The Old Curiosity Shop (1934 film)
| Industry | Film production |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Elstree , United Kingdom |
| Products | Films |
The Old Curiosity Shop is a 1934 British drama film helmed by director Thomas Bentley, featuring performances by Elaine Benson, Ben Webster, and Hay Petrie. This motion picture is an adaptation of Charles Dickens' 1841 literary work The Old Curiosity Shop.
Production
The film was produced by British International Pictures, one of the foremost British studios, and was shot at Elstree Studios. It exemplifies the studio's dedication to high-caliber historical cinema. Bentley, recognized for his silent-era adaptations of Dickens' novels, directed his sole sound version of a Dickens story with this project. The filmmakers pursued a "painterly" aesthetic, aiming to visually capture the novel’s grotesque qualities, which has led to the film being characterized as an "expressionist nightmare."
Cast
- Elaine Benson portraying Nell
- Ben Webster as The Grandfather
- Hay Petrie taking on the role of Quilp
- Beatrix Thomson as Quilp's Wife
- Gibb McLaughlin in the role of Sampson Brass
- Lily Long playing Sally Brass
- Reginald Purdell as Dick Swiveller
- Polly Ward as The Marchioness
- James Harcourt portraying The Single Gentleman
- J. Fisher White as The Schoolmaster
- Dick Tubb in the role of Codin
- Roddy Hughes playing Short
- Amy Veness as Mrs. Jarley
- Peter Penrose portraying Kit
- Vic Filmer as Tom Scott