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The Pickwick Papers

The Pickwick Papers

  • Status: Released
  • 14-11-1952
  • Runtime: 109 min
  • Score: 6.679
  • Vote count: 14

The Pickwick Club sends Mr. Pickwick and a group of friends to travel across England and to report back on the interesting things they find...

James Hayter

Samuel Pickwick

James Donald

Nathaniel Winkle

Nigel Patrick

Mr. Jingle

Joyce Grenfell

Mrs. Leo Hunter

Hermione Gingold

Miss Tompkins

Hermione Baddeley

Mrs. Bardell

Donald Wolfit

Sergeant Buzfuz

Harry Fowler

Sam Weller

Kathleen Harrison

Rachel Wardle

Alexander Gauge

Tracy Tupman

Lionel Murton

Augustus Snodgrass

Diane Hart

Emily Wardle

Joan Heal

Isabella Wardle

William Hartnell

Irate Cabman

Athene Seyler

Miss Witherfield

Sam Costa

Job Trotter

George Robey

Tony Weller

Gerald Campion

Joe, the Fat Boy

Walter Fitzgerald

Mr. Wardle

Mary Merrall

Grandma Wardle

Raymond Lovell

Aide

Cecil Trouncer

Mr. Justice Stareleigh

D.A. Clarke-Smith

Dodson

Noel Willman

Mr. Perker

Max Adrian

Aide

Noel Purcell

Roker

Felix Felton

Dr. Slammer

Alan Wheatley

Fogg

Hattie Jacques

Mrs. Nupkins

Jack McNaughton

Mr. Nupkins (as Jack MacNaughton)

David Hannaford

Boy

June Thorburn

Arabella Allen

Barry MacKay

Mr. Snubbins

Gibb McLaughlin

Foreman

CinemaSerf

James Hayter is at his theatrical best in this comedy that sees a group of well-meaning men travel the length and breadth of the kingdom trying to report for their "Pickwick Club" many of the interesting things that cross their path. They are led by the eponymous "Samuel" (Hayter) who's an avuncular and kind-spirited man, but are frequently foiled by the rakish "Jingle" (Nigel Patrick) who's unscrupulousness always seems to manage to get the others into trouble. That's not to say that "Pickwick" isn't capable of getting himself into some hot water from time to time either, as his innate decency borders gullibility and that sees him fall foul, ultimately, of the ghastly lawyers "Fogg" (Alan Wheatley) & "Dodson" (D. A. Clarke-Smith). The story hits the ground running and this adaptation barely pauses for breath as a cast of familiar faces from British cinema and stage all contribute a series of cameos to support the rumbustious collection of scenarios encountered, or more likely caused, by this troupe of travellers. There are James Donald's entertaining "Mr. Winkle", Kathleen Harrison's superbly giggly "Mrs. Wardle", Hermione Gingold's "Mrs. Bardell" and a brief scene from Joyce Grenfell to help keep the smiles coming too. Of course, there had to be some sacrifices made from the book but they don't impact terribly on the energetic and enjoyable impetus of this characterful study of human nature, pomposity and sheer stupidity whilst gently reminding us of the iniquities of Victorian Britain and it's unforgiving attitude to those less fortunate. Charles Dickens was fond of a courtroom scenario, and by drafting in an on-form Donald Wolfit to deliver a rousing monologue that could send "Pickwick" to clink, we head to a denouement that's fittingly good natured and generous. Those of us who remember Arthur Lowe's marvellous "Capt. Mainwaring" from the BBCs "Dad's Army" series can probably recognise Hayter as the inspiration for that character here and for all but the harshest purists of this author, this film is great fun to watch.