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Triumphantly brought to the screen for the first time! Another Dickens treasure springs to life in the rich traditions of
The Pickwick Club sends Mr. Pickwick and a group of friends to travel across England and to report back on the interesting things they find...
CinemaSerf
Jan 5, 2025 · via TMDB
James Hayter is at his theatrical best in this comedy that sees a group of well-meaning men travel the length and breadth of the kingdom trying to report for their "Pickwick Club" many of the interesting things that cross their path. They are led by the eponymous "Samuel" (Hayter) who's an avuncular and kind-spirited man, but are frequently foiled by the rakish "Jingle" (Nigel Patrick) who's unscrupulousness always seems to manage to get the others into trouble. That's not to say that "Pickwick" isn't capable of getting himself into some hot water from time to time either, as his innate decency borders gullibility and that sees him fall foul, ultimately, of the ghastly lawyers "Fogg" (Alan Wheatley) & "Dodson" (D. A. Clarke-Smith). The story hits the ground running and this adaptation barely pauses for breath as a cast of familiar faces from British cinema and stage all contribute a series of cameos to support the rumbustious collection of scenarios encountered, or more likely caused, by this troupe of travellers. There are James Donald's entertaining "Mr. Winkle", Kathleen Harrison's superbly giggly "Mrs. Wardle", Hermione Gingold's "Mrs. Bardell" and a brief scene from Joyce Grenfell to help keep the smiles coming too. Of course, there had to be some sacrifices made from the book but they don't impact terribly on the energetic and enjoyable impetus of this characterful study of human nature, pomposity and sheer stupidity whilst gently reminding us of the iniquities of Victorian Britain and it's unforgiving attitude to those less fortunate. Charles Dickens was fond of a courtroom scenario, and by drafting in an on-form Donald Wolfit to deliver a rousing monologue that could send "Pickwick" to clink, we head to a denouement that's fittingly good natured and generous. Those of us who remember Arthur Lowe's marvellous "Capt. Mainwaring" from the BBCs "Dad's Army" series can probably recognise Hayter as the inspiration for that character here and for all but the harshest purists of this author, this film is great fun to watch.
User reviews courtesy of TMDB.
Amazon Video
Artiflix
Amazon Video
James Hayter
Samuel Pickwick
James Donald
Nathaniel Winkle
Nigel Patrick
Mr. Jingle
Joyce Grenfell
Mrs. Leo Hunter
Hermione Gingold
Miss Tompkins
Hermione Baddeley
Mrs. Bardell
Donald Wolfit
Sergeant Buzfuz
Harry Fowler
Sam Weller
Kathleen Harrison
Rachel Wardle
Alexander Gauge
Tracy Tupman
Lionel Murton
Augustus Snodgrass
Diane Hart
Emily Wardle
William Hartnell
Irate Cabman
Athene Seyler
Miss Witherfield
George Robey
Tony Weller
Gerald Campion
Joe, the Fat Boy
Walter Fitzgerald
Mr. Wardle
Mary Merrall
Grandma Wardle
Raymond Lovell
Aide
D.A. Clarke-Smith
Dodson
Noel Willman
Mr. Perker
Max Adrian
Aide
Noel Purcell
Roker
Alan Wheatley
Fogg
Hattie Jacques
Mrs. Nupkins
Jack McNaughton
Mr. Nupkins (as Jack MacNaughton)
June Thorburn
Arabella Allen
Barry MacKay
Mr. Snubbins
Gibb McLaughlin
Foreman
Graeme Harper
Master Bardell (uncredited)
Noel Langley
Director
Anne V. Coates
Editor
Noel Langley
Producer
Charles Dickens
Novel
Noel Langley
Screenplay
May 5, 1954
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Versus
Sign in to play →
Watch Your Own Heart Attack
2008
Robin Trower : Living Out Of Time
2006
Sign in to vote
Battle your watched movies head-to-head
Community Top Movies
Evil Dead II
1987 · 14 wins
The Dark Knight
2008 · 14 wins
Final Destination
2000 · 12 wins
Top Gun: Maverick
2022 · 11 wins
Joker
2019 · 11 wins
Trivia
Leaderboard →Playing as a guest — sign in to save your score and rank on the leaderboard.
Movie Trivia
Guess the movie from a clue — tagline, plot, cast and more. Pick from four posters.
What movie experience do you prefer?
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