The Personal History, Adventures, Experience, & Observation of David Copperfield the Younger

The definitive Hollywood version of Charles Dickens's 1850 story of a young English boy, who, despite being despised by his stepfather, succeeds in overcoming early years of poverty. While no film can fully convey the detail and depth of a Dickens novel, George Cukor's version, perhaps more than any other, captures the spirit of the author's words. Freddie Bartholomew is endearing as the young Copperfield, and the large cast includes a priceless turn by W.C. Fields as Micawber, in a role that surprised audiences accustomed to his vaudeville persona. In another standout performance, Basil Rathbone is admirably despicable as Murdstone. (official distributor synopsis)