The Old Curiosity Shop (1934)

Synopsis: A maligned adaptation of Dickens's tale of the destitute storekeeper and his granddaughter, Little Nell, who are forced to endure the hardship of the road after being terrorised by the monstrous money-lender, Quilp.

Director Thomas Bentley was a former Dickens impersonator on the stage and had already filmed several silent versions of his novels. Here he does a commendable job of condensing the sprawling story, although his direction is occasionally lacklustre.

Ben Webster and Elaine Benson make tolerably troubled Trents, but the film belongs to Hay Petrie, whose Quilp is the embodiment of evil.

Cast: Elaine Benson, Ben Webster
Runtime: 105 min