

A young man journeys from a difficult childhood to maturity, exploring social injustice, personal development, and the complexities of human relationships.
Acting
W.C. Fields as Micawber — scene-stealing chaos
Production
Massive Victorian sets built for maximum grandeur
Direction
Cukor wrangling child actors and Dickens alike

Director
George Cukor
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Freddie Bartholomew was paid $1,500/week, making him one of Hollywood's highest-paid child stars; he was fired from the 1950s TV remake for being 'too old' at 34.
George Cukor specifically cast W.C. Fields against type for Micawber, creating the definitive performance that influenced every subsequent adaptation.