This Sunday afternoon series was the BBC’s third serialisation of the classic Charles Dickens novel in 18 years, but the first to be produced in colour.
Young David Copperfield (Jonathan Kahn) lives happily in the country with his widowed mother, Clara (Colette O’Neil) and faithful servant, Peggotty (Pat Keen), until his mother marries the harsh Mr Murdstone (Gareth Thomas), whom David dislikes.
David is sent away to boarding school and finds it cruel and intimidating. He meets an older student, James Steerforth (Anthony Andrews), who becomes his friend and protector.
When his mother dies, David finds his future rests in the hands of his cold and officious stepfather.
He is sent to work in a bottle cleaning factory in London, where he lives a life of poverty brightened only by the friendship of the impecunious but hopeful Micawbers, with whom he lodges.
He decides to seek out his Aunt Betsey Trotwood (Patience Collier), who renounced all interest in him from his birth because he was not born a girl.
Adopted and educated by the eccentric lady, David is sent to board with solicitor Mr Wickfield (Godfrey Kenton) and his daughter Agnes (Debra Collins). He also meets Mr Wickfield’s law clerk, Uriah Heep (Martin Jarvis), and comes across his old friend Steerforth.
David invites his old school friend to accompany him to visit Peggotty and her family at the seaside, where they learn that Ham Peggoty (David Troughton) and little Em’ly (Melanie Hughes) are engaged to be married. Steerforth takes a particular interest in the young girl.
Articled to a law firm under Mr Spenlow (Anthony Sharp), David has the pleasure of renewing his acquaintance with Mr Micawber, but is distressed to learn that Uriah Heep may soon become Mr Wickfield’s partner.
When he learns that Em’ly has run off with Steerforth, leaving Ham heartbroken, David is angry and blames himself. Steerforth’s mother (Sheila Keith) offers little hope that her son will make a lady of Em’ly, given their social differences.
David falls in love with his employer’s daughter, Dora (Beth Morris), and they are soon married.
But when Aunt Betsey arrives in London with the news that she is destitute after an unwise investment, David asks Mr Spenlow to release him from his articles and decides to pursue a career as a law reporter and a writer.
Micawber is now working for Uriah Heep, but, discovering his treachery, he arranges a confrontation in the presence of David, Aunt Betsey, Agnes Wickfield and others.
As a result, Mr Wickfield’s situation is resolved, though little money is left.
Meanwhile, David learns that Emily has run away after Steerforth abandoned her, and tracks her down in London.
Dora falls seriously ill, and David Copperfield is soon a young widower. He decides to go away for a while.
Micawber, meanwhile, decides to emigrate to Australia with the Peggotys, although Ham Peggoty is found dead on the beach having tried to rescue a man during a terrible storm. The man turns out to be James Steerforth.
After some years abroad, David returns to London as a successful author. He visits Agnes Wickfield, and they are soon married.
David Yelland played David as a man. Arthur Lowe (best known as Captain Mainwaring from Dad’s Army) made a superb Mr Micawber.
David Copperfield
David Yelland Young David Copperfield
Jonathan Kahn Peggotty
Pat Keen Ham Peggotty
David Troughton Dan Peggotty
Ian Hogg Betsey Trotwood
Patience Collier Mrs Clara Copperfield
Colette O’Neil Mr Edward Murdstone
Gareth Thomas Mr Wilkins Micawber
Arthur Lowe Mrs Micawber
Patricia Routledge Steerforth
Anthony Andrews Em’ly
Melanie Hughes Little Em’ly
Katharine Levy Mr Wickfield
Godfrey Kenton Agnes Wickfield
Gail Harrison Young Agnes
Debra Collins Mr Dick
Timothy Bateson Uriah Heep
Martin Jarvis Dora Spenlow/Copperfield
Beth Morris Mr Spenlow
Anthony Sharp Jane Murdstone
Anne Ridler Mr Barkis
Edward Sinclair Tommy Traddles
Peter Bourke Young Tommy Traddles
Richard Baxell Mrs Gummidge
Lala Lloyd Mrs Steerforth
Sheila Keith Mr Chillip
John Gill Mr Mell
Laurence Carter Mr Creakle
Clifford Kershaw
When his mother dies, David finds his future rests in the hands of his cold and officious stepfather.
When he learns that Em’ly has run off with Steerforth, leaving Ham heartbroken, David is angry and blames himself. Steerforth’s mother (Sheila Keith) offers little hope that her son will make a lady of Em’ly, given their social differences.
Meanwhile, David learns that Emily has run away after Steerforth abandoned her, and tracks her down in London.
