David Copperfield (1935)

A gentle orphan discovers life and love in an indifferent adult world.

Director:

George Cukor

Writers:

Charles Dickens (by), Hugh Walpole (adaptation)

Stars:

Freddie Bartholomew, Frank Lawton, Edna May Oliver

Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Edna May Oliver	...	Aunt Betsey
Elizabeth Allan	...	Mrs. Copperfield
Jessie Ralph	...	Nurse Peggotty
Harry Beresford	...	Dr. Chillip
Freddie Bartholomew	...	David - the Child
Hugh Walpole	...	The Vicar
Basil Rathbone	...	Mr. Murdstone
Herbert Mundin	...	Barkis
John Buckler	...	Ham
Fay Chaldecott	...	Little Em'ly - the Child
Una O'Connor	...	Mrs. Gummidge
Lionel Barrymore	...	Dan Peggotty
Violet Kemble Cooper	...	Jane Murdstone
Elsa Lanchester	...	Clickett
Jean Cadell	...	Mrs. Micawber

Storyline

When David's father dies, his mother remarries. His new stepfather Murdstone has a mean and cruel view on how to raise a child. When David's mother dies from grief, Murdstone sends David to London to work for a living. When David escapes to his aunt Betsey his life starts to get better.

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Plot Keywords:

david copperfield character | twelve word title | blockbuster | stepfather | aunt | 

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Taglines:

Glorious Romance Reaches Your Heart!

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Genres:

Adventure | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

Passed

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 June 1935 (Argentina)

Also Known As:

David Copperfield

Filming Locations:

England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

130 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

David Holt was originally cast as the young David, but then replaced when the producer decided he should be played by an English actor.

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Goofs

Mr Micawber chases away David's tormentors and puts his arm around him, but the arm is gone in the next immediate shot. In all scenes with W.C. Fields there are indeed continuity errors that editing does not mask.

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Quotes

Steerforth: Yes, yes, I've always considered botany a fascinating subject. One learns so much from nature.

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Crazy Credits

The main title of the film shows the novel's full, extended title: "The Personal History, Adventures, Experience, & Observation of David Copperfield the Younger", rather than the title by which it is more popularly known, "David Copperfield". Poster advertising for the film, as well as reviews and all popular references to it, used the shortened title, as did later television listings for it.

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Alternate Versions

Also shown in a computer colorized version.

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Connections

Version of Armchair Theatre: Young David (1959)

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Soundtracks

The First Noel
(uncredited)
Traditional 17th century carol or earlier
[Partially Sung and played during the opening credits]

User Reviews

Good Adaptation of Dickens

This film might be the best adaptation of a Dickens novel this side of the epic Scrooge story itself. The cast is stellar & well put together. This film alone is the reason W C Fields had an inside track to be the Wizard of Oz in 1939. If Fields hadn't wanted so much money for Oz, it would have been interesting.

Fields is excellent in a supporting role in this movie. While some of his comedy, especially a good piece of his physical comedy is worked in early in this film, it is his acting that is good. This is Fields best dramatic part in any movie.

Freddie Bartholmew is great as young David Copperfield. Basil Rathbone (later Sherlock Holmes) is excellent in support too. George Cukor is solid in directing this film at a good pace too. Overall, I don't know if a remake of this could be any better. Check this out if you happen upon the film anyplace. Last time I saw it was on Turner Classic Movies.

I am glad I finally saw this as for years I had heard about this film & especially how good Fields is in it. When I finally saw it, everything I had heard about it was right.