A Tale of Two Cities (Masterpiece Theatre, 1989)
by Philippe Monnier
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DVD details
Actor: James Wilby, Jean-Pierre Aumont, John Mills, Serena Gordon, Xavier DelucDirector: Philippe Monnier
Brand: Unknown
Producer: Roy Roberts
Writer: Arthur Hopcraft
Writer: Charles Dickens
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Box set, Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 197 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2001-10-02
Audience Rating: Unrated
Studio: Bfs Entertainment
DVD Reviews of A Tale of Two Cities (Masterpiece Theatre, 1989)
DVD Review: Absolutely wonderful
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a film I watched years ago in school as we were reading the novel. It has remained in my memories for over 15 years. When I found it on Amazon, I had to have it. The story is of extreme pain and extreme love. How far will the extremes go? how deep are the wounds of pain and how deep is the love that one man has for a woman he knows he can never have? how far will he go for her? this movie is very deep and emotional, one of the best Dicken's stories. This is a beautiful story, with beautiful actors and it is worth every minute. DVD Review: An inspiring tale of intrigue and honor
Summary: 5 Stars
Set amidst the turmoil of the corrupt governments of England and France, this story begins (after a flashback) in 1775 with the release of Alexandre Manette who has unjustly been in prison for the past eighteen years. He is reunited with his eighteen-year-old daughter, Lucie Manette, who believed herself an orphan. Though Monsieur Manette gladly adjusts to leading a normal life again, he is haunted by the thought of something he cannot clearly remember.
Charles Darnay is a French heir to much wealth, which he does not claim, due to the means by which it was acquired. Rather, he has chosen to earn his living by teaching, and in kindnesses to others, attempt to repair the wrongs incurred by his family. In one such instance of kindness, he meets the Manettes; their acquaintance grows into friendship throughout further meetings. Darnay's renunciation of wealth and position in France, donning a false name in England, and traffic between the two countries, cause each country to either dislike him or suspect him of treason. All of these things lead to tenuous situations for Charles Darnay.
Sidney Carton is a barrister of England, who, though very bright, is in general, bored with life. He is envious of Mr. Darnay because he holds the affection of the beautiful Miss Lucie Manette. Can he reconcile his love for Miss Manette, and his dislike of Mr. Darnay?
Aside from the characters already mentioned, A Tale of Two Cities contains wine shop keepers who lust for revenge on their French oppressors, a messenger for a bank who robs graves at night, Lucie Manette's opinionated, but faithful servant and friend, and various other characters, all intricate to Charles Dickens.
Although this is a story about people, it is also a tale of two cities, London and Paris, before and during the French revolution. It is a tale of loss and of gain, of violence and of peace, of revenge and of love. Perhaps it is best described by the opening words of the book it was based on: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times".
This movie version is very well made and acted, and is very accurate to the book. I highly recommend both the movie and the book.
DVD Review: Film was well-done; Ending was a letdown
Summary: 4 Stars
Overview:
Film certainly contains more scenes than the 1980 adaptation (ex: Jerry Jr. is a character in this film). Secondly, the spirit of the film appeared more like Dickens' novel than the 1980 adaptation. Thirdly, the music in this film is quite good. Fourthly, Tellson's Bank is mentioned by name in this film. Fifthly, the Defarge's first names are mentioned in this film.
However, the 1980 adaptation does have one major advantage: the film contains far superior costumes and action effects (ex: the storming of the Bastille) than the 1989 adaptation. A second possible advantage is the ending of the 1980 adaptation is better done. (In this adaptation, the viewer does not really know when Lucie and Jarvis Lorry discover that Charles - not Sydney - is in the carriage.
My Thoughts:
This adaptation is rather loyal to the novel (certainly moreso than the 1980 adaptation.) Now, some people may enjoy the 1935 adaptation. However, since the 1935 adaptation was black-and-white, I don't feel it acceptable to use in comparison with the 1980, 1981, or 1989 color adaptations.
What I really liked about this 1989 adaptation was the music, which set a very effective mood. For example, the morning Sydney is going to go and take Charles' place in prison, the music and art/imagery was perfect to portay how Sydney felt.
Now, the production must have been low budget, and therefore, the special effects (ex: the storming of the Bastille) are quite unconvincing by modern standards. However, I don't think this ruined the film.
Therefore, I recommend this as my personal favorite color adapation of Charles Dickens' "A Tale of Two Cities."
DVD Review: True to the Book
Summary: 5 Stars
After reading the book, I didn't want to be disappointed by the movie version and soon found myself reaquanting myself with all the characters. I was entertained and enjoyed every moment of the screen epic.DVD Review: Tale of Two Cities DVD
Summary: 4 Stars
I've watched two made-for-TV versions of this story and both have strengths and weaknesses, but I prefer this one over the 1991 ITC production. Pluses? The cinematography was better, the emotional tone of the intense scenes was more believable (with the exception of the demonic Therese Defarge) and it is more faithful to the novel (also longer). Negatives? The sound quality varied considerably and even though the French accents were more authentic, it was sometimes difficult to understand. The actress who played Mme Defarge went over the top in her zeal to portray Therese, but that might have been intentional. Mme D is a crazed character in the story, so maybe it fits...
For teachers, I've prepared an intro and comprehension packet that would help when showing only the movie without reading Dicken's lengthy and sometimes difficult novel.
Description of A Tale of Two Cities (Masterpiece Theatre, 1989)
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