Rating U
Length 1h58
Release 26.12.1946
Director David Lean
About A humble orphan boy in 1810s Kent is given the opportunity to go to London and become a gentleman, with the help of an unknown benefactor.
Moon: no moon sighting
Where to Watch: BBC IPlayer
Trailer:
The Good
John Mills and Alec Guiness are incredible in their individual rights. I’ve loved them both in anything I’ve watched. However, having them in a film together and sharing scenes is simply delightful.
The film stays rather true to the book, but it also makes some excellent choices when it comes to editing the narrative. Removing sections involving the attack and death of Mrs Joe, allows a much smoother transition from Pip’s childhood and into his adult life.
Young Pip and Joe are both adorably played by their respective actors.
The Bad
For me, the actresses who play Estella are a bit mismatched. I personally preferred the actress playing the younger Estella, so it meant that once the adult appeared, I found it difficult to engage with her. Perhaps more a testament to Jean Simmons good acting than suggesting Valerie Hobson was bad.
The Ugly
The final act felt a little rushed and lacking in detail; particularly the last few character connections that would have all the separate narratives woven together finally.
There is a
Final Thoughts
A near perfect film with such incredible cast; up there with Its a Wonderful Life and A Matter of Life and Death.
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