Cheap Martin Chuzzlewit (Video) (Martin Chuzzlewit) Price

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Customer Reviews of Martin Chuzzlewit

I had a "Dickens" of a time in the mid 90's trying to find this video a while after it was first presented on PBS, but at the then discounted price of $60, it was very well worth it!

It's an enthralling tale you become one with...you feel as though you are an observer on the sidelines trying to keep score as this thoroughly amusing bunch of people go from scene to scene, fleshing out Dickens' tale that portrays many of the worst and also the good and decent qualities of human behavior. The actors are THAT believable and so right in their respective roles!

I find though that I have to listen carefully in a few parts of this story, as the words said in the thick English slangy accent from a few of the characters can pass me by.

Altogether this is a truly superb show that unlike so much else out there, I will never tire of seeing again and again!

Dickens' at Its Best
I didn't understand or like Dickens' story-telling until I watched this film. Something clicked as to how he (Dickens) protrays the morals in his characters and his style of writing.

The Elder Martin Chuzzlewit at first seems like a dumb, cranky old man who complains much. He treats his grandson (Martin) cruelly when younger Martin falls in love with his charge, Mary. To earn a living, so that he can marry Mary, younger Martin sets out to find his fortune in America--where it turns into a disaster and he nearly dies!

During the tale of the story we also meet Tom Pinch (who is one of my favorite characters), his sister (Ruth--another favorite), the arrogant Mr. Pecksniff and his two daughters ("Cherry" and "Merry"), the evil Jonas, and the kind-hearted old man (Mr. Chuffey), to name a few.

This is just the cream of the story, and doesn't do any justice in telling you of the example of nobility, honor, and righteous character Dickens' protrays in this story. I could watch this the film over and over and not tire of it. The surprise ending is the best part. I always have to watch it several times before ending the movie. =) You will not be disappointed with this film.

one of the best Dickens' adaptations
This is one of the best Dickens' film adaptations, a fact I attribute to the fact that this book, more than Dickens' many other books, relies on dialogue to establish character - as opposed to the pantomime that characterises his more common caricatures. Seth Pecksniff and Sariah Gamp, in particular, the two 'stars' of the book, are known by their splendid self-serving speeches. And the actors in this adaptation do a marvelous job rendering these soliloquies.

The other actors, though not as loquacious, do an equally sterling job bringing Dickens' characters to life. Jonas Chuzzlewit, the old Martin Chuzzlewit, and Tigg Montague (and Montague Tigg) were especially well acted.

The weaknesses of the film are mainly two: one, the detour to the U-nited States was greatly truncated in this film; as a result, one of the funniest characters in the book, jolly Mark Tapley, never really gets to shine in the movie - he was 'cheated' again of his chance to 'come out strong', you might say; the other weakness is the length of the film: it's too short; more Pecksniff and especially more Sariah Gamp (and her friend, Mrs Harris) would have added to the delight of the film.

But as it is, it's a pretty good adaptation that successfully captures the spirit and humor of the book. If you've seen some of other Dickens' adaptations, you'll know that this is saying alot.