"Great Expectations" (1989) TV mini-series

User Rating:

7.8/10   

Director:

Kevin Connor

Writers:

Charles Dickens (novel)
John Goldsmith (writer)

Release Date:

24 July 1989 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

Phillip Pirrup, known as Pip, meets a convict or two in a graveyard and sets into motion a series of...

Plot Keywords:

Inheritance | Dickens | Orphan | Great Expectations | 19th Century

Awards:

Nominated for 4 Primetime Emmys.

Cast

Jean Simmons	...	Miss Havisham
John Rhys-Davies	...	Joe Gargery
Ray McAnally	...	Mr. Jaggers
Anthony Calf	...	Pip
Kim Thomson	...	Estella
Adam Blackwood	...	Herbert Pocket
Anthony Hopkins	...	Abel Magwitch
Sean Arnold	...	Compeyson
Niven Boyd	...	Orlick
Susan Franklyn	...	Biddy
Martin Harvey	...	Young Pip
Charles Lewsen	...	Mr. Wemmick
Rosemary McHale	...	Mrs. Joe Gargery
Frank Middlemass	...	Uncle Pumblechook
John Quentin	...	Mr. Wopsle

Runtime:

USA:303 min | UK:60 min (6 episodes)

Country:

USA | UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Filming Locations:

Chatham Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Kent, England, UK

Company:

Harlech Television (HTV)

Trivia:

'Stacey Keach' was cast as Magwitch but arriving in England he was arrested for drug offences.

Quotes:

Pip: Out of my thoughts. You're part of my existence. Part of my self. To the last hour of my life you cannot choose but to remain part of my character. Part of the little good in me. Part of the evil. You're in every line I've ever read. Every prospect I've seen since I've been here. In the river. The sails of the ships. The marshes. The clouds. The wind. The woods. The sea. The streets. In light and darkness, you're there. The embodiment of all that's beautiful and graceful..."

Movie Connections:

Version of The Boy and the Convict. (1909)

Fondly recalled

Very comprehensive and involving Disney version of classic Dickens' novel, highlighted by two outstanding performances: Hopkins as Magwitch and Simmons as Miss Haversham. The young man playing Pip isn't bad, either. If I had to pick a version to introduce youngsters to this story, this would definitely be it.