The Old Curiosity Shop (1995) (TV)

User Rating:

7.0/10   

Director:

Kevin Connor

Writers:

Charles Dickens (novel)
John Goldsmith (writer)

Release Date:

19 March 1995 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

When young Nell Trent's grandfather loses the investment money of wharf owner Daniel Quilp with cards, Quilp develops an everlasting urge to get him put in the madhouse. Nell and her grandfather flee the city.

Plot Keywords:

Dickens | Based On Novel

Awards:

Nominated for Primetime Emmy. Another 1 win

Cast

Alan Barry	...	Groves
Adam Blackwood	...	Dick Swiveller
Tom Courtenay	...	Daniel Quilp
Brian de Salvo	...	Debtor Gentleman
Christopher Ettridge	...	Sampson Brass
James Fox	...	Single Gentleman
Ricci Harnett	...	Tom
Gloria Hunniford	...	Flower Seller
Doreen Keogh	...	Mrs. George
Oliver Maguire	...	Stout Gentleman
William Mannering	...	Kit Nubbles
Jean Marlow	...	Mrs. Jintwin
Hamish McColl	...	List
Brian McGrath	...	Schoolmaster
Julia McKenzie	...	Mrs. Jarley
Bronco McLoughlin	...	George
Michael Mears	...	Skinflete
Wesley Murphy	...	Tame Constable
Daphne Neville	...	Mrs. Simmons
Helen Norton	...	Bessy
Cornelia Hayes O'Herlihy	...	Mrs. Quilp
Stewart Permutt	...	Jowl
John Rogan	...	Warncliffe
Alan Shearman	...	Short
Birdy Sweeney	...	Crossing Sweeper
Alwyne Taylor	...	Mrs. Nubbles
Frank Thornton	...	Mr. Witherden
Peter Ustinov	...	Grandfather
Sally Walsh	...	Nell Trent
Timothy Watson	...	Fred Trent
Anne White	...	Sally Brass
Martin Wimbush	...	Codlin

MPAA:

Rated PG for mild thematic elements.

Runtime:

UK:120 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Filming Locations:

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland

Company:

Disney Channel

Movie Connections:

Version of The Old Curiosity Shop (1934)

In an outstanding production,Tom Courtney stands out.

For anyone who loves Dickens, this is going to be a surprise of the best kind. Few productions can capture the details that make Dickens' words come alive. This version of The Old Curiosity Shop does more with an empty set than most do at full steam. The set design strengthens every performance, adding nuance and flavor to actors who are already working at the peak of their craft.

If this seems like slavering, it's only because something of this quality comes maybe once a decade. The cast is a director's dream, and each member delivers just the right spice to this dish.

With so much excellence, it would seem incongruous to isolate any single aspect as standing out, but Tom Courtney, as the menacing Quilp becomes the very heart of Evil around which all this revolves. And a more entertaining Evil you will never see. He makes Quilp a fascination first to last.

This is a recommendation for anyone; and a must-see for Dickens fans.