Summary
The Old Curiosity Shop is a British television film adapted from the Charles Dickens's 1841 novel The Old Curiosity Shop.[1] It stars Irish actress Sophie Vavasseur as Nell Trent, with Derek Jacobi as her grandfather, Toby Jones as Quilp and George MacKay as Nell's friend, Kit.[2] It was broadcast on 26 December 2007 on ITV. The adaptation is in general very faithful to the novel. The most significant changes are the removal of the Garlands and their household and the identity of the Single Gentleman (here called Jacob) who is changed from Grandfather's brother to his estranged son and Nell's father.
| The Old Curiosity Shop | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Written by | Charles Dickens (novel) Martyn Hesford |
| Directed by | Brian Percival |
| Starring | Derek Jacobi Sophie Vavasseur Toby Jones |
| Theme music composer | Stephen McKeon |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Producer | Andrew Benson |
| Cinematography | Peter Greenhalgh |
| Running time | 120 min. |
| Production company | Carnival Films |
| Original release | |
| Network | ITV |
| Release | 26 December 2007 |
Cast edit
- Adrian Rawlins ... Jacob
- Derek Jacobi ... Grandfather
- Zoë Wanamaker ... Mrs Jarley
- Toby Jones ... Quilp
- Adam Godley ... Sampson Brass
- Gina McKee ... Sally Brass
- Bryan Dick ... Freddie Trent
- Sophie Vavasseur ... Nell Trent
- George MacKay ... Kit Nubbles
- Steve Pemberton ... Mr Short
- Martin Freeman ... Mr Codlin
- Josie Lawrence ... Mrs Jiniwin
- Bradley Walsh ... Mr Liggers
- Anna Madeley ... Betsey Quilp
- Geoff Breton ... Dick Swiveller
- Charlene McKenna ... The Marchioness
- Kelly Campbell ... Mrs Nubbles
- Katie Dunne ... Baby Nubbles
- Philip Noone ... Rodney (Rogue Trader)
Critical reception edit
The Hollywood Reporter noted "a sorrowful story of greed, poverty and grief, and ITV's version makes the most of it...Writer Martyn Hesford keeps the story tidy, while director Brian Percival moves things along while helping his cast to resist the temptation to be overly Dickensian...Jacobi finds some vinegar in what could easily be a sweet old man, and Jones gives some shading to Quilp's villainy. Stephen McKeon's versatile score helps considerably."[3] The Guardian wrote "Toby Jones, as the revolting Daniel Quilp, steals just about anything he can get his hands on, including the show."[4]
References edit
- ^ Shannon, Sarah How ITV aims to lure viewers with quality drama Archived 12 October 2008 at the Wayback Machine, The Independent (7 February 2007)
- ^ "The Old Curiosity Shop (2007)". BFI. Archived from the original on 10 March 2017.
- ^ "The Old Curiosity Shop". The Hollywood Reporter. 22 December 2007.
- ^ "Christmas TV: from The Comedy Christmas to The Old Curiosity Shop". the Guardian. 27 December 2007.
External links edit
- The Old Curiosity Shop at IMDb
- The Old Curiosity Shop at pbs.org
