My cousin, a fellow Dickensian, was here last night for a little Dickens party. We had pizza and brownies -- for a full-fledged Dickens party, I suppose, we should have had something like steak and kidney pie, but somehow we managed to do without it -- and watched the 1983 miniseries of Dombey and Son. Neither of us had seen it before, but Dombey is Annie's favorite Dickens novel (whereas I haven't read it in a long time), so she was able to give me some details about what was left out, what was changed, and what was true to the book.
On the whole, I think we both enjoyed it very much. The acting was really excellent -- with the exception of little Paul Dombey. I hate to criticize a child actor, but this one didn't put much into the part. In fact, by Annie's account, he and his sister seemed to have switched places, with Paul being the serious one in the family and Florence considerably more lighthearted.
I remembered the basic outline of the story, more or less, but there was an awful lot I'd forgotten. I really don't know why I've never yet read this one a second time, but now I'm dying to. I don't own a copy of the book -- haven't even been able to find it at B&N or Borders, so I may have to order it -- but after the movie last night I was skimming through it online, trying to find out more about what was originally in the book and what was exclusive to the movie. But some things were a given even before I looked. No one but Charles Dickens, bless him, could have come up with "Where are you staying, abomination?"
Look out, Gina. I hear "Dombey and Son" is the next Dickens that Andrew Davies will be tackling for the BBC, though I did get that from Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dombey_and_Son#
Film.2C_TV_or_theatrical_adaptations). This is why I hope for it to also be the next Dickens I tackle, when I get a chance.
Posted by: Emma M. | September 07, 2009 at 09:17 PM
No kidding?! Well, that'll be interesting. Although I'm afraid to think what he'll do with Florence. If she starts snapping at people, I'll be throwing things.
Posted by: Gina | September 07, 2009 at 09:59 PM
Haha! Well, even mini-series Amy was pretty patient, you have to admit. I mean, I didn't love that scene but I can't absolutely hate it either. It inspires very conflicted feelings for me. I have read select passages of "Dombey and Son" online and I'd really be interested to see what Davies does with the whole proposal scene between Florence and Walter, because I got a little bit of whiplash from how quickly Florence changes her mind. I just wonder who Alun Armstrong will play in this one :)
Oh, and my friend J absolutely loved the "Little Dorrit" mini-series. And I've convinced about 3 people to give the book a chance (one of them didn't even flinch at the length! It was amazing!). So, I'm diligently spreading the word that Dickens is our friend :D
Posted by: Emma M. | September 07, 2009 at 11:31 PM
Atta girl! :-)
It's true I'm not as committed to a faithful portrayal of Florence as I was to a faithful portrayal of Amy, as "Little Dorrit" is one of my favorite novels ever, and I think Amy is a better developed character in general. But the 1983 miniseries, even though it made Florence less "somber" (Annie's word), really showed what a good, faithful portrayal of her could look like: The role was well written and Lysette Anthony gave an absolutely charming performance. So now I'd be sorry to see anyone do a lesser job with her.
Posted by: Gina | September 08, 2009 at 09:05 AM
I understand exactly what you're saying. I think, though, that we can trust the BBC to do a good job. I was re-watching "Little Dorrit" recently and I was just blown away by the scene where Mr. Dorrit has a bit of a fit after Amy rejects John's proposal and the look on Claire Foy's face was perfect.
Let's just hope they keep up the good work with "Dombey and Son".
Posted by: Emma M. | September 08, 2009 at 09:19 AM
It's unusual for me, but I really didn't like Florence Dombey. Was there a single scene where she was not crying? That's why I like Agnes and Esther and some of the others because they hold up better. ;)
Posted by: Nibs | September 08, 2009 at 09:27 AM
I think Florence Dombey is, in some respects, quite misunderstood, by many readers of "Dombey and Son." She undergoes more trials and tribulations than just about any other 'heroine' in Dickens's novels. Yes, she "cries" eighty-eight times (as some miscreant once counted); but she loses her mother, her brother, thinks she's lost Walter, and her father has outright rejected her, in all ways, for most of her life. I think we'd all cry. Yet, through it all she perseveres; she maintains her personal integrity and character; and continues to do all in her power to help all of those less fortunate around her.
Personally, I find Florence Dombey to be one of Dickens's most under-rated heroines. Don't let yourself be fooled though; she's tough -- A woman who is ultimately responsible for bringing her family back from the brink of disaster -- She's a true hero!
Just my two-cent's worth. Cheers!
Posted by: Christopher Harris | September 09, 2009 at 10:26 AM
Well, you're right Chris....and in some respects Florence is probably more realistic for crying, because in those circumstances I think anyone would (88 times? Where did you learn that?). I definitely don't think she's unrealistic, I just don't think Dickens had to record EVERY SINGLE time she cried, since I know he was doing it just to annoy me. ;)
Posted by: Nibs | September 11, 2009 at 07:20 AM
I'm always just so aemazd that he managed to write all these novels, one, but also that he wrote most in serial form. Working on one now, I couldn't imagine not having a chance to rewrite or to hear feedback before it was finished (besides, of course, the crazy pace). Dickens is quite a treasure.
Posted by: Nakul | August 07, 2013 at 11:18 AM