Great Expectations

1 9 8 1 (UK)
11 x 25 minute episodes
1 x 50 minute episode

This BBC series faithfully adapted the classic Charles Dickens’ novel in its entirety over twelve weeks.

Philip Pirrip – always known as ‘Pip’ (played by Graham McGrath as a nine-year-old, Paul Davies Prowles as a twelve-year-old and Gerry Sundquist as a young man) – was orphaned at an early age and brought up by his tyrannical aunt and her amiable husband, Joe Gargery, the blacksmith (Phillip Joseph).

One Christmas Eve he has a terrifying encounter on the marshes with Magwitch (Stratford Johns), an escaped convict who terrorises the young boy into stealing food for him, but is later recaptured.

Some time later, Joe’s pompous Uncle Pumblechook (John Stratton) takes Pip to the home of the eccentric Miss Havisham (Joan Hickson), who requires a country boy to play with her ward, Estella (Patsy Kensit as a child and Sarah-Jane Varley as a young woman), a proud and beautiful little girl who treats Pip with contempt.

The episodes are beautifully detailed, well-photographed and produced with atmosphere and care.

Joan Hickson’s is the definitive portrayal of Miss Havisham, and Sarah-Jane Varley is by far the most convincing adult Estella in the many television and movie adaptations of Great Expectations.

Patsy Kensit is also one of the better young Estellas, and Colin Jeavons is wonderful as the “nearly a fool” Wemmick.

James Andrew Hall’s screenplay managed to include all the important bits and make all the subplots loop back pleasantly.

Pip (Philip Pirrip)
Gerry Sundquist
Herbert Pocket
Tim Munro
Mr Jaggers
Derek Francis
Wemmick
Colin Jeavons
Abel Magwitch
Stratford Johns
Joe Gargery
Phillip Joseph
Orlick
Linal Haft
Compeyson
Peter Whitbread
Miss Havisham
Joan Hickson
Biddy
Christine Absalom
Estella
Sarah-Jane Varley
Mrs Joe Gargery
Marjorie Yates
Uncle Pumblechook
John Stratton
Clara Barley
Melanie Hughes
Mr Wopsle
Peter Benson
Trabb’s Boy
Colin Mayes
Bentley Drummle
Iain Ormsby-Knox
Sarah Pocket
Mollie Maureen
Pip (aged 12)
Paul Davies Prowles
Pip (aged 9)
Graham McGrath
Young Estella
Patsy Kensit
Potkins
John Rutland
Startop
Kevin Hart
Nightwatchman
Patrick Carter
Molly
Judith Buckingham
Aged Parent
Tony Sympson
Sheriff’s Man
Bernard Latham
Judge
Ralph Nossek
Mr Pocket
Timothy Bateson
Mr Hubble
Walter Sparrow
Governor
Leonard Kavanagh
Mrs Pocket
Elizabeth Morgan
Wopsle’s Dresser
Alec Bregonzi
Mrs Hubble
Christine Ozanne
Flopson
Annette Badland
Jack
Arthur Nightingale
Camilla
Janet Henfrey
Mr Trabb
James Belchamber
Raymond
Edmund Kente
Herbert Pocket
Jason Smart
Miss Skiffins
Charlotte West-Oram