GManfred "Great Expectations" is another Dickens novel adapted for the screen and directed by David Lean. I recently saw "Oliver Twist" and thought it was exceptional in all respects, and I would put "Great Expectations" in the same category. Both pictures excel especially in two areas; acting and photography, and I should also mention their faithfulness to the original story.David Lean said he wanted no other actor for Pip than John Mills, and it would seem he was right, as Mills captured the essence of Pip to the last jot. Martita Hunt as Miss Havisham was an inspired choice, but the best choice was Francis L. Sullivan as Jaggers. Sullivan elevated any film he appeared in with his bigger-than-life characterizations and his elegant speaking voice, a George Sanders sound-alike.It's all been said in many other reviews, so I just wanted to weigh in with these few comments above. With Cineguild and The Archers, British film production reached its zenith during the 40's to mid 50's, and since that time the movie industry has not been able to recapture the same standard of excellence on either side of the Atlantic, form over substance being the rule nowadays.

thinker1691 There are only a few directors who can take a Classic Book and create a equally Classic movie. Written by Charles Dickens, it was transferred to the Silver Screen in 1946, by David Lean. It relates the story of young 'Pip' ( Tony Wager) who was orphaned and sent to live with in laws. While there he is set as apprentice to learn the Blacksmith trade and one dark night has an encounter with two escape convicts. However it is as a youngster, he comes to visit a strange old woman with a secret agenda for pip. Rich, solitary and always morose the old woman called Miss Havisham (Martita Hunt) brings pip in contact with a pretty young girl named Estella (Jean Simmons) to be his companion. The two grow to adulthood, becoming fond of one another. During the following years Pip suddenly comes into enough money to become a Gentleman, yet never knowing just who has becomes his patron. The Black and White movie has become a worthwhile movie and a Classic. The list of Cast Members add resonance to the film and indeed notable in their own right. Actors such as John Mills, Valerie Hobson and Alec Guinness. This movie is easily recommended to all. Great Book and Great Movie. ****

SimonJack "Great!" is the best way to describe this 1946 production of "Great Expectations." After "A Christmas Carol," this is the one Charles Dickens story that most often has been adapted and made into a movie. And, while all of the renditions have some of the magic and mystique of the Dickens story-telling, no other version can top this original sound release. Quite simply, this film is near perfect. The sets, scenery and cinematography are captivating and true to the book. The script, costumes, customs and dialog are true to the time – middle 19th century England. The directing is outstanding and the musical score is so good that at no point do we notice it so much that it's a distraction. Now, for the acting. This 1946 version of "Great Expectations" is a model for actors. The different roles call for a range of expressions, moods and emotions. And the cast chosen for this film couldn't be better. Each person pulls off his or her role to perfection. John Mills excels in his naïveté and school-boyish infatuation that matures to love as Pip grows older. Valerie Hobson is outstanding in her slowly changing personality. Martita Hunt plays wonderfully the dejected lover grown bitter and seeking revenge. A very young-looking (and hardly recognizable) Alec Guinness adds a spark of energy to his role as Herbert Pocket. Francis Sullivan, Finlay Currie, and Bernard Miles are notable and excellent in their considerable supporting roles. Tony Wager and Jean Simmons are ideal for their roles as the young Pip and Estella. And the rest of the cast fit their roles to a tee."Great Expectations" is a true classic by one of the greatest story- tellers of all time. And this 1946 rendition of that story on film is the best of all. It belongs in every library of great books on film. It's the one to pull out and play on a night one wants to make a great escape into the great classics.

gavin6942 A humble orphan suddenly becomes a gentleman with the help of an unknown benefactor.I have read "Great Expectations" and found it to be a rather disappointing book. In contrast, this is a rather good film. The camera angles, the use of darkness, the casting... all very excellent. Being the film debut of Alec Guinness makes it valuable all by itself.There is rumor that many people felt that the adult Estella was miscast. I tend to agree. I did not care for her. Though, perhaps, that would be part of the charm. The rest of the cast -- Havisham, Jaggers, etc -- were cast perfectly. I am not sure what the deal was with Pip's large bow tie, but maybe once upon a time that style was acceptable.