I agree with the commentator who offered an opinion that given the length and density of the novel, it should have been filmed in two parts. Alas, the courage to do such a thing would have to wait for 40 years and Francis Ford Coppola in "Godfather I" (1972) and "Godfather II" (1974). Still, what we do have in this film is an extraordinary ensemble of superb actors doing their very best to deal with an abridged screenplay of a much read and highly acclaimed novel.
While watching this film recently, I started to remember where I had seen these folks before, and began to free-associate about some of the celebrated members of this all-star cast. The following personal observations are reflections from that viewing experience:
Violet Kemble-Cooper (Jane Murdstone)---am I the only person who thinks that she is a dead ringer for the American character actor, Mary Nash, who also tended to terrorize children (the nemesis of Shirley Temple in "Heidi" (1937) and "The Little Princess" (1939)?
Basil Rathbone ((Mr. Murdstone)---funny, but I saw Raymond Massey as a more effective villain in this part.
Roland Young ((Uriah Heep)---to the best of my recollection, this is the only downright nasty part this comic actor ever played on the screen.
Hugh Williams (Steerforth)---he gave us an even more repulsive character as Hindley in "Wuthering Heights" (1939).
Jesse Ralph (Nurse Peggotty)---one year later, she played Jack Holt's mother and Jeanette MacDonald's confidant in "San Francisco" (1936).
John Buckler (Ham Peggotty)---did you know that he was the son of actor Hugh Buckler, who delivers the moving final speech in Frank Capra's classic, "Lost Horizon" (1937)?
Edna May Oliver (Aunt Betsey)---it sure looks like this role was a reprise of her Aunt March portrayal in "Little Women" (1933) also directed by George Cukor.
Elizabeth Allan (Mrs. Copperfield)---she was seen to better advantage with less histrionics in "A Tale of Two Cities" as Lucy Manette (1935).
Jean Cadell (Mrs. Micawber)---best remembered as Henry Higgins' housekeeper, Mrs. Pearce, in "Pygmalion" (1938).
Una O'Connor (Mrs. Gummidge) and Elsa Lanchester (Clickett)---these two great actors had very little to do in "David Copperfield"---but a great deal more to do in "The Informer" ((1935) and "Bride of Frankenstein" (1935) respectively! Ms. O'Connor's hysterical Minnie also appears on display in "Bride."
What a treat to watch this group of stellar players! Their likes will never be seen again!
