This new adaptation of Charles Dickens' most tragical novel is inferior to the great 1995 film with Tom Courtenay as Quilp which adhered better to the original. This film is shorter and much has been left out, and the film is reduced to something of an exposition of the novel without going too much into it. On the other hand, the music here is very good, and Derek Jacobi is always reliable although not quite up to Peter Ustinov's more formidable character. Also the dramatic composition here is more efficient, culminating in the inevitable end of the abominable Quilp and the overwhelming death passion of Little Nell with its unavoidable inundation of tears for all parts. However, Nell is a little too old and grown-up here to be quite convincing, while all the others are perfect. Both versions are equally indispensable as great realizations of Dickens at both his best and his worst.
Review of The Old Curiosity Shop
