Great Expectations

+ intro by Jade Evans, AHRC REACH PhD student with QMUL and BFI

Arguably David Lean’s finest film, a wonderfully vivid adaptation of Dickens’ novel.

  • Director

    David Lean

  • With

    John Mills, Valerie Hobson, Martita Hunt, Finlay Currie, Alec Guinness, Jean Simmons

  • UK 1946. 119min

  • Digital (restoration)

  • Certificate

    PG

Arguably Lean’s finest film, this is also one of the cinema’s best Dickens adaptations, impressing from the very opening as the young Pip encounters the convict Magwitch. Thereafter, his involvement over the years with Miss Havisham, Estella and Herbert Pocket is related with wit, intelligence and style; the performances of a terrific cast, Guy Green’s moody cinematography, and Walter Goehr’s music are all pitch perfect.

Restoration supported by The David Lean Foundation.

See other screenings of Great Expectations.