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David Copperfield Overview:

David Copperfield (1935) was a Adventure - Drama Film directed by George Cukor and produced by David O. Selznick.

The film was based on the novel of the same name written by Charles Dickens published in 1850.

SYNOPSIS

The definitive Hollywood version of Dickens's 1850 tale of a young boy despised by his stepfather who overcomes early years of poverty. No film can ever come close to conveying the detail and depth of a Dickens novel, but, perhaps more than any other, Cukor's version captures the spirit of his words. Bartholomew is endearing and the deep cast of characters in support includes a priceless turn by Fields as Micawber.

(Source: available at Amazon AMC Classic Movie Companion).

Academy Awards 1935 --- Ceremony Number 8 (source: AMPAS)

AwardRecipientResult
Best Film EditingRobert J. KernNominated
Best PictureMetro-Goldwyn-MayerNominated
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David Copperfield Quotes:

Aunt Betsy Trotwood: Now that there's a child coming, what will you call your girl?
Mrs. Clara Copperfield: Perhaps it will be a boy.
Aunt Betsy Trotwood: Don't contradict. I have a pre-sentiment that it will be a girl. And I shall be her godmother. She shall be christened Betsy Trotwood Copperfield. She must be well brought up, I shall see to that. Far better than my impractical nephew would have done.
Mrs. Clara Copperfield: Mr. Copperfield has been dead only six months. It is cruel of you to speak unkindly of him to me.
Mrs. Clara Copperfield: What have you got against Mr Murdstone?
Nurse Peggotty: [unimpressed at the meer mention of his name] Huh!
Mrs. Clara Copperfield: Is it to be hinted at that I am lacking in affection for my precious treasure? The dearest little fellow that ever was!
Nurse Peggotty: Nobody ever went an hinted no such thing.
Mrs. Clara Copperfield: Am I a naughty mama to you, Davy? Am I a nasty and selfish bad mama? I don't love you at all do I
David Copperfield as a child: [tearful] Yes you do...
Nurse Peggotty: [the tearful three embrace] I never meant to hurt you, m'am. I never meant to.
Barkis: No sweethearts I believe?
David Copperfield as a child: What?
Barkis: No person courting?
David Copperfield as a child: Oh. No, no.
Barkis: Ahhh. Well, when you is talking to her private, perhaps you'd tell her that Barkis is willing.
David Copperfield as a child: That Barkis is willing. Is that all the message?
Barkis: Well, y... y... yes. Barkis is willing.
David Copperfield as a child: Very well, Mr Barkis. I'll tell her.
Mr. Micawber: [to young Copperfield] Boy, as I have frequently had occasion to observe, "When the stomach is empty, the spirits are low."
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David Copperfield Facts
Freddie Bartholomew's first American film.
Two actors in this film, Herbert Mundin, who played Barkis, and John Buckler, who played Ham Peggotty, were killed in road accidents before the end of the 1930's.
Charles Laughton was originally cast as Micawber, but resigned from the role after two days of shooting. It was said at the time that "he looked as though he were about to molest the child."
W. H. Henry, who had taken the role of Eustace McGargle in the London version of POPPY, desperately wanted the role of Mr. Micawber, but his wife was deathly ill, and he would not leave her bedside. He recommended that W.C. Fields be given the role, and the studio eventually complied. Other reports say that it was Charles Laughton who recommended Fields for the role, because he did not feel that he was giving a good performance as Micawber. Laughton had similar feelings while he was playing the title role of I, Claudius.
'David Holt' (qcv) was originally cast as the young David, but then replaced when the producer decided he should be played by an English actor.
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