Watch David Copperfield

David Copperfield is a classic film adaptation of the beloved novel by Charles Dickens. Directed by George Cukor, the movie was released in 1935 and stars Freddie Bartholomew as the title character, with Frank Lawton playing the older David Copperfield. The supporting cast includes Hollywood legends such as Edna May Oliver, Lionel Barrymore, and Basil Rathbone.

The film tells the story of David Copperfield, a young boy who experiences many trials and tribulations throughout his childhood and early adulthood. David is born to a loving mother, but tragedy strikes when she dies soon after giving birth. David is sent to live with his stepfather, the cruel and abusive Mr. Murdstone (played by Rathbone), who mistreats him and sends him away to a boarding school.

At school, young David befriends a group of boys, including the cheerful and loyal Steerforth (played by Lawton) and the sweet-natured Tommy Traddles. David also meets the mean-spirited and bullying Uriah Heep, who becomes a thorn in his side throughout his life.

As David grows older, he moves to London to live with his eccentric Aunt Betsey Trotwood (played by Oliver) and her mentally unstable father, Mr. Dick. Betsey takes a liking to David and provides a safe and loving home for him, but she also has her own secrets and quirks, including her obsession with donkeys.

David gets a job as a clerk for Mr. Wickfield, a kindly lawyer who is being manipulated and controlled by Uriah Heep. David also reconnects with his childhood sweetheart, Dora Spenlow, and they begin a courtship. However, Dora's father, a successful businessman, disapproves of the match and tries to intervene.

Throughout the film, David faces numerous challenges and setbacks, including financial troubles, broken hearts, and moral dilemmas. But he never gives up and continues to persevere, relying on his intelligence, wit, and kindness to help him overcome adversity.

Overall, David Copperfield is a sweeping and emotionally engaging film that captures the spirit and essence of Charles Dickens' masterpiece. The characters are vividly brought to life by the talented cast, and the settings and costumes recreate the period with stunning detail and authenticity. The film is a timeless classic that will continue to delight and inspire audiences for generations to come.

David Copperfield is a 1935 adventure movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 10 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 91.