The 1994 six-part BBC period drama Martin Chuzzlewit, based on Charles Dickens' 1844 novel, has been praised as the best Dickens TV adaptation of all time. The series is available to buy on Amazon Prime Video.
A Hidden Gem Adaptation
Adapted for television by David Lodge and directed by Pedr James, Martin Chuzzlewit first aired on BBC Two in November and December 1994. The official synopsis reads: '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. Adapted from the novel by Charles Dickens.'
Star-Studded Cast
The series features an ensemble cast including Tom Wilkinson, Paul Scofield, Pete Postlethwaite, Keith Allen, Pauline Turner, Philip Franks, Elizabeth Spriggs, John Mills, Julia Sawalha, Emma Chambers, and Steve Nicolson. The actors have been widely praised for their outstanding performances.
Awards and Recognition
Martin Chuzzlewit received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Miniseries and six BAFTA nominations, including Best Actor. It won the BAFTA for Best Costume Design.
Audience Acclaim
Viewers have heaped praise on the adaptation. One IMDB reviewer wrote: 'This is an excellent adaptation of a fine novel... best adaptation of a Dickens novel that I have seen.' Another said: 'I was absolutely stunned by this BBC-miniseries: it's almost perfect in every way... I give this production a heartfelt 10 out of 10.' A third review described it as 'fabulous in all areas, one of the best Dickens adaptations of the past 25 years' and awarded it a 10/10.
