The Pickwick Papers

The Pickwick Papers (1952)

Genres - Comedy, Action, Adventure  |   Sub-Genres - Comedy of Manners, Period Film  |   Release Date - Nov 14, 1952 (USA - Unknown), May 5, 1954 (USA)  |   Run Time - 109 min.  |   Countries - United Kingdom  |   MPAA Rating - NR
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Synopsis by Hal Erickson

John Hayter is Samuel Pickwick is this delightful filmization of Dickens' seriocomic novel. Mr. Pickwick is chairman of the Pickwick club, a scholarly league operating in mid-19th century London. The club's avowed purpose is to scrupulously study everyday life in England-not to improve or remonstrate, but simply examine, as a scientist would examine life under the microscope. The episodic storyline transports the Pickwicks all over town, from the fashionable digs of ever-in-debt roue Mr. Jingle (Nigel Patrick) to debtor's prison. The Candide-like Mr. Pickwick survives his many experiences (including a duel and breach of promise suit) with the invulnerability of innocence. The Pickwick Papers was produced, directed and adapted by Noel Langley, a brilliant, hard-drinking wit who once upon a time had labored on the screenplay of Hollywood's The Wizard of Oz.

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Keywords

middle-class, English [nationality], research, society, breach-of-promise, loot, debt, bumbler, lawsuit, duel, actor, middle-age