David Copperfield is born after his father's death and lives with his mother and nurse Peggotty. As a child, his mother marries Murdstone while he is away with the Peggottys and Little Em'ly in an upside-down boat on the beach. Murdstone is a cold man and his harsh sister Jane stays with them. His weak mother submits to them and he suffers Murdstone's cruelty. His mother dies in childbirth. Murdstone intends to crush his spirit and sends him to work in London. He is taken care of by the kindly but inept Micawber (W.C. Fields). Micawber is sent to debtors' prison and he runs away to his aunt Betsey Trotwood and the wacky Mr. Dick. His life improves. Betsey refuses to let the Murdstones take him back. He goes to school staying with Mr. Wickfield and young Agnes. The devious Uriah Heep works for Mr. Wickfield as his clerk. As a young man, he is well learned and a writer. Agnes is his close friend. Micawber comes back into his life. He runs into his charming friend James Steerforth who was the headboy in school. Steerforth helps him woo Dora Spenlow. Steerforth charms and then dishonors Emily who is still with the Peggottys.There is a stiffness to the acting like an old fashion play. It's basically an old black and white Masterpiece Theatre. There isn't anything bad about that but it's not really my taste. The acting is broad and old fashion. Freddie Bartholomew does an admirable charismatic job for such a young age. He holds the lead very well for his half of the movie although he does a lot of fake crying. With so much material to stuff in, the movie can be ragged as it moves from one section to the next.

If I were to choose between the two though, I'd say this one. Immaculately directed by George Cukor and very handsomely mounted, this is not just one of the finest adaptations of Charles Dickens' work but also one of the all-time great literary adaptations. The story is rich and entertaining and apart from missing out the episode at Salem House Boarding School is true in spirit to the book, the script is sharp and thoughtful and the music compliments the story perfectly. But it is the cast that is the best asset I find. Maureen O'Sullivan is perhaps a little too cloying as Dora, but everyone else was so good I found it easy to forgive. Freddie Bartholemew and Frank Lawton as young and adult David are very believable, and Lennox Pawle is a perfect Mr Dick. But four people especially stood out, Edna May Oliver's very astutely played Betsy Trotwood, Basil Rathbone's chillingly brutish Mr Murdstone, Roland Young's truly snake-like Uriah Heep and WC Fields' sincere(he has some great lines too) Micawber. All in all, a superb adaptation and film. 10/10 Bethany Cox

I was expecting something that captured the time of Dickens and that was well acted. This turned out to be a sentimental look at the times thru rose-colored glasses and most of the actors were chewing the scenery. Almost everyone in the movie was a caricature.During an ocean rescue scene there is no logic at all for anyone to go swimming out to rescue someone, with the wind and surf it would have been impossible to even swim out. Then when they do swim out there seems to be no reason for having done so other then to set up the melodrama. Pretty much everything in the movie is telegraphed so don't expect any surprises.While it has its moments it seems vastly over-rated to me. Not having read the book, perhaps the book is the same way, in which case it's hardly the fault of the movie if it's just following the book. But either way, it was a disappointment. I would never watch it a second time.

This film might be the best adaptation of a Dickens novel this side of the epic Scrooge story itself. The cast is stellar & well put together. This film alone is the reason W C Fields had an inside track to be the Wizard of Oz in 1939. If Fields hadn't wanted so much money for Oz, it would have been interesting.Fields is excellent in a supporting role in this movie. While some of his comedy, especially a good piece of his physical comedy is worked in early in this film, it is his acting that is good. This is Fields best dramatic part in any movie.Freddie Bartholmew is great as young David Copperfield. Basil Rathbone (later Sherlock Holmes) is excellent in support too. George Cukor is solid in directing this film at a good pace too. Overall, I don't know if a remake of this could be any better. Check this out if you happen upon the film anyplace. Last time I saw it was on Turner Classic Movies. I am glad I finally saw this as for years I had heard about this film & especially how good Fields is in it. When I finally saw it, everything I had heard about it was right.