The Pickwick Papers Reviews

If ever a Dickens novel shouted to be filmed, it was The Pickwick Papers, and a jolly good job was done with this version. The Pickwick club is a group of middle-class, middle-aged men chaired by Samuel Pickwick (James Hayter). Their sole mission in life is to study English life, and to that end they set out on a series of episodic adventures more strictly humorous than found in other Dickens novels or film adaptations. They meet Mr. Jingle (Nigel Patrick), a very cavalier Casanova who gets them into several hassles--including a duel, a hilariously funny fancy dress breakfast, a breach of promise suit brought against Pickwick, and a sojourn in debtor's prison. In the end, Pickwick, who turns phrases mightily but doesn't have a farthing to his name, manages to make enough money to begin his life anew. It's a very funny film with some of England's best light comedians and comediennes. Costume designer Dawson earned an Oscar nomination for her work here.