Main Cast: James Hayter, James Donald, Alexander Gauge, Nigel Patrick, Kathleen Harrison, Lionel Murton, Joyce Grenfell
Release Year: 1952
Country: UK
Run Time: 109 minutes
Plot
John Hayter is Samuel Pickwick is this delightful filmization of Dickens' seriocomic novel. Mr. Pickwick is chairman of the Pickwick club, a scholarly league operating in mid-19th century London. The club's avowed purpose is to scrupulously study everyday life in England-not to improve or remonstrate, but simply examine, as a scientist would examine life under the microscope. The episodic storyline transports the Pickwicks all over town, from the fashionable digs of ever-in-debt roue Mr. Jingle (Nigel Patrick) to debtor's prison. The Candide-like Mr. Pickwick survives his many experiences (including a duel and breach of promise suit) with the invulnerability of innocence. The Pickwick Papers was produced, directed and adapted by Noel Langley, a brilliant, hard-drinking wit who once upon a time had labored on the screenplay of Hollywood's The Wizard of Oz. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Donald Wolfit - Sgt. Buzfuz; Hermione Gingold - Miss Tomkins; Hermione Baddeley - Mrs. Bardell; Harry Fowler - Sam Weller; Diane Hart - Emily Wardle; William Hartnell - Irate Cabman; Athene Seyler - Miss Witherfield; Sam Costa - Job Trotter; George Robey - Tony Weller; Gerald Campion - Fat Boy; Walter Fitzgerald - Mr. Wardle; Mary Merrall - Grandma Wardle; Raymond Lovell - Surgeon; Max Adrian - Aide; Joan Benham; Helen Burls; D.A. Clarke-Smith - Mr. Dodson; Raf dela Torre; Felix Felton; Helen Goss; May Hallatt; David Hannaford; Joan Heal - Isabel Wardle; Hattie Jacques - Mrs. Nupkins; Barry Mackay - Mr. Snubbins; Gibb McLaughlin - Foreman; Jack McNaughton; Dandy Nichols; Noel Purcell - Roker; George Rose; June Thorburn - Arabella; John Vere; Alan Wheatley - Mr. Fogg; Noel Willman; Cecil Trouncer - Mr. Justice Stareleigh; Jessie Evans; Pamela Deeming; Linda Gray; John Kelly
Credit
Fred Pusey - Art Director, Beatrice Dawson - Costume Designer, Noel Langley - Director, Anne V. Coates - Editor, Anthony Hopkins - Composer (Music Score), Anthony Hopkins - Musical Direction/Supervision, Harold Fletcher - Makeup, Wilkie Cooper - Cinematographer, Noel Langley - Producer, George Minter - Producer, Noel Langley - Screenwriter, Charles Dickens - Book Author
