The Charles Dickens Collection 1

The grotesque comedy and dark tragedy of Victorian London come to vivid life in these classic BBC television adaptations. This collection includes six timeless masterpieces from the prolific hand of Charles Dickens. Social and moral dilemmas lie at the heart of such original productions as Oliver Twist, Martin Chuzzlewit, Bleak House, Hard Times, Great Expectations and Our Mutual Friend.

This collection includes six Charles Dickens masterpieces in 32 hours of classic television. The grotesque comedy and dark tragedy of Victorian London's streets come to vivid life in these original productions from the BBC, remastered for DVD.

Oliver Twist (1985)
Marked by superb acting and consistent faithfulness to the book, this excellent presentation brings to life the classic characters of Fagin, the Artful Dodger, Nancy and Bill Sykes in Dickens's most beloved tale, the story of the poor boy who asked for more.

Martin Chuzzlewit (1994)
When the elderly Martin Chuzzlewit disinherits his grandson, the rest of the family closes in like sharks to determine who will inherit his fortune. A host of memorable characters and a thrilling tale come together in this magnificent adaptation of Dickens's comic masterpiece.

Bleak House (1985)
This stunning production brings to life an unflinching look at the absurdity of the legal profession, whose sole purpose seems to be lining the pockets of lawyers. As the interminable court case of Jarndyce and Jarndyce grinds on, it entangles a growing number of innocent victims, from the proud Lady Dedlock to destitute crossing-sweeper Jo.

Hard Times (1994)
In Dickens's dark treatise on capitalism without a conscience, Tom and Louisa Gradgrind, raised according to utilitarian philosophy, face the consequences of being starved of emotion and imagination. This extraordinary production captures the soot and smoke that blot out the sun in dank, industry-choked Coketown.

Great Expectations (1981)
Violence and Victorian gentility meet in this powerful adaptation of Dickens's most piercing examination of upward mobility. Containing some of his finest comedy and such legendary characters as Miss Havisham and Magwitch, this tale of Pip's epic journey from boy to man is one of the author's greatest works.

Our Mutual Friend (1998)
Critically acclaimed as Dickens's crowning achievement, the sweeping tale of two turbulent love affairs set against a tangled web of wealth, corruption, passion and betrayal in 1860s London is captured in this superb dramatization.

Oliver Twist (1985)

Written by Charles Dickens
Adapted by Alexander Baron
Directed by Gareth Davies
Produced by Terrance Dicks
Original Music by Dudley Simpson
Film Editing by Mike Bloore

Martin Chuzzlewit (1994)

Written by Charles Dickens
Adapted by David Lodge
Directed by Pedr James
Produced by Chris Parr
Executive Produced by Rebecca Eaton, Michael Wearing
Original Music by Geoffrey Burgon
Cinematography by John Kenway
Film Editing by Dawn Mears, John Rosser

Bleak House (1985)

Written by Charles Dickens
Adapted by Arthur Hopcraft
Directed by Ross Devenish
Produced by John Harris, Betty Willingale
Original Music by Geoffrey Burgon
Cinematography by Kenneth MacMillan

Hard Times (1994)

Written by Charles Dickens
Adapted by Peter Barnes
Directed by Peter Barnes
Produced by Anne Brogan, Richard Langridge
Executive Produced by Rebecca Eaton
Original Music by Stephen Deutsch
Cinematography by Rex Maidment
Film Editing by Robin Graham Scott

Great Expectations (1981)

Written by Charles Dickens
Adapted by James Andrew Hall
Directed by Julian Amyes
Produced by Barry Letts

Our Mutual Friend (1998)

Written by Charles Dickens
Adapted by Sandy Welch
Directed by Julian Farino
Produced by Catherine Wearing
Executive Produced by Michael Wearing
Original Music by Adrian Johnstone
Cinematography by David Odd
Film Editing by Frances Parker

BAFTA® Awards
1999 – Best Design – Malcolm Thornton - Our Mutual Friend
1999 – Best Drama Serial – Catherine Wearing, Julian Farino, Sandy Welch - Our Mutual Friend
1999 – Best Sound – Paul Hamblin, Catherine Hodgson, Graham Headicar, Richard Manton - Our Mutual Friend
1995 – Best Costume Design – Jeremy Turner - Martin Chuzzlewit
1986 – Best Costume Design – Michael Burdle - Bleak House
1986 – Best Design – Tim Harvey - Bleak House
1986 – Best Make Up – Lisa Westcott - Bleak House