David Copperfield – Nostalgia Central

1 9 7 4 – 1 9 7 5 (UK)
6 x 50 minute episodes

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

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