The Life And Adventures Of Nicholas Nickleby

Considered by many to be the theatrical achievement of the decade, this massive production by the Royal Shakespeare Company features 42 actors in a total of 137 roles. Roger Rees is perfect in the role of Dickens' Nicholas, as we follow his family's misfortunes. Following the death of their father, the Nickleby's are forced to move to London, where they throw themselves at the mercy of their harsh uncle, Sir Ralph Nickleby (John Woodvine). Nicholas finds employment at Dotheboys Hall as an assistant teacher to the monstrous head master, Wackford Squeers (Alun Armstrong). There he leads a revolution, spurred on by the plight of a deformed orphan named Smike (an incredibly moving performance by David Threlfall). Nicholas and Smike escape, and their lives become interwoven with the aforementioned characters, as well as some newer faces--both delightful (the Crummles' traveling theatrical troupe) and insidious (the malevolent Hawk, who's set his eye on Nicholas' sister). As is customary in a Dickens novel, sentimentality wins the day, and everyone is happy at the close (although the directors have saved the finale by having Rees walk to the side of the stage, pick-up a shivering orphan, and hold him defiantly up to the audience). A remarkable achievement that plays well on video. Highly recommended. (Available from: Filmic Archives, The Cinema Center, Botsford, CT 06404-0386).