BBC: David Copperfield (1986) - Episode 1 of 5

’David Copperfield’ is a 10 episode BBC serial broadcast between 19 October and 21 December 1986 and based on the 1850 novel ’David Copperfield’ by Charles Dickens. The series was written by James Andrew Hall and directed by Barry Letts. It was produced by Terrance Dicks. The adaptation follows the story of David Copperfield as he grows up under the care of the cruel Murdstones after the death of his mother, escapes to the care of his aunt Betsey Trotwood and later travels to London where he meets the gentle Micawbers and the scheming Uriah Heep, and falls in love with and marries the spoilt Dora Spenlow. The series was nominated for a BAFTA in the Children’s Programme (Entertainment/Drama) 1986 category. Scenes from the series were filmed at Holme-next-the-Sea in Norfolk. The English DVD release with the original ten episode format has become almost impossible to find, with only the Dutch import that edited the episodes together to make it only five parts being available.