I enjoyed this introspective David Copperfield, and think Robin Phillips did an excellent job in the title role. The scenes of him walking on the beach, trying to get through both his writer's block and feelings of depression while he thinks back on his life and the people who affected it profoundly were very moving and effective. I especially liked that line about the "tinsel people" (referring to his late wife, former best friend who recently died and even his beloved mother, dead since he was a child), how they glitter and captivate you, but in the end, their lack of substance fails to please. You wonder if he is angrier with them, or with himself, for falling under their spell, at least for a time.
Pamela Franklin did a good job as Dora, David's childlike wife who sees no reason to grow up and would rather play house than have a real marriage. Susan Hampshire (better known as Glencora in "The Pallisers") plays the dear, supportive friend, whom David never suspects is in love with him. Very effective was the scene in church, after David and Dora are married, as Agnes sits there and smiles, but when by herself, the look on her face says it all.
There are familiar faces here (Laurence Olivier, Ralph Richardson, Wendy Hiller) that add to what's already an excellent story.
As usual, British productions of the classics are like taking a trip back in time.
Pamela Franklin did a good job as Dora, David's childlike wife who sees no reason to grow up and would rather play house than have a real marriage. Susan Hampshire (better known as Glencora in "The Pallisers") plays the dear, supportive friend, whom David never suspects is in love with him. Very effective was the scene in church, after David and Dora are married, as Agnes sits there and smiles, but when by herself, the look on her face says it all.
There are familiar faces here (Laurence Olivier, Ralph Richardson, Wendy Hiller) that add to what's already an excellent story.
As usual, British productions of the classics are like taking a trip back in time.