James Hayter

James Donald

Nigel Patrick

Joyce Grenfell

Hermione Gingold

Hermione Baddeley

Donald Wolfit

Harry Fowler

Kathleen Harrison

Alexander Gauge

Lionel Murton

Diane Hart

Joan Heal

William Hartnell

Athene Seyler

Sam Costa

George Robey

Gerald Campion

Walter Fitzgerald

Mary Merrall

Raymond Lovell

Cecil Trouncer

D.A. Clarke-Smith

Noel Willman

Max Adrian

Noel Purcell

Felix Felton

Alan Wheatley

Hattie Jacques

Jack McNaughton

David Hannaford

June Thorburn

Barry MacKay

Gibb McLaughlin

Noel Langley

Charles Dickens

Antony Hopkins

George Minter

Wilkie Cooper

Anne V. Coates

Comedy

Adventure

The Pickwick Papers

Renown Pictures Corporation

United Kingdom

CinemaSerf

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.

English