A Tale of Two Cities (Masterpiece Theatre)
by Philippe Monnier
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DVD details
Actor: James Wilby, Jean-Pierre Aumont, John Mills, Serena Gordon, Xavier DelucDirector: Philippe Monnier
Brand: BFS ENT and Multimedia Limi
Producer: Roy Roberts
Writer: Arthur Hopcraft
Writer: Charles Dickens
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); 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)
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.
Sequence [reveals plot in detail]:
Film begins with Dr. Manette writing from prison. Viewer joins Dr. Manette as the doctor is recalling those scenes from long ago pertaining to the Evrémonde brothers. Dr. Manette denounces the Evrémonde brothers, to the last of their race. Dr. Manette rolls up the document and hides the document in his cell.
[Road to Paris 8 years later]
Jarvis Lorry and Lucie Manette talk about how Dr. Manette was "recalled to life."
Wine cask falls and people lick up the wine. The Defarges watch. Gasper writes the word "BLOOD" on the wall. Monsieur Defarge erases the inflammatory word. Defarges emphasize that the revolution will come.
Jarvis Lorry helps Lucie Manette understand the political situation in France where the aristocracy can arrest anyone without providing any reason. Jarvis Lorry says he has more freedom than most people because Lorry represents Tellson's Bank. (Note: The 1980 adaptation never mentioned Tellson's Bank by name.)
Monsieur Defarge, Madame Defarge, and other associates talk about French nobility. Madame Defarge says the only nobility for the poor is cold, hunger, and want. Lucie Manette and Jarvis Lorry arrive at wine shop.
Lucie Manette is afraid to see her father. (Note: In 1980 adaptation, Lucie is not afraid to see her father.) Lucie Manette knows that Dr. Manette will be much changed. When they see Dr. Manette, the doctor says his name is "105 North Tower." While Dr. Manette does not recognize Jarvis Lorry, the doctor recognizes Lucie Manette by her blond hair (the same color as Lucie's mother).
Jerry Cruncher and his son - named Jerry, Jr. - arrive in courtroom for Charles Darnay's treason trial. Jarvis Lorry is present. Jerry Cruncher tells Jerry Jr. about what happens to someone who is found guilty of treason. When Jerry Jr. asks what will happen if Charles Darnay is found not guilty, Jerry Cruncher replies that the Old Bailey always finds the defendant guilty - a hanging, drawing, and quartering is what people pay to see.
Attorney General presents the state's case against Charles Darnay. The attorney general claims Charles Darnay is passing secret British military information to France. Charles Darnay does not explain why he has traveled for English to France so frequently.
Marquis Evrémonde lives his royal life with many servants. Evrémonde receives a letter saying that a servant will accuse Charles Darnay of treason.
Back at trial, that servant testifies that he saw secret papers by accident in Charles Darnay's luggage.
Lucie Manette says she saw Charles Darnay five years ago when traveling from France to England. Charles Darnay helps Lucy Manette with her father, who had been in ill health. Lucie admits that Charles Darnay had passed some papers to two French gentlemen before leaving France, but she could not be certain when the papers contained. Clearly, Lucie Manette did not want to testify against Charles Darnay.
When John Barsad testifies, Stryver points out how similar Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton appears. Charles Darnay is acquitted.
When leaving the courtroom, Charles Darnay is congratulated for his acquitted. Stryver says that many innocent people are hung or imprisoned. Dr. Manette appears absent, as though in deep thought, as he hears Stryver's words.
Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton go to a pub for a drink. Sydney Carton says he doubts Charles Darnay would ever want to trade places with him. Sydney Carton says he cares for no man on earth, and no man on earth cares for him. Sydney Carton says he hates Charles Darnay because of how Lucie's eyes look at Charles Darnay but not at him (Sydney). The pair drinks to Lucie Manette.
Stryver scolds Sydney Carton for Carton's lack of energy or motivation. Stryver and Sydney Carton talk about Charles Darnay and how Darnay was so secretive about his affairs. Stryver and Carton talk about Charles Darnay's real last name is not Darnay (although they do not know what it is). They reference that, according to Charles, his family harbors a terrible secret.
Lucie Manette and Dr. Manette talk. Dr. Manette is uneasy because the doctor is certain that there is something he has done that may later cause Lucie harm. Lucie comforts Dr. Manette, by saying that they have each other. What could possibly harm them?
The Marquis' carriage runs over Gasper's son, killing the boy. The Marquis Evrémonde treats the crowd with disrespect. The Marquis gives Gasper a coin, which is thrown back at the Marquis. Marquis Evrémonde says he would gladly run over anyone in the crowd. Madame Defarge records the name Marquis Saint Evrémonde in her knitting.
Gasper attaches himself to the bottom of the Marquis' carriage.
Marquis Evrémonde denies an elderly woman her petition to have the Marquis place a tombstone over the grave of her husband who died of want. The Marquis appears indifferent to this poor woman's only desire.
Returning to his estate, Marquis Evrémonde is surprised to find Charles waiting for him. The two converse. Charles emphasizes the wrongs committed by the Evrémonde family and his (Charles') desire to correct them, as was his late mother's wish. The Marquis emphasizes his aristocracy, family royal obligation, and how it is a complement to be despised by the rabble.
Gasper stabs Marquis Evrémonde in the heart while the Marquis is in bed. (Unlike 1980 adaptation, in this film, Gasper must climb the side of the Marquis' mansion to reach the Marquis' bedroom window. Secondly, the Marquis is awake when he is stabbed. Thirdly, Gasper leaving the estate without being immediately caught.)
Charles Darnay and Dr. Manette have a conversation. Charles tells the doctor how he understands how attached the doctor is to Lucie. Charles further emphasizes that Charles loves Lucie and wants to marry her. Charles also states that Dr. Manette would always be welcome in Lucy's life. Dr. Manette replies that he believes Charles loves Lucy and tells Charles that if Lucy will have him, he will consent. Charles then desires to tell Dr. Manette about his past and his (Charles') real name but the doctor says to wait until the morning of the wedding.
Sydney works on case preparation at a public house while drinking a considerable quantity of wine.
Stryver assesses Sydney's work, and believes the work was well done. Stryver, however, has one suggestion for Sydney. Stryver urges Sydney to find a wife who owns some property and settle down before Sydney's life of dissipation of singleness lead Sydney to poverty.
Charles Darnay and Lucy Manette walk in the woods. Sydney approaches but stops to hear Charles propose to Lucie. Lucie accepts. Charles and Lucie kiss. (Camera captures the kissing scene in a long, circular angle...) Sydney departs dejectedly - Lucie cannot be his.
Gasper is in an iron cage.
Crowd shouts traitor as horses pull a casket down the street. Jerry Cruncher and Jerry Jr. inquire and discover that the traitor in the coffin is John Barsad. Jerry Cruncher asks where Barsad's body will be buried and receives an answer.
That night, Mrs. Cruncher prays for her husband, Jerry, knowing Jerry is going out that night to dig up Barsad's body and sell it to a surgeon (i.e. Jerry is a "resurrection man"). Mrs. Cruncher pleads to Jerry not to commit the action. Jerry refuses. Jerry Jr. asks if he can go with his father. Jerry refuses but tells Mrs. Cruncher that Jerry Jr. will make up for her.
Jerry Cruncher and his grave-robbing associates dig up Barsad's coffin. Jerry Jr. disobeyed his father's command to stay home and instead watches from the distance. After the coffin is brought up from the grave and the lid removed, Jerry Cruncher and his associates discover that rocks were the only items in the casket. They wonder who got to the body before them and even whether John Barsad was ever actually placed in the coffin.
John Barsad arrives in France. Barsad claims he wants to find employment with the government of France, and that Barsad has certain skills (spying) he can offer. Barsad is emitted.
Gasper remains in the iron cage. Gasper thinks about his son's death at the wheels of Marquis Saint Evrémonde's carriage.
Sydney Carton talks indoors with Lucie Manette. Sydney remarks that Lucie appears very happy. Lucie remarks that Sydney appears very unhappy.
Miss Pross goes to Jarvis Lorry to complain about how dozens and even 100s of unworthy men seek the company of her ladybird (Lucie). Jarvis Lorry asks to know the names of these men. Miss Pross replies "Sydney Carton" and "Charles Darnay."
Gasper is taken from his cage to the place of execution, where he is hung in front of a watching crowd. After the execution, Monsieur Defarge and an associate talk about how it took the authorities over a year to find Gasper, since no one would turn Gasper in. Monsieur Defarge and the associate also talk about how the authorities plan to let Gasper's body rot in the noose.
Monsieur Defarge and a new associate talk with other older associates. Monsieur Defarge plans to show the new associate what the aristocracy in France is like.
Lucie Manette talks with her father one more time about whether she has his (Dr. Manette's) permission to marry Charles Darnay. Dr. Manette urges Lucie to marry Charles - saying he does not want to prevent Lucie's happiness.
Monsieur Defarge receives the news that John Barsad - a new government spy - has arrived in the district. Barsad enters the wine shop and orders a drink. Barsad inquires about Gasper's death - trying to get Monsieur Defarge or someone else to say something negative about the government. Barsad calls Monsieur Defarge "Jacques."
Monsieur Defarge points out that his name is not "Jacques." Barsad tells Monsieur Defarge that they have mutual friends in Dr. Manette and Lucie Manette. Barsad also tells the Defarges that Lucie Manette will marry Charles Darnay, the nephew of the late Marquis Saint Evrémonde.
After Barsad leaves and the shop closes for the night, Monsieur and Madame Defarge talk. Monsieur Defarge hopes Lucie Manette will keep her husband out of France. Madame Defarge says that Charles Evrémonde's destiny will take him to France to meet justice.
Sydney Carton tells Lucie Manette that she has been "the last dream of my soul." Sydney says he will always remember Lucie and that his life was a life of what could have been. Sydney Carton says, "For you, I would do anything. I would make any sacrifice...Remember always there is a man who would give his life for you or for anyone you love."
Charles Darnay gives Jerry Cruncher's son a coin. Jerry takes the coin from Jerry, Jr.
Miss Pross and Jarvis Lorry tell Charles Darnay that when Charles and Lucie are away on their honeymoon, Dr. Manette will receive the best care. Charles thanks them.
Sydney Carton hopes that he and Charles Darnay can be friends. Sydney Carton asks a favor of Charles Darnay. Sydney asks Charles if, once Charles and Lucy are married, he (Sydney) could have the right to visit the family unannounced and uninvited whenever he wished. Charles Darnay grants Sydney Carton's request.
Dr. Manette talks with Lucie Manette about his thoughts when imprisoned - how he wondered whether his unborn child was a son or a daughter.
Jarvis Lorry and Miss Pross admire Lucie, who is wearing her wedding dress. Both Jarvis Lorry and Miss Pross have tears in their eyes yet deny crying. Jarvis Lorry makes a comment that seeing Lucie reminds Jarvis Lorry that he is a bachelor. Miss Pross replies by telling Jarvis Lorry that he was a bachelor from the cradle and even before.
[Before scene: Charles Darnay, alone with Dr. Manette, tells the doctor details concerning his past and his real name.] Scene begins: Dr. Manette says that nothing about Charles' past matters except that Lucie loves him. Dr. Manette says that Charles will always be "Charles Darnay" to him.
Lucie and Charles are married at the church. Sydney Carton observes the service from outside the church.
A distraught Dr. Manette returns to shoemaking. He retrieves his tools and begs Jarvis Lorry and Miss Pross to "give me my work." During this time, Dr. Manette hallucinates about his time in prison and refers to himself as "105 North Tower."
After nine days, Dr. Manette regains his reason. Dr. Manette asks Jarvis Lorry if Lucie was told of his relapse. Jarvis Lorry says she was not. Dr. Manette says that the relapse was triggered by so many memories of the past. (Note: We as viewers know that the relapse was triggered by Charles' admission that he was an Evrémonde.) Jarvis Lorry asks Dr. Manette if the tools could be disposed of since they only facilitate unpleasant thoughts of the past. Dr. Manette admits that getting rid of the tools would be very difficult.
Jarvis Lorry and Miss Pross bury Dr. Manette's tools in the garden. (Note: In the 1980 adaptation, they disposed of the tools by burning them in a fireplace.)
Scene shows Dr. Manette, Lucie, and Charles happily riding in an open carriage.
Monsieur Defarge rallies the French patriots to overturn their aristocratic oppressors. The patriots are aroused to action under the belief of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Dr. Manette peacefully sleeps as Charles and Lucie take a walk.
A little peasant girl sees an aristocrat hanging in the middle of a street.
The Bastille is stormed (not really so adventuresome a storming as in the 1980 adaptation). The governor is kicked around until Madame Defarge desires to chop off the governor's head with an ax and show the head to the crowd. Monsieur Defarge, meanwhile, searches 105 North Tower for any secretly concealed writings of Dr. Manette. (Viewer does not get to see if he finds anything - of course, we know Monsieur Defarge does.)
Narrator speaks while viewer watches happy images of the French people. " All men born free are equal in rights. Social distinctions can only be based on common usefulness. The aim of every political body is the presentation of the natural and unalienable rights of men. These rights are liberty, property, safety, and resistance against oppression. No man can be accused, arrested, or imprisoned except by due process of the law. Free communication of thoughts and opinions is one of the most precious rights of man. Every citizen can, therefore, speak, write, and print freely.
People's attitudes change from rejoicing to silence as they see something fearful.
Film shows the cobblestone streets (as ominous music plays) until the guillotine rises in front of the camera. (So much for justice and natural rights.)
Mr. Stryver and Sydney Carton talk about the revolution. Sydney Carton says, "It seems to me it's the same as ever: Best of times, and the worse of times; season of light, and the season of darkness; the spring of hope and the winter of despair. We have everything before us. We have nothing before us. We're all going direct to heaven. We're all going direct the other way."
Mr. Stryver and Sydney Carton arrive at Tellson's Bank, which the French aristocracy is congregating at as though the bank was their embassy. Viewer hears the conversations of various angry French aristocrats.
Jarvis Lorry and Charles Darnay talk. Charles Darnay tries to persuade Jarvis Lorry not to travel to France. Jarvis Lorry refuses to remain in England, emphasizing that his whole life has been spent serving Tellson's Bank. Jarvis Lorry believes he is needed in France to safeguard sensitive bank documents.
A Tellson teller holds a letter for the Marquis Saint Evrémonde (Charles Evrémonde). Various French aristocrats at Tellson Bank say they know the Marquis to be a traitor to France - left his estate to rabble after his uncle's murder. Mr. Stryver takes the side of the aristocrats in damning the Marquis for abandoning the family estate.
Charles Darnay takes the letter saying he knows the Marquis. Mr. Stryver then proceeds to diatribe against the Marquis, saying he is surprised the Marquis is not at the head of the murdering rabble.
Alone in his study, Charles Darnay read the letter. The letter is from Charles' faithful servant, Gabelle, who had been arrested for serving the Evrémonde family. Gabelle writes that if Charles does not help him, Gabelle will be killed.
Charles talks with Dr. Manette about leaving for Paris. Charles tells the doctor to give Lucy a letter explaining where Charles was going and why. Charles does not want to tell Lucy in person for fear Lucy will want to travel with him.
Dr. Manette tells Charles that he (Charles) must write to him the very first moment he (Charles) reaches Paris.
Charles visits his daughter as she sleeps. Charles visits Lucy as she sleeps. (Viewer hears music playing in the background.)
Charles is arrested for being an emigrant and an aristocrat. French authorities believe it is irrelevant that Charles returned on his own accord to help a servant.
Charles meets with fellow aristocrats also locked away in La Force. They bow to Charles.
Charles is locked away in a cell. (Note: Cell appears nicer than in 1980 adaptation.)
Lucy Darnay and Dr. Manette talk with Jarvis Lorry in France. Lucy tells Jarvis Lorry that they came to France after they did not hear from Charles. Dr. Manette says that since he (Dr. Manette) was a prisoner at the Bastille, no Frenchman would touch him except to embrace him. Dr. Manette says that he knows Charles is in La Force.
Guillotine is raised. Guillotine falls again and again. Blood covers the blade of guillotine. A large crowd cheers as head after head is chopped off.
Dr. Manette protects Charles Darnay from being taken from La Force by the mob.
Charles and Dr. Manette talk in Charles' cell. Charles says that until the door closed behind him, Charles never knew what Dr. Manette had suffered. Dr. Manette replies that his suffering is now his strength.
More guillotine killing is shown.
Jerry Cruncher watches the Defarges, Jarvis Lorry, and one other patriot enter Lorry's establishment.
Lucy reads a letter from Charles. Madame Defarge views Lucy, her daughter, and Miss Pross. Lucy begs Madame Defarge to help her get Charles released. Madame Defarge tells Lucy to let Dr. Manette help Charles gain his release. Madame Defarge also says that the French people have suffered at the hands of the aristocracy too long - having their own husbands and fathers killed or imprisoned - to worry about the troubles of one woman, wife, and mother (Lucie Manette).
Guillotine blade drops.
Jarvis Lorry and Sydney Carton talk. Jarvis Lorry talks about how many people are guillotined by the bloodthirsty crowd. Jarvis Lorry mutters that the tribunal takes ten cases per hour, and that few prisoners are ever acquitted or released. Sydney Carton says he had heard jokes made about the guillotine. Jarvis Lorry says that Charles' trial date is uncertain, but that Dr. Manette has done everything possible for Charles. Jarvis Lorry says that Lucy can wait at a certain place outside of the prison, and that Charles can see her from inside. Sydney Carton tells Jarvis Lorry not to tell Lucie that he is in Paris, not until Sydney knows he can be useful.
Jerry Cruncher asks Jarvis Lorry and Sydney Carton if they know a man down on the street. Sydney Carton says that the man is John Barsad. Jerry Cruncher replies that Barsad is an Old Bailey spy who was supposed to be dead but never was - that the coffin was filled with bricks and stones. Jarvis Lorry scolds Jerry Cruncher for being a grave robber. Jerry says that after seeing all the bodies from the guillotine killed in France, he has repented his grave robbing.
Sydney Carton and John Barsad talk in a church. Sydney Carton tells Barsad that he knows Barsad was in the employ of the British government as a spy. Sydney says that the French government would find this reality quite condemning. Barsad claims not to be afraid - claims he is trusted. However, Sydney Carton knows Barsad is terrified. Sydney asks Barsad for a favor, since Barsad is trusted in his goings in and out of La Force. Otherwise, Sydney Carton says he will denounce Barsad.
Lucy and her daughter stare into the La Force. As they watch, a woodcutter taunts them. The woodcutter pretends the wood he is cutting is Lucy and her daughter's heads.
Dr. Manette tells Lucy that Charles' trial was scheduled for the next day.
Dr. Manette intercedes at Charles' trial. Dr. Manette says that Charles only returned to France to help Gabelle, who had since been set free by the tribunal. (Note: In 1980 adaptation, Gabelle is killed.) Dr. Manette tells the tribunal that he too was an emigrant from France yet returned. Dr. Manette asks the tribunal if they also consider him an enemy of the Republic. The crowd's consensus is the Dr. Manette is a hero.
Monsieur Defarge tells Madame Defarge to present her evidence. Madame Defarge responds by saying that now is not the time.
Back at Lorry's residence, Charles and Lucy embrace. Miss Pross gives her unfavorable opinion of the French.
Citizen soldiers march toward Lorry's residence.
Charles and Lucy sleep.
Citizen soldiers continue marching.
Lucy touches Charles in bed
Citizen soldiers rearrest Charles Darnay. Dr. Manette begs to know who denounced Charles, and what Charles is accused of. The soldiers tell Dr. Manette that Monsieur and Madame Defarge and one other denounced Charles.
Sydney Carton looks on.
In court the next day, the prosecutor states that new evidence will be presented against the Evrémonde family. Prosecutor says that Earnest Defarge, Térese Defarge, and Dr. Alexander Manette have denounced Charles Darnay. Dr. Manette denies having denounced Charles, but then the prosecutor shows Dr. Manette his own document. Memories flood back to Dr. Manette.
Viewer hears and sees Manette's narrative played out. (Note: Narrative is briefly spoken in 1980 adaptation.) Viewer sees how the Evrémonde brothers took Dr. Manette by force to attend a young woman who was sweating profusely and in great pain. Viewer see and hear that sister's brother who was mortally wounded in his dying breaths tell Dr. Manette how the Evrémonde brothers took his sister by force for sexual conquest and killed her husband. The young woman's brother says he had another younger sister who the Evrémonde brothers will never find. (Camera turns to Madame Defarge who has tears in her eyes.) The brother in great pain says, "Marquis Evrémonde, I curse you! I curse you!" and then dies. The young woman lived a few days longer and then died.
Dr. Manette wrote that he decided to write to the minister telling of those events. Dr. Manette speaks that after writing and sending the letter to the minister, he was kidnapped. The Evrémonde brothers burned the letter addressed to the minister in front of the doctor. Dr. Manette was taken to the Bastille.
Dr. Manette reads the end of his letter to the tribunal. Dr. Manette reads his denouncement of the Evrémondes "to the last of their race."
Madame Defarge taunts Dr. Manette by saying, "Save him now, doctor."
Dr. Manette apologizes for denouncing Charles. Charles tells the doctor he had no idea the Evrémonde family had behaved this badly. Charles said that he only knew his mother had told him about a family the Evrémondes had wronged.
Lucie faints as Charles is led away. Sydney Carton speaks to Lucie and tells her again that, "For her, I would do anything." Sydney kisses the unconscious Lucie.
Dr. Manette walks up and down streets hopelessly, begging for someone to help Charles.
Jarvis Lorry and Sydney Carton talk. Jarvis Lorry says that Charles Darnay will die tomorrow. Jarvis Lorry tells Sydney Carton that Lorry is 78 years of age and that Lorry had always been a man of business, even when Lorry was a boy. Sydney Carton says that Lucie and her daughter will morn for Jarvis Lorry when Lorry dies.
Dr. Manette walks in pouring rain. Dr. Manette talks to himself saying, "How could I denounce him? How could I?"
Sydney Carton buys two products at a pharmacy. The pharmacist warns Sydney to be careful not to mix the two drugs together.
Monsieur Defarge says that the violence against the Evrémonde family must stop somewhere. Madame Defarge is not willing to stop. Madame Defarge admits that the brother and sister who died at the hands of the Marquis were her own siblings. Madame Defarge believes it is her duty to seek vengeance against the Evrémonde family to the last of their race. Madame Defarge concludes by saying, "Then tell wind and fire when to stop but don't tell me."
Sydney Carton overheads the Defarge's conversation at the wine shop.
Dr. Manette asks Jarvis Lorry for his work back. Dr. Manette is experiencing great mental shock.
Sydney Carton asks Jarvis Lorry to follow certain instructions, since the child and Lucy are in great danger from Madame Defarge. Sydney Carton says that Madame Defarge and a woodcutter will denounce the child, Lucy, and Dr. Manette as trying to help Charles escape since they were all seen near La Force. Sydney Carton says there can be no delays, and that they must leave before Charles' execution. Sydney Carton gives Jarvis Lorry Sydney's papers. Sydney Carton says that they should take two carriages when leaving Paris. Sydney Carton tells Jarvis Lorry not to be surprised if Sydney arrives at the carriage unwell the next day.
The next morning, Sydney Carton looks over the architectural wonders and poverty of Paris. (Music plays in the background.)
Barsad allows Sydney Carton in Charles' cell. Charles puts Sydney's coat on. Charles writes to Sydney's dictation. Sydney mixes the two drugs and places them near Charles' nose. Charles goes to sleep. Sydney then calls in Barsad and tells Barsad to take Charles exactly where Sydney said. Barsad tells two guards to enter with a stretcher. Before the guards arrive, Sydney places the dictated letter in Charles pocket. The guards take Charles out of prison, leaving Sydney in Charles' place.
Alone in the cell, Sydney quotes, "I am the resurrection and the life sayeth the Lord."
Lucie, her child, Dr. Manette, and Jarvis Lorry wait in the carriage. Barsad brings Charles Darnay to them. The carriage leaves. Lucy looks at Charles. However, it is not clear if she realizes the man in the carriage is her husband. Lucie remembers Sydney's words from long ago.
Madame Defarge enters Lorry's residence, as Miss Pross is packing. Miss Pross rapidly shuts doors. Madame Defarge approaches Miss Pross and says sotto voce, "Are they gone or are they in that room?" When Miss Pross refuses to let Madame Defarge into the room, Madame Defarge and Miss Pross get into a scuffle. In the scuttle, Madame Defarge's pistol accidentally discharges and kills Madame Defarge.
The shot makes Miss Pross deaf.
Crowd gathers at guillotine. Madame Defarge's seat is empty. The woodcutter asks how many people will be guillotined that day.
Jarvis Lorry gives the guard at the gates to Paris all their travel papers. The guard finds the papers acceptable. The carriage is let out of Paris.
A woman shouts out for Madame Defarge, saying that Madame Defarge has never missed an execution. Woman also wonders where Monsieur Defarge is.
Prisoners arrive at guillotine. Woodcutter makes crude jokes.
A seamstress talks with Sydney Carton. The seamstress says she was charged with plotting against the republic. She says she is innocent. The seamstress then realizes that Sydney Carton is not Charles Darnay. The seamstress asks Sydney why he plans to take Charles' place.
Monsieur Defarge sits in his wine shop thinking about the guillotine blade's repetitious falling. Monsieur Defarge wants the killing to stop.
The seamstress and Sydney Carton comfort each other as they angry crowd shouts at them.
One by one the prisoners are guillotined. Sydney Carton and the seamstress continue to talk. Eventually, the seamstress' turn to die comes. Before parting, Sydney and the seamstress kiss.
Sydney quotes Scripture, "Whosoever believeth in me shall never die."
Lucie reflects upon her past with Charles, with tears in her eyes.
Sydney's famous words are spoken as Lucie's carriage goes off into the distance. Sydney says: "It is a far better thing that I do then I have ever done. It is a far better rest that I go to then I have ever known."
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."
Description of A Tale of Two Cities (Masterpiece Theatre)
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The Charles Dickens Collection, Vol. 2 (David Copperfield / The Pickwick Papers / The Old Curiosity Shop / Dombey and Son / Barnaby Rudge) (Slim Case)Warner Brothers; Release date: 2009-05-05; DVD
Best price: $34.87
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Great Expectations (BBC)Warner Brothers; Release date: 2005-09-06; DVD
Best price: $8.56
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Nicholas NicklebyKoch International; Release date: 2006-05-02; DVD
Best price: $9.42
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A Tale of Two CitiesImage Entertainment; Release date: 2007-11-13; DVD
Best price: $9.98
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A Tale of Two CitiesWarner Brothers; Release date: 2006-10-10; DVD
Best price: $10.25
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