A fine adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novel, one of many versions of Great Expectations extant, but made with an unusually gifted cast and fidelity to the book, this Masterpiece Theatre entry stars Ioan Gruffudd as the adult Pip, an orphan who lives with his sister and her generous blacksmith husband. Before Gruffudd assumes center stage, however, we see Gabriel Thomson as young Pip, who is sent for by Miss Haversham (Charlotte Rampling)--an eccentric spinster who never removes the bridal gown she wore when jilted at the altar years before--and introduced to the woman's contemptuous ward, Estella (played initially by Gemma Gregory, and as an adult by Justine Waddell). Pip falls in love and spends the remainder of his youth striving to be good enough for her, a dream that becomes possible when a mysterious benefactor--presumably, though not necessarily, Miss Haversham herself--pays to turn Pip into an educated gentleman. Gruffudd is a fine choice for the lead (his natural intensity underscores Pip's insecurity), Waddell is an appropriately solipsistic Estella (slightly reminiscent of Vivien Leigh), and Rampling's familiar mystery and sense of vague suffering bring a potent power to the role of Miss Haversham. Highly recommended. (T. Keogh)
Great Expectations
WGBH, 180 min., not rated, DVD: $29.95 Volume 20, Issue 1
Great Expectations
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