David Copperfield (1993)

An animated version of the classic David Copperfield story. Filled with music, color, and anthropomorphic versions of the classic characters.

Director:

Don Arioli

Writers:

Charles Dickens (novel), Judith Reeves-Stevens (teleplay),

Stars:

Sheena Easton, Kelly LeBrock, Julian Lennon

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Sheena Easton	...	Agnes (voice)
Kelly LeBrock	...	Clara (voice)
Julian Lennon	...	David Copperfield (voice)
Howie Mandel	...	Mealy (voice)
Joseph Marcell	...	Mr. Micawber (voice)
Andrea Martin	...	Aunt Betsey (voice)
Michael York	...	Murdstone (voice)
Sonja Ball	...	The Cheesemonster (voice)
Mark Camacho	...	Additional Voices (voice)
Richard Dumont	...	Additional Voices (voice)
Kathleen Fee	...	Peggotty (voice)
Susan Glover	...	Mrs. Micawber (voice)
A.J. Henderson	...	Additional Voices (voice)
Arthur Holden	...	Additional Voices (voice)
Rick Jones	...	Additional Voices (voice)

Storyline

An animated version of the classic David Copperfield story. Filled with music, color, and anthropomorphic versions of the classic characters.

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Plot Keywords:

cartoon cat | victorian era | talking animal | anthropomorphism | child labor | 

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Genres:

Family | Animation

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Details

Country:

Canada France

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 December 1993 (USA)

Also Known As:

Charles Dickens' David Copperfield

Company Credits

Production Co:

CinéGroupe, PMMP, Astral-National Financing

Technical Specs

Runtime:

92 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Murdstone: [singing] We've fixed the place up special, we've even polished off your chains. Look at all our smiling guests!
Mr. Grimby: Not one of them complains!

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Connections

Version of David Copperfield (1986)

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Soundtracks

"Everyone's a Big Cheese Here"
Music and Lyrics by Al Kasha and Joel Hirschhorn
Performed by Norman Groulx

User Reviews

Admittedly obscure, but surprisingly entertaining animated film

I didn't even know about this version until a few days ago, and when I did hear of it I was sceptical. Would an animated film with animals as the characters of Dickens's wonderful book work? So I watched it. For those who love the book and expecting a faithful adaptation, I suggest you look elsewhere like the TV version with Daniel Radcliffe, Ian McKellen, Bob Hoskins and Maggie Smith. This version of David Copperfield is a condensed one, and those who would read the book and see this will probably say the only resemblance to the book are the characters, which to some extent is true.

That said, on its own merits David Copperfield(1993) is surprisingly entertaining if admittedly obscure. The pacing sags a bit in the middle and I didn't care for Betsy Trotwood's(who is merely more than a 10 minute screen time or so cameo) song. Flaws aside, the traditional animation is nice and colourful and the character designs are really quite good. The music was a surprise, with exception of one, the songs especially "Is There Anyone" are very nice and the background scoring is memorable too. The characters are fine-David is likable, Agnes is beautiful and innocent, Mr Micawber is humorous and wise and Murdstone is a villain through and through- while the script has its fair share of humour and poignancy. What elevates the film most though is the voice acting, Julian Lennon and Sheena Easton are earnest and effective enough but the real kudos goes to Michael York who is superb as Murdstone.

All in all, obscure and not so faithful but definitely worth watching if you are willing to see the film on its own merits. 8/10 Bethany Cox