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The first BBC television adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic, Dombey and Son (1969) is now available for the first time to own on DVD. Starring John Carson, Kara Wilson, William Moore and Clive Swift. Hugh Leonard s third Dickens adaptation for the BBC, first broadcast in 1969, is an absorbing portrayal of proud logic undone by staunch affection. The timeless story of a father s blinkered pride, public downfall and emotional rescue. Paul Dombey (John Carson) is the wealthy owner of a shipping company whose sole desire is to have a son to inherit the family firm. But when a son arrives, his wife dies soon after, and the sickly boy s own days are numbered. Dombey finds no solace in the affections of his elder child Florence (Kara Wilson). He sees little use in daughters in the business world. Encouraged by the sinister Major Bagstock (Clive Swift), Dombey enters into a second, loveless marriage with Edith Grainger (Sally Home), who eventually flees to France with Dombey s double-dealing business manager James Carker (Gary Raymond). Dombey s livelihood is further undermined by a burgeoning railway network. All seems lost unless his pride will allow him to salvage a relationship with Florence. The colourful characters also include put-upon clerk Walter Gay (Derek Seaton), retired sea-captain Cuttle (William Moore), scatterbrained Mr Toots (Christopher Sandford), Florence s faithful maid Susan Nipper (Helen Fraser), Dombey s fusspot sister Louisa Chick (Hilda Braid) and the spurned but loyal Lucretia Tox (Pat Coombs). Review: A haunting production. - Each episode is introduced with a short extract from the Sibelius Symphony No. 1 slow movement. Thereafter there are no background audios until we reach the end of the episode giving a list of characters, with the Sibelius in the background. This is a near perfect choice of music for this sad tale. John Carson does an excellent job as the dour Mr Dombey. Likewise Fay Compton as the impoverished, crafty extortionist, Mrs Brown. It was good to see "Richards" crafted by a personal friend (now passed on), Charlotte Mitchell. The casting throughout is good and there are elements of the book included in this early version of the novel that are omitted from later productions. (See my review of a 2006 version.) "Dated"? Surely, if a production is true to its time it is bound to be dated! Review: Faithful adaptation - I saw this as a child when it was first broadcast and was delighted to find it on DVD. It did not disappoint. Faithful adaptation of the book.
| ASIN | B071VSDKCZ |
| Actors | Clive Swift, Gary Raymond, John Carson, Kara Wilson, Sally Home |
| Best Sellers Rank | 35,983 in DVD & Blu-ray ( See Top 100 in DVD & Blu-ray ) 8,145 in Television (DVD & Blu-ray) 11,361 in Drama (DVD & Blu-ray) |
| Customer reviews | 4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars (52) |
| Is discontinued by manufacturer | No |
| Language | English |
| Media Format | PAL |
| Number of discs | 2 |
| Package Dimensions | 19.4 x 17.9 x 1.7 cm; 90 g |
| Producers | Campbell Logan |
| Rated | Parental Guidance |
| Release date | 3 July 2017 |
| Run time | 5 hours and 25 minutes |
| Studio | Simply Media |
| Subtitles: | English |
| Writers | Hugh Leonard |
A**S
A haunting production.
Each episode is introduced with a short extract from the Sibelius Symphony No. 1 slow movement. Thereafter there are no background audios until we reach the end of the episode giving a list of characters, with the Sibelius in the background. This is a near perfect choice of music for this sad tale. John Carson does an excellent job as the dour Mr Dombey. Likewise Fay Compton as the impoverished, crafty extortionist, Mrs Brown. It was good to see "Richards" crafted by a personal friend (now passed on), Charlotte Mitchell. The casting throughout is good and there are elements of the book included in this early version of the novel that are omitted from later productions. (See my review of a 2006 version.) "Dated"? Surely, if a production is true to its time it is bound to be dated!
A**E
Faithful adaptation
I saw this as a child when it was first broadcast and was delighted to find it on DVD. It did not disappoint. Faithful adaptation of the book.
G**R
An excellent adaptation.
Having recently read the book I was first inclined to watch the 80s adaptation and I was disappointed. This version allows for each actor to portray their character and claim their screen time and deservedly so, it's a wonderful experience and production. I only wish that every Dickens adaptation was as close to it's source as this one. Highly recommended. And now I will start watching Bleak House from the same period, I doubt that it will be anywhere near the quality of the most recent adaptation with Gillian Anderson .
P**.
BBC Dombey and Son
A good, reliable BBC adaptation of Dickens, certainly a good contribution to the discussions and conversations about Dickens on the occasion of the Centenary, in 1970. My only critique is that this BBC production gives us a rather shallow Mr Dombey in John Carson and a very conventional Florence (not Kara Wilson's fault, mind you). Comparing this 1969 production with the more recent ones we can perceive how BBC drama has evolved.
L**P
an ok adaptation
Although this early BBC adaptation of Dombey and Son included more of the story than the 1983 edition, it was not as good Major Bagstock is lacking pompousness in this 1960's version and Mr Toots is disappointingly acted and so are a few others. The only good bit was Dr Blimbers school but apart from that it was disappointing.
P**S
Old Dickens story on BBC dvd
Good
M**W
As good As I Remembered It To Be..
I watched this firstly on television in the 60s and have always wanted to watch it again so was delighted to be able to purchase the DVD. I enjoyed rewatching it nearly 50 years on as much as I did originally.
J**S
Old fashioned but makes the point
This is a very old recording in black and white. Very close to the book and makes all the valuable points clearly. Great if you haven’t time to read the book or just need to study the novel.
D**E
Region Code was not easily visible. Item is not for US
T**S
Sehr schlechte Bildqualität.
Trustpilot
2 months ago
2 months ago