PBS Masterpiece to Broadcast Dickens Special Including Radcliffe's "David Copperfield," Spall's Oliver Twist
Movies
Posted by: sue
February 12, 2009, 08:36 PM
PBS Masterpiece is broadcasting a series of films based on the classic works of Charles Dickens. This weekend, viewers here in the US will be able to view acclaimed actor Timothy Spall in Oliver Twist. This film, which was broadcast last year in the UK, features Mr. Spall (Peter Pettigrew) as Fagin, and you can watch a new video interview with the actor via this link, as well as view several clips from the film.
Also for those who have not yet seen actor Dan Radcliffe (Harry Potter) in his first film role, PBS will be broadcasting David Copperfield next month. The film, first made in 2000, also stars Dame Maggie Smith, who of course will later appear with Dan in the Harry Potter series in her ongoing role as Professor McGonagall. You can see a trailer for this film at this link. Finally, in May, PBS will air The Old Curiousity Shop, which features Toby Jones, who provides the voice of Dobby the House Elf.
6352 Points
I love MT too. I was introduced to Helen Mirren on MT in the “Prime Suspect” series. Some of the best TV drama I’ve ever seen. Jane Tennison became one of my fictional heroes.
MT broadcast “My Boy Jack” last year. A very sad story. Dan was very good. Looking forward to “David Copperfield”.
I have all three on dvd. They’re those great dramas that you always want to watch again. David Copperfield and Oliver Twist are both quality BBC series. Oliver Twist is quite recent, made two years ago. The Old Curiosity Shop was a one part feature originally shown on UK TV on Boxing Day two years ago. I found it very dark, too dark to cope with at Christmas, but I love Derek Jacobi so I have kept it to watch another time when in the mood.
188 Points
Aww, such a little cutie! And how I love love love [i]David Copperfield[\i]! Maggie Smith looks just perfect for the part of Miss Betsey Trotwood. I think I must have seen this version once years ago, but I’m definitely due for a rewatching. :)
Funny, btw, how the PBS trailer plays up the Harry Potter angle. “The magic of Harry Potter meets the blah, blah, blah Charles Dickens blah blah.” Anything to bring in the kiddies, I guess!
I love Dickens, but I’ve never seen these films – hooray for PBS!