David Copperfield (1969)

After two major tragedies, a troubled young man (Robin Philips) reflects on his life as he attempts to write a memoir. Based on the classic novel by Charles Dickens and directed by Delbert Mann (MARTY). This is a misguided adaptation of Dickens' book. Instead of the linear narrative of the novel, the film is fragmented by being told in a series of flashbacks as Copperfield broods on his misfortunes and the framing device seems like pure padding. A work as rich as DAVID COPPERFIELD needs more than a two hour time frame to tell its story and the framing device only takes away from that story. It's almost highlights from the book, a READER'S DIGEST version abbreviated for those who have no time for the full experience. Robin Philips isn't charismatic or unique enough to hold our attention and he's the central protagonist! Fortunately, the supporting cast consists of the cream of British actors and each manages to bring a strong characterization in the briefest of screen time. The cast includes Laurence Olivier, Ralph Richardson, Michael Redgrave, Wendy Hiller, Edith Evans, Pamela Franklin, Susan Hampshire, Anna Massey, Corin Redgrave, Cyril Cusack, James Donald, Sinead Cusack with only Ron Moody as Uriah Heep overacting to the point of distraction.