"The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby" (1982) TV mini-series

User Rating:

8.5/10   

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

10 January 1983 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

Young Nicholas Nickleby sets out to make his fortune in order to prevent his mother and sister from depending upon his uncle...

Plot Keywords:

Stage | 19th Century | Abuse | Family Relationships | Male Female Relationship

Awards:

Won Primetime Emmy. Another 2 wins & 9 nominations

Cast

Alun Armstrong	...	Mr. Squeers / ... (2 episodes, 1982)
Suzanne Bertish	...	Fanny Squeers / ... (2 episodes, 1982)
Janet Dale	...	Miss Knag / ... (2 episodes, 1982)
Jane Downs	...	Mrs. Nickleby (2 episodes, 1982)
Lila Kaye	...	Mrs. Crummles / ... (2 episodes, 1982)
John McEnery	...	Mr. Mantalini (2 episodes, 1982)
Bob Peck	...	Sir Mulberry Hawk / ... (2 episodes, 1982)
Edward Petherbridge	...	Newman Noggs (2 episodes, 1982)
Roger Rees	...	Nicholas Nickleby (2 episodes, 1982)
Emily Richard	...	Kate Nickleby / ... (2 episodes, 1982)
David Threlfall	...	Smike (2 episodes, 1982)
Thelma Whiteley	...	Mrs. Mantalini (2 episodes, 1982)
John Woodvine	...	Ralph Nickleby (2 episodes, 1982)

Runtime:

USA:135 min (four episodes)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Filming Locations:

Old Vic Theatre, Waterloo Road, South Bank, London, England, UK

Company:

Channel 4 Television Corporation

Trivia:

The day of the technical rehearsal for the second play (part II), the actors were still getting new lines, and a few of the scenes had only been rehearsed once. The unfinished state of the production led Trevor Nunn to ask the cast to mill about in the audience, before the curtain, out of character, to explain the situation to them. This became part of the production.

Movie Connections:

Version of Nicholas Nickleby (1947)

Couldn't Be Better

It's quite hard to photograph a stage play for television or the movies. Most times the finished product must, of necessity, do close-ups of some actor or small group of actors, while the entire stage picture is not visible. With "The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby" a monumental theatrical undertaking is transformed quite admirably to the small screen. Filmed at The Old Vic in London, the entire show--sets, costumes, lighting, music, and above all else, the acting and direction--are given an immediacy and intimacy that makes the audience member feel as though the show is being performed for them alone.

Charles Dickens works were, by and large, quite long, the original publication being serialized in newspapers and magazines. Rich in character and descriptive passages, with dialog sparkling with the many levels of society that Dickens portrayed, plot layered upon sub-plot and more sub-plot, it would have been understandable if the writers and producers were reluctant to try to bring such a complex novel to life. Certainly, movies are rife with misguided attempts to take 1000 page novels and turn them into 100 minute movies. Seldom do they do more than touch on the highlights of a novel, and then they often feel the need to add story lines that weren't in the original in a foolish attempt to make the production more acceptable to modern audiences. "Nicholas Nickleby" does it right. In nine glorious hours of high energy acting, the tale of Nicholas, his sister Kate, friend Smike, Newman Noggs, greedy uncle Ralph, and the delightful brothers Cheryble unfolds before us.

With a cast numbering more than 40 playing well over 200 roles, the show moves easily from the Nickleby clan's arrival in London to their ultimate happiness, with the usual collection of Dickensian hardships and triumphs along the way. Many actors will be familiar to audiences, although the names might not be so. Certainly, if you watch enough British television on A & E or BBC you will recognize several of the cast members, and Roger Rees, brilliant in the title role, has long been familiar to American audiences.

But pay close attention to the smaller roles, too. An old theater adage says "there are no small parts, only small actors." This show is a perfect example of quality acting from largest to smallest role. Had one actor not been totally on top of their game, it would have stood out badly. Watch the reactions on the faces of the people who are on the edges of a scene: totally involved in what is going on, listening all the time, creating a reality that is as complete as can be found on a stage.

"The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby" is as entertaining, involving, uplifting and exhilarating bit of theater as could be found. It's a joy to watch, and I, for one, am delighted that it is available on DVD. Go out and buy it today, and spend a weekend in front of your TV, entranced. I did.