Little Dorrit

Scandalous secrets, smothering bureaucracy, and crippling debts converge in this compelling BBC adaptation of Charles Dickens' weighty (literally) novel, which debuted in serial form in 1855. The complex storyline kicks into action when shut-in Mrs. Clennam (Judy Parfitt) hires 21-year-old seamstress Amy Dorrit (newcomer Claire Foy) just days before her son Arthur (Matthew Macfadyen) returns home to London after several years at sea. Amy lives with her proud father William (a heartbreaking Tom Courtenay) in the debtor's prison Marshalsea (where Dickens' own father did time). Despite his mother's denials, Arthur becomes convinced that a connection exists between the Clennams and the Dorrits, which he sets out to uncover with help from sniveling rent collector Pancks (Eddie Marsan) and no small amount of hindrance from surly servant Flintwinch (Alun Armstrong) and the aptly-named Circumlocution Office. Last filmed in 1988 (a sadly out-of-print Warner double-VHS set), Little Dorrit's themes revolving around greedy lenders and eager investors are ripe for reinterpretation, and if this new Dickens miniseries doesn't surpass Bleak House (a high-water mark in Dickens adaptations), noted screenwriter Andrew Davies (Pride and Prejudice) still does the writer proud, despite a sketchy subplot concerning a miserable maid and her mysterious protector. As always, Dickens presents ample scene-stealing opportunities, which are fully taken advantage of here by Amanda Redman as a chilly socialite, Pam Ferris as a shallow governess, Russell Tovey as a lovesick suitor, and Andy Serkis (The Lord of the Rings' Gollum) as a Gallic psychopath. DVD extras include a “making-of” featurette with cast and crew, and a photo gallery. A timely drama, handsomely mounted, Little Dorrit is highly recommended. (K. Fennessy)