"Great!" is the best way to describe this 1946 production of "Great Expectations." After "A Christmas Carol," this is the one Charles Dickens story that most often has been adapted and made into a movie. And, while all of the renditions have some of the magic and mystique of the Dickens story-telling, no other version can top this original sound release. Quite simply, this film is near perfect.
The sets, scenery and cinematography are captivating and true to the book. The script, costumes, customs and dialog are true to the time – middle 19th century England. The directing is outstanding and the musical score is so good that at no point do we notice it so much that it's a distraction.
Now, for the acting. This 1946 version of "Great Expectations" is a model for actors. The different roles call for a range of expressions, moods and emotions. And the cast chosen for this film couldn't be better. Each person pulls off his or her role to perfection. John Mills excels in his naïveté and school-boyish infatuation that matures to love as Pip grows older. Valerie Hobson is outstanding in her slowly changing personality. Martita Hunt plays wonderfully the dejected lover grown bitter and seeking revenge. A very young-looking (and hardly recognizable) Alec Guinness adds a spark of energy to his role as Herbert Pocket.
Francis Sullivan, Finlay Currie, and Bernard Miles are notable and excellent in their considerable supporting roles. Tony Wager and Jean Simmons are ideal for their roles as the young Pip and Estella. And the rest of the cast fit their roles to a tee.
"Great Expectations" is a true classic by one of the greatest story- tellers of all time. And this 1946 rendition of that story on film is the best of all. It belongs in every library of great books on film. It's the one to pull out and play on a night one wants to make a great escape into the great classics.
The sets, scenery and cinematography are captivating and true to the book. The script, costumes, customs and dialog are true to the time – middle 19th century England. The directing is outstanding and the musical score is so good that at no point do we notice it so much that it's a distraction.
Now, for the acting. This 1946 version of "Great Expectations" is a model for actors. The different roles call for a range of expressions, moods and emotions. And the cast chosen for this film couldn't be better. Each person pulls off his or her role to perfection. John Mills excels in his naïveté and school-boyish infatuation that matures to love as Pip grows older. Valerie Hobson is outstanding in her slowly changing personality. Martita Hunt plays wonderfully the dejected lover grown bitter and seeking revenge. A very young-looking (and hardly recognizable) Alec Guinness adds a spark of energy to his role as Herbert Pocket.
Francis Sullivan, Finlay Currie, and Bernard Miles are notable and excellent in their considerable supporting roles. Tony Wager and Jean Simmons are ideal for their roles as the young Pip and Estella. And the rest of the cast fit their roles to a tee.
"Great Expectations" is a true classic by one of the greatest story- tellers of all time. And this 1946 rendition of that story on film is the best of all. It belongs in every library of great books on film. It's the one to pull out and play on a night one wants to make a great escape into the great classics.