This is a classic version of one of Dickens' great works. It involves the story of Pip (Philip Pirrip) orphaned and raised by his sister. It starts with an assault by a criminal who terrorizes him. Pip dreams of being a gentleman and at some point money shows up from an unnamed benefactor. This sets his life in motion. One day he is called to the house of Miss Havisham and meets Estella (Jean Simmons/Later Valerie Hobson) the snobbish ward of the old lady. Pip's life takes a series of dramatic jolts that almost ruin him. The acting is wonderful and the story tight and well plotted. What is missing are some very important interactions among significant characters from the book. I know a movie can only be so long, but it cheats out of some really significant action. I am particularly fond of the Disney mini-series that came out a few years ago, starring Jean Simmons, this time as Miss Havisham.

This is a question. Miss Havisham blocked out the outside world and did not want to know the time or day. How then did she know when her birthday was coming? Yes, her relatives show up then, but she said at one point (I believe) that it would be tomorrow.With all the dust and mold it seems very unhealthy for the young girl or anyone else.It seems that the convict took a big chance going to England - he has an appearance that is hard to mask. With the money he had, how hard could it have been to find a sneaky way out of the country. Did the 2 young men have to go through the routine of rowing each day when they felt they were being watched? England is an island, after all - money could buy a carriage and a boat. But unlikely coincidences are part of the author's style.

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. ****

"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.