The Pickwick Papers (1985) User Reviews

Dickens' Early Classic Given The BBC Family Serial Treatment

[tom-cotterill · 5 April 2004]

Although considered lightweight when compared to later works, this (to date) most recent adaptation of Dickens' first major work is still a delight.

Nigel Stock was born to play this role after decades of creditable character parts and a short-lived lead as Owen M.D. a spin-off from the BBC soap opera, The Newcomers (1967-1971). Another notable performance is from Patrick Malahide as Mr Jingle.

At the time it was a revelation, as Malahide was then principally known for his role of Chisholm in the Euston Films series Minder. Almost stealing the show from both Stock & Malahide however is Phil Daniels as Sam Weller, unsuprising as Weller is one of the stand out characters in Dickens' novel. Daniels however manages, to give his portrayal an added flourish, proving that he was more talented than his roles to that date had revealed. Jack Davies' adaptation is creditable, as is the direction from Brian Lighthill, although the original broadcast format of twelve 30 minute episodes diminished the impact on audiences. I would have preferred less episodes of longer duration. The BBC Video presentation released in the late 80's edited all but the opening & final titles (plus the excellent narration from Ray Brooks), reducing the running time to 5 hours.

To date, this remains the best adaptation and deserves a DVD release, hopefully with all Ray Brooks' narration restored.

Dickens fans will find this a sheer delight

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 26 September 2013]

This adaptation of The Pickwick Papers may have a slow and overly-serious start, but once it gets going and providing you stay with it it is delightful. The photography is very natural-looking, while the sets and costumes are pretty and colourful while true in detail and atmosphere to Victorian England. The dialogue is faithfully Dickenesian with the comedy being genuinely funny and there are several charming moments. The story is charmingly and absorbingly told, the series is long and the pacing is not what you call swift but the strength of the script allows the comedy to make its mark and the drama breathes and resonates paced that way in a way that doesn't feel long-winded. You cannot go wrong with good performances. We have those, great even. Nigel Stock amuses and affects in the title role, but the standouts are Patrick Malahide's wonderfully comic to the point of insanity(but in a good way) Mr Jingles and Phil Daniels' scene-stealing Sam Weller. To conclude truly delightful if not quite among the absolute best Dickens adaptation. Oh and the extra with Simon Callow in Charles Dickens garb is worth checking out too. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Thoroughly enjoyable and skillful adaptation of a Dickens favourite.

[terrence-paris · 10/10 · 11 August 2015]

I just finished watching the 12th and final episode of the BBC adaptation of Dickens' The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club. Much more of the plot could be included over the span of 6 hours than in the 1952 movie version of less than 2 hours. The only significant omissions were the extended interplay between the medical students Benjamin Allen and Bob Sawyer, the Bath episode, and the Reverend Mr. Stiggins' malign influence over Sam's step-mother. As already mentioned by one reviewer, Phil Daniels as Sam Weller and Patrick Malahide as Mr. Jingle are standout performances. I found Sam Weller as portrayed by Daniels particularly affecting - cheeky irreverence conjoined with solicitude and kindliness. The 1952 movie is also worth watching if only for its array of terrific British character actresses: Joyce Grenfell, Hermione Gingold, Athene Seyler and Hattie Jacques.

Funny, pathetic, entertaining, romantic

[Dr_Coulardeau · 10/10 · 26 February 2011]

Twelve episodes of the adventures of this strange Pickwick who looks like an obese penguin and walks like one. He was in business and made money. In his older age he decided to create a Club and to go around in the world with a few younger men to discover and enjoy that world of theirs. That leads him into strange places, some fine like rich gentlemen farmers, some shadier like an actor and his servant using their art to confuse and abuse people out of their money mostly, some even dark like an attempt by some women to make him pay for a promise he did not make though he did comfort them in some mishap of theirs and this episode will end up in court and in prison. What is superb is in fact the great benevolence of this rich businessman deprived of a family and relatives and his desire to do good to and with other people. It shows how the world reacts to this benevolence. Mostly they take advantage, or at least try to, of the situation. But Mr. Pickwick is a fighter and he can be very nasty at times, though he prefers liking people. He will help solve some problems and redress or reform some people and the whole series ends up with three weddings of absolutely nothing but love, two already performed and a third one to be performed. Mr. Pickwick will retire in some village not too far from London with his servant and the newly appointed housekeeper who is to become his servant's wife. The series is dynamic, in no way pretentious but entertaining and funny. The actor personating Pickwick is at times pathetic but always so romantic, his heart on his hand for everyone to take and yet a big cudgel behind his back for those who might intend to misuse it.

Dr Jacques COULARDEAU