The 1994 BBC miniseries 'Martin Chuzzlewit,' now available on Amazon Prime Video, is being hailed by viewers as the best Charles Dickens adaptation in 25 years. The six-episode series brings to life Dickens' lesser-known 1844 novel.
Plot and Cast
The official plot states: 'Old Martin Chuzzlewit is nearing his death. Who will inherit his riches? With such a prize to play for, the Chuzzlewit family bring forth all of their cunning, greed and selfishness.' The series stars Tom Wilkinson, Paul Scofield, Pete Postlethwaite, Keith Allen, Pauline Turner, Philip Franks, Elizabeth Spriggs, John Mills, Julia Sawalha, Emma Chambers, and Steve Nicolson among others.
Critical Acclaim
Adapted for television by David Lodge and directed by Pedr James, 'Martin Chuzzlewit' originally aired on BBC Two from November to December 1994. It was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Miniseries and six BAFTAs, winning Best Costume Design.
Fans have praised the series on IMDb, with one calling it 'an excellent masterpiece' that is 'perfect in every way.' Another reviewer wrote: 'This 1994 adaptation is fabulous in all areas, one of the best Dickens adaptations of the past 25 years... All in all, an underrated book given classic treatment. 10/10.'
