David Copperfield is a 10 episode BBC serial broadcast between 19 October and 21 December 1986 and based on the 1850 novel David Copperfield by Charles Dickens. The series was written by James Andrew Hall and directed by Barry Letts. It was produced by Terrance Dicks.
The adaptation follows the story of David Copperfield as he grows up under the care of the cruel Murdstones after the death of his mother, escapes to the care of his aunt Betsey Trotwood and later travels to London where he meets the gentle Micawbers and the scheming Uriah Heep, and falls in love with and marries the spoilt Dora Spenlow.
The series was nominated for a BAFTA in the Children's Programme (Entertainment/Drama) 1986 category.
Scenes from the series were filmed at Holme-next-the-Sea in Norfolk.
The English DVD release with the original ten episode format has become almost impossible to find, with only the Dutch import that edited the episodes together to make it only five parts being available.
Contents
Plot
For a detailed plot, see David Copperfield (novel).
Cast
Colin Hurley—David Copperfield
Brenda Bruce—Betsey Trotwood
Simon Callow—Wilkins Micawber
Jeremy Brudenell—James Steerforth
Francesca Hall—Dora Spenlow/Clara Copperfield
Jenny McCracken—Clara Peggotty
Ronald Herdman—Barkis
Hilary Mason—Mrs. Gummidge
Natalie Ogle—Agnes Wickfield
Owen Teale—Ham Peggotty
Stephen Thorne—Daniel Peggotty
Thorley Walters—Mr. Dick
Paul Brightwell—Uriah Heep
Oliver Cotton—Edward Murdstone
Sandra Payne—Emma Micawber
Irene Richard—Julia Mills
Neal Swettenham—Thomas Traddles
Fanny Carby—Mrs. Crupp
Sarah Crowden—Jane Murdstone
David Dexter—Young David
Valerie Gogan—Emily
Nolan Hemmings—Young David
Terence Lodge—Francis Spenlow
Nyree Dawn Porter—Mrs. Steerforth
John Baker—Tiffey
Nicholas Bond-Owen—1st Boy
Chris Chandler—2nd Boy
Dylan Dolan—Young Traddles
Leon Eagles—Mr. Sharp
Alison Fiske—Rosa Dartle
Jonathan Lacey—Demple
Artro Morris—Mr. Wickfield
Reggie Oliver—Mr. Mell
John Savident—Mr. Creakle
Ann Way—Mrs. Heep