackson | ... | Mrs. Joe Gargery | |
| Eileen Erskine | ... | Biddy | |
| George Hayes | ... | Convict | |
| Hay Petrie | ... | Uncle Pumblechook | |
| John Forrest | ... | The Pale Young Gentleman |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
118 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono (Western Electric Recording)
Certification:
Australia:G |
Germany:16 |
Sweden:15 |
South Korea:15 (2003) |
UK:A (original rating) |
UK:PG (video rating) |
Finland:K-16 |
UK:PG (re-release)
Filming Locations:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
David Lean wanted his film to have a feeling of heightened realism. Working closely in conjunction with art director John Bryan and cinematographer Guy Green, he employed several tricks, such as forced perspective, to achieve this effect. The famous opening shot in the graveyard, for instance, features a brooding church in the background which in reality was only 3 meters high.
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Goofs:
Anachronisms: In the final scene when Pip is persuading Estella to leave Satis House with him, a 'Chad' is clearly visible drawn on the screen behind him (Chads were a popular form of graffiti in the 1940s - a character with a big nose looking over a wall)
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Quotes:
Movie Connections:
Referenced in A Profile of 'A Town Like Alice' (2001) (V)
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FAQ
How does the ending differ from the book?more
more (70 total)
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This adaptation of Charles Dickens's classic novel, directed by David Lean from a script he co-adapted, and photographed by Guy Green, is a miracle of invention, economy and detail. Every piece on every set; every line of dialogue; every gesture and line reading of every actor; every black-and-white frame of this beautiful film seems perfect. Dickens's characters, situations and themes are all vividly dramatized. Pip, Pocket, Joe, Mr. Jaggers, Magwitch andunforgettablyMiss Havisham, are all here and all ready to move, amuse, frighten and entertain anyone willing to spend time with them.
I haven't read the book since I was thirteen. I vividly remember Miss Havisham, but I don't remember noting the contrast between her and Magwitch, the ex-convict. She becomes bitter and vengeful after a great heartbreak; he becomes great of heart through one small act of kindness. That's what made the movie for me this time; but clearly there's richness to spare for future viewings.
There is so much here not only for Dickens fans, but for anyone who loves movies. I especially liked that shot from Pip's point of view as he becomes sick. It's the kind of crazy effect beloved of filmmakers, too; but I love it not so much for itself, but for being the right shot at the right moment. Some directors hide, others show off, but directors like David Lean know how to do both and know when to do which.