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Great Expectations (1946)

Vivid adaptation of the Dickens classic about a poor young orphan who becomes a gentleman of means thanks to a mysterious benefactor.

A vivid adaptation of Charles Dickens's classic novel from master director David Lean. The simple life of a poor orphan is forever altered after a chance encounter with a fearsome criminal and the intervention of a mysterious benefactor. In line with the wishes of the wealthy stranger, the boy is taken to London, where he is introduced to a higher class of society and transformed into a gentleman. Despite his new riches however, he is unable to win over the object of his affections - a beautiful but spoilt young woman he has known since childhood.

Lean's vivid version of the tale won Academy Awards for cinematography and art direction.

1 hour, 53 minutes

Last on

Thu 28 Dec 2023 09:35
BBC Two

Credits

Pip John Mills
Estella Valerie Hobson
Joe Gargery Bernard Miles
Jaggers Francis L Sullivan
Miss Havisham Martita Hunt
Abel Magwitch Finlay Currie
Young Pip Anthony Wager
Estella as a child Jean Simmons
Herbert Pocket Alec Guinness
Writer David Lean
Writer Ronald Neame
Author Charles Dickens
Director David Lean
Producer Ronald Neame

Broadcasts

  • Wed 30 May 2018 12:35
    BBC Two
  • Fri 4 Jan 2019 07:45
    BBC Two
  • Sun 24 Nov 2019 15:05
    BBC Two except Scotland & BBC Scotland
  • Sun 24 May 2020 10:35
    BBC Two except Scotland
  • Sun 13 Dec 2020 13:50
    BBC Two except Scotland
  • Sat 18 Dec 2021 14:00
    BBC Two except Scotland
  • Sat 9 Apr 2022 14:00
    BBC Two except Scotland & Wales
  • Boxing Day 2022 09:15
    BBC Two except Scotland
  • Sat 20 May 2023 13:00
    BBC Two except Scotland
  • Thu 28 Dec 2023 09:35
    BBC Two except Scotland

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