Writer-director Douglas McGrath (Emma) brings us a cleverly pared-down but potent version of Charles Dickens’ massive and often darkly humorous study of Victorian corruption, Nicholas Nickleby (2002). The sacrifices of condensing Dickens' massive novel to standard feature length are discernible, especially in the title character's discovery of love. Cast Jamie Bell Smike Jim Broadbent Wackford Squeers Tom Courtenay Newman Noggs Alan Cumming Mr. Folair Edward Fox Sir Mulberry Hawk Romola Garai Kate Nickleby Anne Hathaway Madeline Bray Dame Edna Everage Mrs. Crummles Charlie Hunnam Nicholas Nickleby Nathan Lane Vincent Crummles Christopher Plummer Uncle Ralph Nickleby Timothy Spall Charles Cheeryble | Instead, the impression is one of abundance: It's a generous tale, told through big performances by a talented cast. Cast. Dramatized by Tim Kelly. After his father dies, Nicholas is left to take care of his mother and sister. The screenplay is based on The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens, which originally was published in serial form between March 1838 and September 1839. Livestream and Record & Stream Rights Available Meet the cast and learn more about the stars of Nicholas Nickleby with exclusive news, pictures, videos and more at TVGuide.com Full-length Play; Drama | Melodrama ; Cast size: 15m., 15w. "[4], Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times said, "The movie is jolly and exciting and brimming with life, and wonderfully well-acted. The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby (Original, Play, Broadway) opened in New York City Oct 4, 1981 and played through Jan 3, 1982. Nicholas' determination to defend his sister's honour leads his uncle to vow he will destroy the young man. C. Charlie Hunnam. Having seen him in other roles with very diverse characters, this young man will be around the acting game as long as he wants. Nicholas Nickleby was an 8½ hour long adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel, performed in 2 parts. Duration around an hour (15 scenes) – this does not include playlist (optional but great! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicholas_Nickleby_(2002_film) No matter. "[6], Peter Travers of Rolling Stone awarded the film three out of a possible four stars and commented, "Christopher Plummer steals the show without resorting to camp as Nicholas' wounded and wounding Uncle Ralph. Soon after, a sinister secret Ralph has harbored for years surfaces, and it is revealed Smike was Ralph's son, whom he had thought dead. Nineteen-year-old Nicholas, his mother, and his younger sister, Kate, venture to London to seek help from their wealthy, cold-hearted uncle Ralph, an investor who arranges for Nicholas to be hired as a tutor at Dotheboys Hall in Yorkshire and finds Kate work as a seamstress. From one of Charles Dickens' most beloved novels comes some of his most unforgettable characters, vibrantly brought to life by a star-studded, award winning cast. The villainous Ralph; the ridiculous, Panto Dame-like Mrs. Nickleby; the cheery, comic contribution of the Cheeryble Brothers – all seemed to offer the ideal opportunity to write such an adaptation. Locations used in the film included the abandoned 19th century Gibson Mill in Hardcastle Crags; Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire; Churchill College at the University of Cambridge; and Wilton's Music Hall, the Old Vic, and the Reform Club in London. "[3], In his review in The New York Times, A. O. Scott called the film "two hours of swift, engaging entertainment" and added, "The book's theme and spirit have been dutifully respected. A short time after their bereavement, Nicholas, his sister Kate, and their mother set out for London. 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