David Copperfield (1983) - full transcript

(MultiCom Jingle)

(gentle music)

- Oh!

- Mrs. David Copperfield, I think?

- Yes, but-

- You've heard of Miss Betsey Trotwood,

aunt of your late husband?

- Yes.

- Now you see her.

(Clara crying)

Come now, come now.

Don't do that. Here.

Oh, take off your bonnet,

child, and let me see you.

Why, bless my heart. You're only a baby.

And here you are with child

and wearing a widow's weeds.

(Clara sobs)

Oh, now, now child.

What is the matter?

- I'm all in a tremble.

I don't know what will happen.

I'll die, I'm sure I'll die.

- That, my child, is absolute nonsense.

What you need is a

good, strong cup of tea.

What do you call your girl?

- I don't know yet that

it will be a girl, ma'am.

- No, no, wake up child,

I meant your servant girl.

- Oh, Peggotty.

- Peggotty?

- Her Christian name is Clara,

but that's the same as mine,

so I call her Peggotty

to avoid any confusion.

- Peggotty, we need some

tea. Don't dawdle now!

You were speaking about it being a girl.

I have no doubt it will be a girl.

I have a presentment

that it must be a girl.

Now, from the moment of

the birth of this girl-

- Perhaps boy.

- Don't contradict me, child.

I intend to be your daughter's godmother,

and I beg you call her

Betsey Trotwood Copperfield.

There'll be no mistakes in

life with that Betsey Trotwood.

No one will cause her to love in vain.

- Oh, my dear Aunt

Betsey, are you all right?

- Yes, of course. Of course, silly girl.

She must be well brought

up and well-guarded.

I must make that my care.

- It is a doctor you need, ma'am.

- Well, don't just stand there, Peggotty.

Be off and fetch the doctor. Quickly now.

(Clara moans)

Oh, there, there child.

It will soon be over, and I'll

take care of your daughter.

(Clara moans)

(gentle music)

(baby crying)

- Ms. Trotwood, would

you like to see the baby?

He's a strong little

fellow with a pair of lungs

like the wind at sea, but he's

well and so is my mistress.

We've called him David after

his father. David Copperfield.

Ms. Trotwood?

- How is she?

- Oh, she's comfortable, ma'am.

The doctor says she's as

comfortable as a young mother

can expect to be under these

melancholy circumstances.

- Peggotty, you seem to have a mind

as wondrous as your name.

I meant the baby. How is she?

- My name seems to be as wondrous

as your understanding, ma'am.

The baby is a boy.

- (gasps) Oh!

- Oh, goodness me.

(door slams)

- [Clara] Peggotty, is

young David all right?

- Yes, ma'am. You're a

little cold, aren't you?

Oh, we'll warm you up, my treasure.

My treasure of a boy.

(bright music)

Tea time, David.

- Oh, Peggotty, I'm starving.

- [Peggotty] Only one biscuit, I'm afraid.

- Oh, Peggotty.

- [Peggotty] These are hard times, David.

Your father left 100 pounds a year,

but we seem to stretch

it a bit thin sometimes.

(bright music)

I hope you had a pleasant evening, ma'am.

- [Clara] Oh, yes, thank you, Peggotty.

- A stranger or so makes

an agreeable change.

- You don't approve of my

going out, do you, Peggotty?

But tell me, what should I do?

Shave my head and hide my face?

- Mr. Copperfield wouldn't

have liked this, ma'am.

- Oh, Peggotty, stop!

You'll upset young David.

- Perhaps what David needs

is a holiday by the sea.

Would you like to come

and stay with my brother

and his family at Yarmouth, David?

- Do you mean that, Peggotty?

- Of course.

- Oh, oh, he'd love to go.

Wouldn't you, David?

- What's your brother like, Peggotty?

- I'm sure he's a nice man.

- Is he the sort of man my

father would have approved of?

- Oh, oh, Davy.

(Clara sobs)

(cheery music)

(horse whinnies)

(birds chirping)

(cheery music)

- Ham! There's my Ham.

Growed out of all knowing.

- Aunt Clara and young Davy, is it?

- Thank you Mr. Barkis.

- Aye.

- Now, you follow me, and

I'll show you our house.

(gentle music)

- That's a house? That ship looking thing?

- Yes, Master Davy, that's our home.

Ahoy there!

- This is my brother, David,

and this is his adopted niece, Emily.

- Welcome to the pair of you,

and I hope you'll stay

as long as you like.

Ah, she's a shy one, little

Emily, God bless her.

Come on, young Davy,

I'll show you your room.

Here we are, Davy, your own room.

(gentle music)

- Thank you, Mr. Peggotty.

(bright music)

- Eh, those young folks

seem to be enjoying

each others' company.

(birds squawking)

- You're quite a sailor, I suppose.

- [Emily] Oh, no. I'm afraid of the sea.

- Afraid? I'm not.

- It's cruel. It's very cruel, the sea.

I've seen it tear a boat as

big as our house to pieces.

- I hope it wasn't the boat that-

- That Father was drowned

in, no, not that one.

I never see that boat.

- Nor him?

- Not to remember.

- I never saw my father either.

- Your father was a gentleman.

Mine was a fisherman. And so is my uncle.

- [David] He seems a very

good man, your uncle.

- Good?

If I was ever to be a lady,

I'd give him a sky blue coat

with diamond buttons and

a pipe made of silver.

(bird squawking)

- You'd like to be a lady?

- Oh, yes.

- Emily!

(water roaring)

(Emily giggles)

(gentle music)

- Mm, look at them.

Like a couple of young thrushes.

(birds squawking)

- I could stay here forever.

- Yes, Davy, I'm glad

you had a good holiday,

but now it's time to go home.

- Will we come back here, Peggotty?

- [Peggotty] I'm sure we will.

My brother said you can

come any time you like,

and he's a man of his word.

- You will write to me, won't you?

- Yes, Emily. And I'll miss you, too.

We'd like to go home please, Mr. Barkis.

- Aye!

(horse hooves clomping)

- Thank you, Mr. Barkis.

- Aye.

- What's the matter, Peggotty?

- Wait till we get inside, Davy.

- Now, what is it?

- I should've told you before now,

but you were so busy and happy,

and I couldn't exactly

bring my mind to it.

- Go on, Peggotty.

- Master Davy, what do you think?

You've got a father.

- What?

- A new one. Come and see him.

- I don't want to see him!

- And your mother.

- Now, Clara, control yourself.

Always control yourself.

Eh, Davy boy, how do you do?

(melancholy music)

- [David] Oh, Peggotty, I don't like him.

- I knew it'd be hard for you, Davy.

That's why I took you to the seaside.

It's going to be hard for me too,

but we'll make the best of it, won't we?

- Is he here to stay?

- Yes, Davy, he is.

And his sister's arriving on Thursday.

- Oh!

You must be the one with the strange name.

- Peggotty, ma'am.

- [Jane] And this must

be your mistress's boy?

- Yes, ma'am, David.

- Hmm, generally speaking,

I don't like boys.

How do you do, boy?

- Well, thank you, ma'am. But who are you?

- Ooh, what manners, this boy.

I am Miss Murdstone,

your new father's sister,

and I have come to stay.

(clock ticking)

(dramatic music)

- You call this homework?

- But Mr. Murdstone, I find

it difficult to do my work

while you and Miss Murdstone are here.

- I will not tolerate

your impertinence, boy.

Go to your room!

(dramatic music)

- Edward, please.

- Now, Clara, the boy needs firmness.

You're much too soft with him.

- Please, Mr. Murdstone, sir.

I tried hard to do my homework.

- You didn't try hard enough, David.

(dramatic music)

Ow! You'll pay for that last outrage.

You'll stay here.

(knocking)

- Is that you, Peggotty?

- [Peggotty] Yes, David.

- I've been in here for days, Peggotty.

What's he going to do with me?

- [Peggotty] He's sending you away

to school, Davy, tomorrow.

(gentle music)

Here, Davy, I baked some

cakes for your trip.

- Oh, thank you, dear Peggotty.

- And there's also a purse

with eight shillings

in it from your mother.

Goodbye, Davy. Write to me.

- I will, Peggotty. I will.

(horse hooves clomping)

(cheery music)

- Did she make that cake?

- Oh, yes. Peggotty's an excellent cook.

- Is she now?

And tell me, has she got a sweetheart?

- No. I don't think so.

- When you write to

her, you tell her this.

You tell her Barkis is willing.

- [David] Willing? For what?

- You just tell her Barkis is willing.

(children chattering)

(cheery music)

- [Headmaster] Yes?

- It's Copperfield,

sir, David Copperfield.

- [Headmaster] Yes. New boy?

- Yes, sir.

- Wait here, boy.

(jaunty music)

(door squeaking)

In here, boy.

So you're Copperfield, eh?

- Yes, sir.

- I'm Mr. Creakle, and do

you know what else I am, boy?

- No, sir.

- I'm a Tartar, boy.

What is it I am?

- If you please, sir.

- What, boy?

- What's a Tartar, sir?

A Tartar, boy, is what I am.

A Tartar, boy, keeps discipline.

You understand, boy?

- Yes, sir.

- You're very smart, boy. Very smart.

But a boy who bites-

- Bites, sir?

- Your stepfather warned me about you.

Can you read this, boy?

- Yes. It says, "I bite."

- You'll wear that on your back.

- Oh, please, sir. Must I?

- When I say I'll do a thing, I do it.

And when I say I will have a thing done,

I will have it done.

(dramatic music)

If I see you without it, boy,

you'll see what a Tartar can do.

(kids chattering)

- Hello, is your name Biter?

- [David] No, it's Copperfield.

- That's a nice name, Copperfield.

- How much money have

you got, Copperfield?

- Eight schillings.

(Traddles whistles)

- You'd better give it

to me to take care of.

At least you can if you like.

You don't have to if you don't want to.

Do you want to spend anything now?

- [David] No, thank you.

- You can if like, just say the word.

- No, thank you, sir.

- Perhaps you'd like to spend a shilling

or so on almond cake,

or perhaps another

shilling or so on biscuits.

And there'd be a couple of shillings worth

in a bottle of red currant wine.

Like me to get the stuff for you?

- Yes. I'd like that.

- [Steerforth] I can go out when I like,

and I'll smuggle the grog in,

so don't worry about anything.

My name's Steerforth, by the way.

- [David] Are we all about

to share in this feast?

- Of course. Steerforth's not a bully.

(bright music)

- Well, young Copperfield,

I hope you're hungry.

- [David] Yes, sir.

- Then eat up, go on!

(cheery music)

- So Robinson Crusoe had to build a raft

to get out to the red ship,

and he set about building it

by finding pieces of wood on the beach.

I'm tired, Steerforth. Do

I have to tell anymore?

- No, that's enough for now.

Goodnight, young Copperfield.

And don't worry, I'll take care of you.

- Thank you, Steerforth.

- You haven't got a sister, have you?

- No.

- That's a pity.

If you had one, I should think

she would've been a pretty,

timid, little bright-eyed sort of girl.

I should've liked to have

known her. Goodnight.

- [Traddles] Goodnight, David.

- Goodnight, Traddles.

(cheery music)

(bright music)

- Hear you're a biter, are you?

Who did you bite?

- My stepfather.

- [Boys] He's a biter! He's a biter!

(boys clamoring)

- Silence!

- Steerforth?

- Yes, sir?

- I am informed by one who should know

that this young man is a biter.

Why did you remove the sign

that warned the world of this?

- I felt, sir, that it

caused more difficulties

than it was worth.

It was very hard on the master, sir,

when they wished to cane him.

The sign got in the way.

- That's very well

thought out, Steerforth.

Very well thought out.

(Traddle giggles)

Silence, boy!

- Thank you, Steerforth. I think.

- No trouble, young Copperfield.

- Ah, if I ever saw Creakle

standing on the edge of a cliff-

- What's that, Traddles?

- Nothing, sir.

- You have visitors, Copperfield.

Look smart, lad, and keep

your teeth to yourself.

- Hello, Master Davy.

- Hello, Mr. Peggotty. Hello, Ham.

- We brought you some

vittles, Master Davy.

- Oh, thank you both.

And tell me, how is dear

Peggotty and little Emily?

- They're uncommon well,

Master Davy. Uncommon well.

- Well, Davy, you must be

settling into school by now.

How do you like it?

- Mr. Creakle is a bit of a Tartar,

but I have my friends,

Traddle and Steerforth.

(bright music)

- Oh, that was a good catch.

- Oh, hello, Copperfield.

Sorry if I disturbed you and your friends.

I say, I like the look of that lobster.

We'll have a feast

tonight. Good day to you.

- That's Steerforth, he's

a brilliant cricketer

and a sailor who's afraid of nothing.

And he's the only boy here

that Mr. Creakle won't cane.

They say it's because he knows all about

Mr. Creakle's business

values in another town.

- All right, well, he

looks like a bit of a lad.

If he's a sailor, as you say,

bring him down to Yarmouth.

We'll be pleased to see

any friend of yourn, Davy.

(bright music)

(mellow music)

(rain splattering)

(gentle music)

(crickets chirping)

(owls hooting)

(birds chirping)

(horse hooves clomping)

(Peggotty sobbing)

- Wait here, please, Mr. Barkis.

- Aye.

(kids chattering)

- I'm so very happy to

see you again, Peggotty.

- I have bad news for you, Davy.

- [David] Mother, is she all right?

- No, Davy, she's not.

I'm afraid she's dead.

- Mother, dead? Oh, no, no!

- She was always a poor, frail creature.

She was never strong, and now

the poor little thing is gone.

- Then what will I-

- You'll come home with me

for the funeral.

Then it'll be up to Mr.

Murdstone and his sister

to decide what's to be done.

- But Peggotty, what will I do?

- There, there, Davy.

We must both be brave.

You behaved very well

at the funeral, Davy.

- [David] I didn't want Mr.

Murdstone to see my cry.

- And I don't want to

see you cry when I leave.

- Peggotty, where are you going?

- [Peggotty] Miss Murdstone

has seen fit to dismiss me.

- But where will you go?

- [Peggotty] I'll go to

my brother at Yarmouth

until I can find a mistress

as good to me as your mother.

- Excuse me, miss.

I told this young lad to tell

you that Barkis is willing.

Now I'm telling you that

Barkis is still willing.

- Mm.

I'm sure I don't know

what you're talking about.

Now, Davy, I want you to

know that you will always

be my darling boy and you

come to me when you need me.

- I will, Peggotty.

- I'm ready Mr. Barkis.

And you keep your eyes on the road.

- Aye.

(horse hooves clomping)

(melancholy music)

- David?

- Yes, sir?

- You have been causing me a

great deal of concern lately.

- And me.

- [Mr. Murdstone] It seems that

it would be advisable for me

to take you away from that school

where you appear to be making no progress.

- No progress at all.

- Jane,

leave this matter to me if you please.

A boy of your disposition

would do well to be exposed

as soon as possible to the

ways of the working world.

(dramatic music)

- Master Copperfield, I presume?

My name is Micawber.

Wilkins Micawber in short.

You'll no doubt note that Wilkins Micawber

is not a name you hear

bandied about the ale houses

of Suffolk, whence I believe you hail.

- I haven't heard anything.

- Quite so, I understand

that your knowledge of London

is not extensive, and as

Mr. Murdstone has asked me

to take you in as a lodger,

I feel it my duty to present myself here

in this modern Babylon

and escort you to my home.

- [David] Thank you, sir.

- [Micawber] Well met, Master Copperfield.

- [David] Thank you, Mr. Micawber.

(bright music)

- A poor thing, but not mine own.

After you, Master Copperfield.

(whimsical music)

- I never thought that I should be forced

to taking a lodger, but our

finances are in such a state

that I set my private

feelings aside again.

And for all that, you're most

welcome, Master Copperfield.

- Thank you, ma'am. Is there

anything I can do to help?

- I fear not, Master Copperfield.

Mr. Micawber fears I'm

in such a perilous state.

- I meant help you with

your chores, ma'am.

- Oh, thank you, but as you can see,

I have them well under control.

- Would you care for some

lunch, Master Copperfield?

- [David] Thank you. Will you have some?

- Alas Copperfield, there is no time.

The wretch you see before

you is this very moment

the object of much wrath

from his creditors.

He must flee, Copperfield.

Flee into the night, or

day, as the case may be.

- You're leaving?

- I am.

And I thank you for being a model lodger.

The advice I leave you,

Copperfield, is this.

Annual income, 20 pounds.

Annual expenditure 19, 19, and 6.

Result, happiness.

Annual income, 20 pounds.

Annual expenditure, 20 pounds 0 and 6.

Result, misery.

- Is there anything I can do to help?

- Bless you, but no.

I trust we shall meet again, Copperfield.

And if I can advance your prospects

in any way, then I shall.

Farewell, my young friend.

- Goodbye, Mr. Micawber.

(dramatic music)

(horses hooves clomping)

(dramatic music)

(birds chirping)

(cheery music)

(horse hooves clomping)

(horses whinnying)

(horse hooves clomping)

(cheery music)

Excuse me, sir.

- [Betsey] Go away!

Go away! No boys here.

- If you please, ma'am.

- Go away.

- If you please, Aunt.

- Eh?

- I'm your nephew, David Copperfield,

and I've nowhere to go.

I've walked here from London. (sobs)

- Mr. Dick, come down here

and give me some sound advice.

Quickly now.

Come now, boy. That's enough for now.

- Don't send me away, Aunt

Betsey. Don't send me away.

- If you don't stop that blubbering,

I shall send for the police.

Now, who are you?

- [David] Your nephew, David.

- And what are you doing here?

- I've left my employer.

I've nowhere else to go.

- Mr. Dick, you remember

David Copperfield, my nephew?

- David Copperfield? David Copperfield?

Oh, yes, to be sure. David, certainly.

- Come now, Mr. Dick. I

want some very sound advice.

- Well, if I were you, I should wash him.

- Of course.

Oh, you're as sharp as a tack, Mr. Dick.

That's exactly what we

shall do with this boy.

- [David] Is Mr. Dick

your husband, Aunt Betsey?

- [Betsey] No, David,

he's a distant relative.

He was to be sent to a-

- A lunatic asylum?

- [Betsey] Well, yes, but I intervened,

and now he makes a good home here.

- Now, you have me as well, Aunt Betsy,

and I'll do my best to be useful.

- I don't know that I do have you.

I've written to your stepfather

about the matter of your arrival.

- You're not going to give me up to him?

- I don't know. We shall see.

- [Mr. Murdstone] Miss

Trotwood, this unhappy boy

who has run away from his

friends and his occupation-

- [Jane] And whose

appearance is a disgrace.

- [Mr. Murdstone] Jane,

please have the goodness

not to interrupt me.

- [Betsey] I'm sorry David's appearance

does not impress you.

Mr. Dick was kind enough to relinquish

part of his extensive

wardrobe to clothe the boy.

- It is not his appearance that

concerns me, Miss Trotwood.

It is his character.

- [Betsey] Mr. Dick, what

shall I do with this child?

- [Mr. Dick] Um, have him measured

for a suit of clothes immediately.

- Oh, Mr. Dick, give me your hand.

Your common sense is invaluable.

You can go when you like. I'll

take my chance with the boy.

If he's all you say he is, I

can do as much for him as you.

But I don't believe a word of it

and suspect you have much maltreated him.

- Oh, the nerve!

- Miss Trotwood, if you were a gentlemen,

I'd-

- Oh, the nerve of her.

- Jane, please don't interrupt me when-

- [Betsey] Mr. Dick, you'll

consider yourself guardian

jointly with me of this child.

- Oh, thank you, Aunt Betsey.

- [Mr. Dick] I shall be

delighted to be the guardian

of such a bright young man.

(bright music)

(horse hooves clomping)

(cheery music)

- [Peggotty] David, at last.

- Hello, Peggotty. I

knew I'd see you again.

- Don't you look smart.

Oh, I'm so glad to see

you happy and settled.

- [David] What about you, Peggotty?

Have you found a new situation?

- No, David. I'm still

staying with my brother.

- What about Barkis? Is he still willing?

- (laughs) Oh, he's willing

all right, but I'm not.

The idea of marrying Barkis,

I wouldn't have him if

he was made of gold.

(bright music)

(horse hooves clomping)

What do you think, Davy?

I'm engaged to be married.

- To who?

- To Barkis, of course.

I'll have him as long as he behaves.

We'll live in Yarmouth near me brother.

You must come to visit us.

Young Emily will be pleased

to see you, I know that much.

- I will Peggotty, in the holidays.

Aunt Betsey is sending me back to school.

Am I going to a large school, Aunt Betsey?

- [Betsey] We're going

to Mr. Wickfield's first.

- [David] Does he keep a school?

- [Betsey] No, he keeps an office.

Uriah Heep, is Mr. Wickfield at home?

- Yes ma'am. If you'll

please to walk in there.

- Well, my dear Miss Trotwood,

what wind blows you here?

Not any ill wind, I hope.

- No, Mr. Wickfield, I have

not come on any matter of law,

but for my grandnephew David here.

I have adopted him and want

your advice on a school

where he may be finely well

taught and well treated.

- Well, the best school in the district

has no room for boarders just now.

Let me ask my little

housekeeper what we should do.

- [Agnes] Did you want me, father?

- [Mr. Wickfield] David,

this is my daughter, Agnes.

Should David want to board here, Agnes,

would we have enough resources?

- I think so, Father.

- [Betsey] Well, David, what say you?

- I should like to stay, Aunt Betsey.

As long as I can visit you

and Mr. Dick every week.

- Of course. Well, I'm

glad that's settled.

Now, David, be a credit to yourself,

to me, and to Mr. Dick,

and heaven be with you.

- I shall do my best, Aunt Betsey.

- Have you had a good day at

school, Master Copperfield?

- Yes, Uriah.

Have you had a good day

with your legal studies?

- Oh, yes, Master Copperfield.

I'm going through Tid's practice.

Oh, what a lighter Mr. Tid

is, Master Copperfield.

If he were not a partaker of law,

I should like to shake his hand.

- Perhaps one day you'll

be a great lawyer.

Maybe it'll be Wickfield and Heep.

- Oh, no, Master Copperfield.

I am much too humble for that.

(wind howling)

(jaunty music)

- Steerforth, Steerforth!

Steerforth!

I didn't think I'd see you again.

- Master Davy! It's Master Davy!

Come in, Master Davy. Come in.

- [Mr. Peggotty] It's

good to see you, Davy.

On your holidays from school are you?

- Yes, Mr. Peggotty.

And soon I'll be finished with school.

You remember my friend, Steerforth?

- [Mr. Peggotty] Of

course, he's the cricketer

and the sailor.

- Hello, Mr. Peggotty, well met.

- And this here is little

Emily. She ain't my child.

I never had one. But I

couldn't love her more.

- [Steerforth] I quite

understand. Well met indeed.

- [Mr. Peggotty] Little

Emily isn't mine anymore.

She'll be going away.

- What do you mean, Mr. Peggotty?

- She's engaged and will be married

as soon as she's of the age.

- She's more to me, gentlemen, than...

She's all to me that ever I could want.

I'd lay down my life for her.

- Come along then, Davy,

and Mr. Steerforth.

We'll have a cup of tea at the very least.

- [Steerforth] That's a

rather chuckle-headed fellow

for the girl, isn't he?

- Now, come along, Steerforth.

These are wonderful

people and you know it.

- Of course. You were

fond of her, weren't you?

- Yes, but I have a feeling that some day

I'll meet someone else.

- I'm worried, David. I'm

so worried about Papa.

And I'm sorry that you've finished school

and will be leaving us.

- I'm sorry to be leaving too, Agnes.

But I must go to London and earn a living.

I can't stay at school forever.

- [Agnes] I know, David,

but we'll miss you.

- [David] What's the

matter with Mr. Wickfield?

- Uriah Heep is the matter.

I believe he's going to enter

into partnership with Papa.

- What? Uriah?

How could that mean, fawning snake

be considered for such a promotion?

Agnes, you must protest.

- What can I do, David?

Uriah has discovered Papa's weaknesses

and taken advantage of them.

He's made himself indispensable.

- Here we are, Mr. Wickfield.

And you'll be wanting

some wine too, won't you?

- [Mr. Wickfield] Thank you, Uriah.

- And how are you this

evening, Master Copperfield?

- Agnes, my little girl! She was crying.

- You go and see to her, Mr. Wickfield.

I've risen from my humble station

since you first met

me, Master Copperfield,

but I am humble still.

You'll not think the

worst of my humbleness

if I share a little confidence with you,

Master Copperfield, will you?

- I suppose not.

- The confidence is

this, Master Copperfield.

Humble though I may be,

I love Agnes Wickfield.

(dramatic music)

(wind howling)

(cheery music)

(dog barking)

- Careful with my Jip.

- Oh, this is your dog?

- [Dora] Yes. Have we ruined your morning?

- [David] Oh, not really.

But it's not a good start

to my first day at work.

I'm due in there, and

I should look my best.

- Oh, I'm due in there, too.

My name's Dora Spenlow.

- Spenlow?

- My father.

(both laugh)

- [Mr. Peggotty] Master Davy.

- Mr. Peggotty, what

are you doing in London?

- I've come to look for little Emily.

She's run off with your friend Steerforth.

(dramatic music)

- No!

(rain splattering)

(horse hooves clomping)

- [Ham] I'll find her.

I'll track them down

to the end of the Earth

and I'll bring her home to Yarmouth.

I'll find them no matter where they are.

It was you who brought

Steerforth here to my home.

- [David Voiceover] No! No!

(gentle music)

- Come inside, Davy.

We don't blame you at all, David.

If it hadn't been Steerforth,

it would've been someone else.

That girl has always had ambitions.

- I feel so sorry for Ham. Where is he?

- [Peggotty] He's been

like that since she left.

- Poor Ham.

I'll never forget this place.

When I had no home, this was my home.

- [Peggotty] Do you remember

your old room, Davy?

- Oh! It seems so absurdly small.

I want to thank you, Peggotty.

When I had no mother, you were my mother.

- [Mr. Peggotty] Davy, my boy.

- [David] If I should

turn out to be the hero

of my own life, then you

shall be the heroine.

- Now, Davy, don't go making me out

to be that which I'm not.

Now, you sit down, and

I'll get you breakfast

just like I used to.

- [David] Thank you,

Peggotty, but where's Barkis?

Surely your husband should

get some breakfast, too.

- Barkis is gone.

(somber music)

- You remember my friend, Steerforth?

- [Mr. Peggotty] Of

course, he's the cricketer

and the sailor.

- [Steerforth] Hello

Mr. Peggotty, well met.

- [Mr. Peggotty] And

this here's little Emily.

- She's more to me, gentlemen, than-

She's all to me that ever I could want.

I'd lay down my life for her.

(dramatic music)

- Oh, thank you, David. How sweet.

But I should give you some in return.

- I shall treasure

anything you give me, Dora.

- Oh, how sweet.

Don't you think he says sweet things, Jip?

(Jip growls)

I think Jip is jealous of you, David.

- [David] I have every

reason to be jealous of Jip.

If I could spend as much

time with you as he does,

then I should be happier than

any man or dog in England.

- Oh, how sweet.

Come and I'll show you

the rest of the garden.

- Miss Murdstone, what are you doing here?

- Miss Murdstone has

been engaged by my father

as my companion and protector.

How is it that you know her?

- Mr. Copperfield and

myself once had connections.

We were slightly acquainted.

It was in his childish days.

Circumstances have separated us since.

I should not have known him now.

- Miss Murdstone lives here, does she?

- Yes, she does.

(Jip whines)

- And long to see you.

Can you arrange for your

companion and protector

to be away for the day so that we can...

(cheery music)

Mr. Micawber, how are you?

- Good heavens! Is it possible?

Have I again the pleasure

of beholding Copperfield?

- [David] And how go your

business dealings, Mr. Micawber?

- Ah, yes, business.

At present, my dear Copperfield,

I have found it necessary

to fall back before making

what I trust I shall not

be accused of presumption

in terming, a spring.

- I'm sure you will spring

like a tiger, Mr. Micawber.

In the meantime, could I

invite you and Mrs. Micawber

to dine with me in my chambers?

- Young Copperfield and chambers!

Oh time, you are a thief and a rogue.

We shall be delighted, my friend,

and you may depend upon it

that we shall be hungry.

- [David] Tomorrow evening then.

(gentle music)

Tell me again where

Miss Murdstone has gone.

- Out.

- And for how long?

- [Dora] (giggles) The whole day.

- [David] And who is this

opening the greenhouse door?

- [Dora] You are.

(Jip whines)

- My dear Copperfield, this is luxurious.

This reminds me of the

period when I was, myself,

in a similar state to your good self,

and Mrs. Micawber had

not yet been solicited

to plight of faith with

this unworthy wretch.

Have you any thoughts on the

twin peaks of human existence,

namely love and marriage,

to occupy your mind?

- Indeed I have, Mr. Micawber.

I have met the most wonderful

girl. Her name is Dora.

I couldn't be happier.

(knocking)

Aunt Betsey! What an unexpected pleasure.

- Yes, indeed, David.

- [David] Well, come in

and sit down on the sofa.

- Thank you, David. I prefer

to sit upon my property.

- Aunt Betsey, is something the matter?

- [Betsey] David, have you

become firm and self-reliant?

- I hope so, Aunt Betsey.

- Why do you think I prefer to sit upon

this property of mine tonight?

- I don't know, Aunt Betsey.

- [Betsey] Because it's all I have.

Because I'm ruined, my dear.

- Oh, no!

- My dear lady, fear not.

I have been to the land of penury,

but I have returned,

such is the human spirit.

- Your friend is right, David.

We must learn to act the play out.

We must live misfortune down

and not suffer it to frighten us.

Isn't that right, Mr. Dick?

(Mr. Dick claps)

(knocking)

- Come in.

Hello, Copperfield. Fine morning.

- Not for everyone, I'm

afraid, Mr. Spenlow.

- You have some unfortunate in mind?

- My aunt, sir, has fallen on bad times.

And as a result, I must ask you, sir,

if I may relinquish my

articles with your firm

and regain the thousand pounds I invested.

- I am sorry to hear this,

Copperfield. Extremely sorry.

Well, the matter up to me alone,

I should be happy to

refund your thousand pounds

even though it would not be

a convenient precedent, but-

- But sir-

- But I fear my part

for Mr. Jorkins may prove immovable.

He is a traditionalist

and a very stubborn man.

You must speak to him

yourself when he returns.

(dramatic music)

- Agnes!

What a delight.

There is no one I would wish

to see more in the world.

- What about this person

Dora I've heard of?

- [David] Well, yes, perhaps Dora first,

especially as I hope to marry her.

But tell me, how go things at home?

- Not well, I'm afraid. Uriah

Heep has moved into the house.

He sleeps in your old room.

- [David] I wish I had the

ordering of his dreams.

He wouldn't sleep there long.

- Come and ride with me, David.

We have much to catch up on.

You must tell me about this Dora.

- Well, she's very

pretty, needless to say.

- Is she silly as well?

- Silly?

- I mean, lightheaded?

- Ha, perhaps, perhaps just a little bit.

(both laugh)

Good morning, Mr. Spenlow.

- Be so good as to go up

to my office, Copperfield.

- [David] Yes, sir.

- Have the goodness to

show Mr. Copperfield

what you have in your

handbag, Miss Murdstone.

I believe that is your

writing, Mr. Copperfield?

- [David] Yes, sir.

- If I am not mistaken,

those are also from your

pen, Mr. Copperfield.

"My dearest own Dora."

"My best beloved angel."

"My blessed one forever."

You may take these back.

Miss Murdstone, be so good as to proceed.

- I entertained suspicions

of your daughter

and David Copperfield for some time.

I observed Ms. Spenlow and this man

when they first met,

and the impression made

upon me then was not agreeable.

The depravity of the human heart is such-

- [Mr. Spenlow] You will oblige me, ma'am,

by confining yourself to facts.

- Very well. (clears throat)

Last evening, after

tea, I observed the dog

rolling about the drawing

room wanting something.

Dora, what is it the dog has in its mouth?

- It's paper.

- That miserable Jip.

- Quiet, Mr. Copperfield.

Proceed, Miss Murdstone.

- [Jane] At the imminent

risk of being bitten,

I, at length, obtained

possession of the document.

It was, of course, a letter

from David Copperfield.

My suspicions had been confirmed.

- Do you have anything to say in reply?

- All the blame is mine.

Dora was-

- Miss Spenlow, if you please.

- I love Miss Spenlow, sir, and I'm sorry

she's been subjected to this bullying.

- [Jane] Ha!

- You have been the cause

of the trouble she now finds herself in,

and you will oblige me by

agreeing never to see her again.

- I cannot undertake to

carry out such an agreement.

- [Mr. Spenlow] You

will not see her again!

- If she is willing, then

I shall see her again.

- If only my brother had brought him up.

(gentle music)

- [Mr. Micawber] Copperfield,

the companion of my youth.

Well met, sir.

- Well met indeed Mr. Micawber,

but can this be right?

Are you working for Wickfield and Heep?

But where is your family? Have you a home?

- Indeed we have.

Uriah Heep has moved into this house,

and we have rented his former quarters.

But what brings you to Canterbury?

- I had to go and check the tenants

of my aunt's cottage for her.

Have you seen Agnes? Is she about?

- Through here, sir, lies

the object of your affection.

- You mistake me, Mr. Micawber.

I'm engaged to be married

to one Dora Spenlow.

- Welcome back, David.

- [David] Agnes, I'm

so pleased to see you.

- Now, be careful, David.

Your friend Dora might get jealous.

- Dora and I are in

difficulties at the moment.

Her father has disapproved

of our engagement

and forbidden her to see me.

- I'm sorry to hear that, David.

- Agnes, you've always been dear to me.

- Oh, yes, David?

- Yes, you've been like a sister.

Do I seem like a brother to you?

- No, you don't.

- Agnes.

You seem to be upset about something.

- I'm not upset, David,

but I really must go and

call Papa for dinner.

You will stay, won't you?

(door slams)

(melancholy music)

- I propose a toast

to the provider of this excellent repast.

The woman to put all others to shame.

- [David] Do you mean Agnes?

- [Heep] Agnes Wickfield

is, I am safe to say,

the most divine example of her sex.

To be her father is a proud distinction,

but to be her husband.

(glass shatters)

- No, no! You monster!

- [David] Now, Mr. Wickfield,

calm down. Calm down.

- Look at my torturer.

- Before him, I have

step-by-step abandoned

name and reputation, peace

and quiet, house and home.

- You'd better stop him,

Copperfield, if you can.

He'll say something presently, mind you,

he'll be sorry for afterwards,

and you'll be sorry to have heard.

- [Mr. Wickfield] Oh, David.

Oh, see the ruin I am?

- Papa, you're not well. Come with me.

- As I was saying, I give

you the divinest of her sex.

(gentle music)

- That's all I can give you.

I've had losses and am

poorer than I used to be.

Now, go.

- [David] Aunt Betsey, if

that beggar's bothering you,

I'll have him arrested.

- It's all right, David. I know him.

- You know him? That tramp?

- He's my husband.

- Oh, no.

- Betsey Trotwood doesn't

look a likely subject

for tend to passion,

but the time was, David,

when she believed in

that man most entirely.

He repaid her by breaking her fortune and,

and nearly breaking her heart.

- [David] I'm so sorry.

- That's my grumpy, frumpy story.

We'll keep it to

ourselves, won't we, David?

- Yes, of course, Aunt Betsey.

(gentle music)

(dramatic music)

- Davy, what is it?

- [David] It's Dora's father. He's dead.

- Oh, dear. Dora will be sad.

- I must go to her.

(gentle music)

- [Dora] I'm better now, David.

Now that you're here to look after me.

Oh, David, your first book. I'm so proud.

- You really are a darling girl.

Dora, my pet, you're running a fever.

- Oh, I know, David.

It's something I get from time to time.

- Come and lie down.

My poor darling.

I must go out, but I

can't leave you alone.

- Oh, I'll be perfectly all

right. I've had this before.

- Well, I'll be back as

soon as I can, dear Dora.

(background chattering)

Mr. Peggotty!

- Oy, bless me soul, it's Davy.

- [David] Who was that woman?

- That's Martha. She's from our town.

Came to London and, well,

she's not been well served by fortune.

She says she can find Emily for me

and will take me to her tonight.

Will you, will you come with me, Davy?

- Yes, of course.

- No matter what she's

become, I'll still love her.

I'll be on this corner come eight o'clock.

Good night, young Davy.

Lead on, Martha. Lead on where you must.

(gentle music)

(cat meows)

You open it, Davy.

- Martha? Uncle!

Oh, no!

- Thank you for coming with

me, Davy, and being my friend.

- It's nothing, Mr. Peggotty.

(dramatic music)

Dora, my darling! You're no better?

- No, David. I'm sorry.

- Thank you for coming, Agnes.

It means so much to me to have you here,

giving all your wonderful support.

- Now, David, since you're so convinced

that I'm like a sister

to you, it behooves me

to behave like a sister, and

I'll do anything I can to help.

- Thank you, Agnes.

- David,

Dora has made two requests.

She would like to talk with Agnes alone,

and she would like to talk to you alone.

- I'll see her now.

- [David] Agnes, tell her that I love her

and that I'm sorry.

- Yes, David.

- [Peggotty] She reminds me so much

of your sweet mother, David.

Such a sweet, pretty, frail creature.

She's so delicate, like tinsel.

- [David] Yes, Peggotty.

She's very like tinsel.

How is she now?

- It's as the doctor said.

It depends on her will.

- [David] Why does she want

to see Agnes and I separately?

- [Peggotty] I don't know, Davy.

- How much strength has she left?

- We'll know by morning.

(dramatic music)

- Dora. Dora.

- Hush, my darling. It's,

it's better like this.

Oh, you couldn't have

loved your child wife

better than you do.

After a while, she would so have tried

and disappointed you that you might not

have been able to love her half so well.

- [David] No, Dora. That's not true.

(Jip whining)

She's dead. (sobs)

(somber music)

(jaunty music)

- Ah, my friends, who

are more welcome to me

than money itself, please come in.

- Mr. Micawber, I wonder

if you would be so good

as to tell us why you have called us here.

- To expose villainy, madam,

and to restore your fortunes.

Two noble causes, I think you will agree.

Please step this way.

(knocking)

With your permission, Heep.

- Ms. Trotwood, Mas..

Mr. Copperfield, and Mr. Dick.

Well, well, this is an

unexpected pleasure.

Things have changed in

this office, Ms. Trotwood,

since I was an humble clerk, haven't they?

But I am not changed, Ms. Trotwood.

- No, you've been pretty constant

to the promise of your youth,

if that's any satisfaction to you.

- Oh, thank you, madam,

for your good opinion.

Don't wait, Micawber. What

are you waiting for, Micawber?

Did you not hear me tell you to go?

- I did.

- Then why do you wait?

- Because I, in short, choose to.

- [Heep] Go along. I'll

talk to you presently.

- If there is a scoundrel on this Earth

with whom I've already talked too much,

that scoundrel's name is Heep!

- Oh, I see. This is a conspiracy.

You've never liked me,

Copperfield, have you?

And now, you're plotting against me.

Well, beware, Copperfield,

for I'll counterplot you.

Micawber, you be off. I'll

talk to you presently.

- Mr. Micawber, you may deal

with this fellow as he deserves.

- Very well.

Soon after joining Wickfield and Heep,

I found the agreed salary

of 22 shillings and 6 pence

insufficient to alleviate

the poverty of my family.

I then entered into a

state of indebtedness

to this snake, Heep, in the form of IOUs.

In return for these, I was called on

to forge the signature of Mr. Wickfield

and systematically defraud

him and his clients,

including Ms. Trotwood.

- My books!

- My proof!

- So, Heep, it is you who have ruined me.

- [Mr. Micawber] Fear not, my lady.

All shall be returned to you.

- We need a couple of officers of the law,

and we need to have this Heep

made fast in a locked room.

We are most grateful to you.

You're a man who conducts

himself well and is industrious.

It seems to me that Australia

would be a legitimate

spear of action for Mr. Micawber.

Tell me, have you ever

thought of emigrating?

- I'm not sure that I-

- That's, of course,

by a loan from me.

- [Mr. Micawber] Madam, I

hear the call of the wild,

and the call is Australia.

(gentle music)

- [Mr. Peggotty] Davy, a moment.

- Come in, Mr. Peggotty.

- There's no time.

I've decided to take little Emily far away

where there's time to forget.

- But where will you go?

- [Mr. Peggotty] Australia.

Emily has written a note to Ham.

A goodbye note asking his forgiveness.

Will you take it to him?

- Yes, of course.

- [Mr. Peggotty] God bless you, Davy.

- [David] That's a remarkable sky.

I've never seen one like it.

- [Man] Nor I, or equal

to that. It's wind, sir.

There'll be mischief done

at sea I expect before long.

(soft music)

(wind howling)

- Ham! Ham!

(gentle music)

(wind howling)

Ham! Ham, what's going on?

- It's a wreck, Master Davy.

A schooner from Spain or Portugal,

laden with fruit and wine.

There's also passengers aboard and crew.

And there's some of 'em still alive.

- What's this, Ham?

- [Ham] Someone has to swim

out there, Master Davy.

- Ham, no!

- Don't worry, Master Davy.

- Don't go, Ham!

- If my time has come,

it's come, if it ain't,

so much the better.

Lord above bless you, Master Davy.

Mates, you ready?

I'm off.

- Ham!

(dramatic music)

(wind howling)

- Emily's written a note to Ham.

A goodbye note asking his forgiveness.

Will you take it to him?

(dramatic music)

(wind howling)

(thunder crashes)

(dramatic music)

(thunder crashes)

(dramatic music)

- Ham! Watch out!

(water roaring)

(thunder crashing)

Pull him in!

(men yelling indistinctly)

- I think he's gone!

- Ham!

(somber music)

Him. It was you!

- David, promise me one thing.

- Yes?

- If anything should happen

or if I should have to go away,

promise me this, that you'll always

think of me at my best.

- [David Voiceover] Steerforth,

you have no best or worst.

You're my friend. Always will be. (laughs)

(water lapping)

- Agnes.

- David!

I thought you'd gone to Switzerland

to write your next book.

- Agnes, if I said I would

like to call you something

more than a sister, something

wildly different from sister,

then I would, of course, run the risk

of losing your sisterly love.

But the fact is, Agnes, I love you,

and I've only just realized it.

How do you feel? Do I love in vain?

Tell me, Agnes, oh, tell me.

- There is one thing I must say.

- What is it?

- I have loved you

all my life.

(mellow music)

Dearest husband, now

that I may call you that,

I have one more thing to tell you.

- What is it, my love?

- [Agnes] Just before she

died, Dora asked to see me.

- I remember.

- She made a last request of me,

that I would do all in my power

to make her wish come true,

that if you remarried, it would be to me.

- [David] Then her wish has come true.

- Yes, my darling.

(cheery music)

(horse hooves clomping)

(bright music)

(MultiCom Jingle)