The Old Curiosity Shop is a British television film adapted from the Charles Dickens's 1841 novel The Old Curiosity Shop. It stars Irish actress Sophie Vavasseur as Nell Trent, with Derek Jacobi as her grandfather, Toby Jones as Quilp and George MacKay as Nell's friend, Kit. It was broadcast on 26 December 2007 on ITV. The adaptation is in general very faithful to the novel. The most significant changes are the removal of the Garlands and their household and the identity of the Single Gentleman (here called Jacob) who is changed from Grandfather's brother to his estranged son and Nell's father.
Contents
Cast
Adrian Rawlins as Jacob
Derek Jacobi as Grandfather
Zoë Wanamaker as Mrs Jarley
Toby Jones as Quilp
Adam Godley as Sampson Brass
Gina McKee as Sally Brass
Bryan Dick as Freddie Trent
Sophie Vavasseur as Nell Trent
George MacKay as Kit Nubbles
Steve Pemberton as Mr Short
Martin Freeman ... Mr Codlin
Josie Lawrence as Mrs Jiniwin
Bradley Walsh as Mr Liggers
Anna Madeley as Betsey Quilp
Geoff Breton as Dick Swiveller
Charlene McKenna as The Marchioness
Kelly Campbell as Mrs Nubbles
Katie Dunne as Baby Nubbles
Philip Noone as Rodney (Rogue Trader)
Critical reception
The Hollywood Reporter noted "a sorrowful story of greed, poverty and grief, and ITV's version makes the most of it...Writer Martyn Hesford keeps the story tidy, while director Brian Percival moves things along while helping his cast to resist the temptation to be overly Dickensian...Jacobi finds some vinegar in what could easily be a sweet old man, and Jones gives some shading to Quilp's villainy. Stephen McKeon's versatile score helps considerably." The Guardian wrote "Toby Jones, as the revolting Daniel Quilp, steals just about anything he can get his hands on, including the show."