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
Freddie Bartholomew
David Copperfield as a Boy
Frank Lawton
David Copperfield as a Man
Edna May Oliver
Aunt Betsey Trotwood
Jessie Ralph
Clara Peggotty
Madge Evans
Agnes Wickfield as a Woman
Maureen O'Sullivan
Dora Spenlow
Elizabeth Allan
Clara Copperfield
Harry Beresford
Dr. Chillip
Hugh Walpole
The Vicar
Basil Rathbone
Mr. Edward Murdstone
Herbert Mundin
Barkis
John Buckler
Ham Peggotty
Una O'Connor
Mrs. Gummidge
Lionel Barrymore
Dan Peggotty
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.
