David Copperfield

Charles Dickens' sprawling, semi-autobiographical novel was squeezed into this vivid and handsome 1935 MGM production. Produced by David O. Selznick and directed by George Cukor, the tale follows David from birth and boyhood (played by child star Freddie Bartholomew) to his becoming a young man (Frank Lawton). Some scenes from the source were necessarily cut, but the film is largely faithful and is brought to life with distinctive performances (the boast of a “star cast of 65 players” is only a slight exaggeration). Not so much star-studded as well-populated from the deepest pool of Hollywood studio character actors, David Copperfield features Edna May Oliver as the eccentric but generous Aunt Betsey; Basil Rathbone as David's cold, stern stepfather; and Roland Young (usually cast in comic roles) as the obsequious villain Uriah Heep; as well as supporting turns by Lionel Barrymore, Elsa Lanchester, Lewis Stone, and Maureen O'Sullivan. The most inspired casting here is W.C. Fields, who is marvelous as the hearty and loyal Micawber, a far cry from the sly, sour curmudgeon that Fields was famous for playing in his comedies. Previously available on DVD in a boxed set—long out of print—it's now part of the Warner Archive manufacture-on-demand collection, with extras including two vintage shorts and a classic cartoon. Highly recommended. (S. Axmaker)