Dombey And Son

I saw this as a child when it was first broadcast and was delighted to find it on DVD. It did not disappoint. Faithful adaptation of the book.

Having recently read the book I was first inclined to watch the 80s adaptation and I was disappointed. This version allows for each actor to portray their character and claim their screen time and deservedly so, it's a wonderful experience and production. I only wish that every Dickens adaptation was as close to it's source as this one. Highly recommended.And now I will start watching Bleak House from the same period, I doubt that it will be anywhere near the quality of the most recent adaptation with Gillian Anderson .

Each episode is introduced with a short extract from the Sibelius Symphony No. 1 slow movement. Thereafter there are no background audios until we reach the end of the episode giving a list of characters, with the Sibelius in the background. This is a near perfect choice of music for this sad tale.John Carson does an excellent job as the dour Mr Dombey. Likewise Fay Compton as the impoverished, crafty extortionist, Mrs Brown. It was good to see "Richards" crafted by a personal friend (now passed on), Charlotte Mitchell.The casting throughout is good and there are elements of the book included in this early version of the novel that are omitted from later productions. (See my review of a 2006 version.)"Dated"? Surely, if a production is true to its time it is bound to be dated!

A good, reliable BBC adaptation of Dickens, certainly a good contribution to the discussions and conversations about Dickens on the occasion of the Centenary, in 1970. My only critique is that this BBC production gives us a rather shallow Mr Dombey in John Carson and a very conventional Florence (not Kara Wilson's fault, mind you). Comparing this 1969 production with the more recent ones we can perceive how BBC drama has evolved.

Although this early BBC adaptation of Dombey and Son included more of the story than the 1983 edition, it was not as good Major Bagstock is lacking pompousness in this 1960's version and Mr Toots is disappointingly acted and so are a few others. The only good bit was Dr Blimbers school but apart from that it was disappointing.

Early delivery. DVD just as advertised

This is a very old recording in black and white. Very close to the book and makes all the valuable points clearly. Great if you haven’t time to read the book or just need to study the novel.

Good