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David Copperfield
By Adrian Hodges

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Whether I shall turn out
to be the hero of my own life,
or whether that station
will be held by anybody else,
this story must show.
(CHURCH BELL TOLLS)
To begin my life at the very beginning,
I was a posthumous child.
My father left this world
three months before I entered
it. I was born in the small
village
of Blunderstone
on Friday at 12 o'clock at night,
though not before my mother received
a somewhat less expected visitor.
Peggotty!
(KNOCKING)
Can I help you, ma'am?
- Mrs David Copperfield, I think.
- Who wants her, I'd like to know?
- Miss Betsey Trotwood, you've heard of her I dearsay.
- My poor husband's aunt.
Now you see her.
You're nothing but a baby yourself.
- My nephew spoiled you, I
suppose. - Mr Copperfield was very
good...
Oh, no, don't do that,
don't do that! Come, come!
I opposed to my nephew's marriage. I told him
you were too young. He ignored me.
Fancied himself in love, I suppose.
- My husband is dead. If you dare...
- You may leave us.
Now, when do you expect?
Soon. I feel so
frightened. I'm sure I
shall die.
Die? Certainly not!
Have some tea.
Where's that girl of yours?
- What does she call herself?
- Peggotty.
Peggotty? Do you mean a human
being has gone into a Christian
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church
and had herself named Peggotty?

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It's her surname -
her Christian name is Clara,
the same as mine.
Your mistress needs some tea.
- She's feeling a little unwell.
- She's having the baby!
Shall I send for the doctor,
ma'am? Now, from the moment of the
birth
of your girl...
- Perhaps boy.
- It'll be a girl! Don't
contradict. I shall be her
godmother. You shall
call her Betsey Trotwood Copperfield.
And this Betsy Trotwood
must make no mistakes in life.
No worthless man
will trifle with HER
affections! Oh, stop that, now.
You'll make yourself ill.
That will do neither you nor my
goddaughter any good at all.
(CLARA CRIES OUT)
(CLARA CRIES OUT IN PAIN)
(HER CRIES CONTINUE)
Well.
- We are progressing, ma'am. Slowly.
- Bah!
(CLARA CRIES OUT IN PAIN)
My congratulations. All is now
over and the baby is safely
delivered.
- Good. How is she?
- Mrs Copperfield is comfortable.
- Yes, but how is SHE?
- Who?
The baby, for heaven's sake!
Oh, she is a he, Miss Trotwood.
- What?
- The baby is a boy.
A boy?
A boy!
A boy! Ahhh!
A boy!
My great aunt's experience of men
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had not been a happy one.

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The arrival of one more
was the final straw.
She vanished like a discontented
fairy, seemingly never to return.
My early childhood
was blissfully happy.
The days and years slipped by
in a warm glow of contentment.
I grew up secure in the certainty
that my beautiful mother loved only me,
while Peggotty's loyalty and devotion
were as constant as the tides.
"My next work was to view
the country and seek a proper place
"for my habit... habita..."
- Habitation, Davy.
- Habitation.
"Where I was I yet knew not..."
- Davy should be in bed now,
ma'am. - Oh, please, just a little
longer! Oh, go on! Only five
minutes, mind! Put a bulb in there.
That's it. No, not upside
down! That way!
But a chill wind was rising.
The golden summer of my innocence
was about to be blown away.
Davy, say good morning
to Mr Murdstone.
- Davy!
- He doesn't wish to share you.
I understand his devotion.
Come, let us shake hands and
be the best friends in the
world.
I like his spirit.
Until tomorrow, Mrs Copperfield.
Davy, I'm disappointed in you.
Where are your manners?
A stranger makes an
agreeable change, I suppose,
ma'am.
A very agreeable change indeed.
(PEGGOTTY) I was only thinking of Davy.
Am I to be told that I am wanting
in affection for my precious boy?
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- Nobody ever said such a thing!
- Yes, you did!
Am I a cruel, selfish, bad mama?
I don't love you at all, do I, Davy?
Of course your mama loves you,
Master Davy. I only said...
Master Davy, how should you
like to go along with me
and spend a fortnight
at my brother's at Yarmouth?
- Wouldn't that be a treat?
- Won't Mama mind?
She can't live by
herself. Why, I'll bet a
guinea
she'll let us go!
Oh, you'll love the seaside,
Davy! There's the beach and the
boats,
all sorts of things!
Let's ask her!
It touches me deeply to think
how eager I was to leave my happy
home and to remember how little I
suspected what I was leaving behind
for ever.
Another pie, Mr Barkis?
Whoa!
- Did she make them
pastries? - She does all our
cooking.
Do she, though?
No sweethearts, I believe.
Oh, no, she never had a sweetheart.
- Here's my Ham!
- Ah-ha! Come on, then, six-foot!
(HAM) Yon's our house, Master Davy.
- You don't live in a boat, Ham?
- In a manner of speaking.
You're most welcome,
Master Copperfield.
You'll find us rough,
sir, but you'll find us
ready. There you go.
Mr Peggotty, did you call your son
Ham 'cause you live in a kind of ark
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like Noah and his son did?
I couldn't rightly say how he came

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by it. His father gave him that name.
I thought YOU were his father.
- My brother Joe was his father.
- Is your brother dead, Mr Peggotty?
Drowndead.
But Little Emily,
she is your daughter, isn't she?
My brother-in-law Tom
was her father.
- Dead, Mr Peggotty?
- Drowndead.
- Haven't you any children?
- Not him. He ain't married.
Why, isn't Mrs Gummidge your wife?
(MRS GUMMIDGE WAILS)
Mrs Gummidge lost her husband
a few year back.
Drowndead, Mr Peggotty?
- She gets low when she thinks on it.
- And she DO! Pretty
often! I'm a lone, lorn
creature!
I'd better go into the
workhouse and die and be a
riddance!
- Cheer up!
- My troubles make me contrary.
I wish I could be hardened to 'em,
but I ain't.
- I make the house uncomfortable!
- I'm certain you don't.
- I do!
- She's thinkin' of the old 'un.
Don't you worry,
Davy. I never knowed
anyone
who so enjoyed being miserable.
(DAVID) My father is dead,
too. I know.
Do you mind?
I never met him.
- Mr Peggotty must be a good man.
- Better than good.
If I was a lady, I'd give him
a waistcoat with diamond buttons,
a large gold watch
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and a bagful of money.

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Emily!
Emily, take care!
I am only
frightened when the
wind blows.
Then I lie awake
thinking I hear Uncle Dan and Ham
out at sea crying for help.
That's why I want to be a lady.
I could keep them safe on land.
Her words echo to me down the years.
They haunt me still.
The days sped by
as if time had not grown up yet,
but were a child, too,
and always at
play. I was
delighted
with my new friends.
Dan Peggotty treated me
as one of his family
and I grew to love
his open-hearted kindness.
Ham was like the best and most
heroic of older brothers.
And of course, in my childish way,
I was completely in love with Little Emily.
When the day came
to leave Yarmouth,
I realised that for
two weeks
I had scarcely thought of my home at
all. Let's always be friends, Emily.
I'd like that,
but you'll be a gentleman one day.
- Come, Davy, Mr Barkis is waiting.
- I'll write as often as I can.
No sweethearts, you say?
When you get home,
tell her Barkis is willin' .
She'll be awake in a moment.
You could tell her yourself.
Barkis is willin' .
That's the message -
Barkis is willin' .
- Master Davy, wait!
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- What's the matter?
I should've told you before...
Mama - where is she?
Not dead, too?
- She's not dead, Peggotty?!
- No, Master Davy!
Davy!
I have a surprise for
you! Can you guess what
it is? You have a new
father.
Well, Davy boy, how do you do?
You've prejudiced him against me!
What do you mean by it?
Lord forgive you, Mrs Copperfield!
Davy, you naughty boy!
It's enough to distract me!
Clara, my love, have you forgotten?
Firmness, my dear.
What name did you just
call your mistress?
Mrs Copperfield...
same as always... sir.
She has a new name now. Murdstone.
Oblige me
by remembering that in future.
You may go.
Go you below, my love.
David and I
will be down together presently.
David... if I have an obstinate
dog or horse to deal with,
what do you think I do?
I beat him.
I make him wince and smart.
I say to myself,
"I'll conquer that fellow".
And even if it costs him every
drop of blood he has... I'll do
it.
Do we understand each other?
Good.
Now, wash your face...
and come downstairs directly.
Miss Jane Murdstone, sir.
- My dear Jane.
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-
Edward.
Well...
- How are you, sister-in-law?
- Quite well, thank you.
- Is this your boy?
- It is.
Generally speaking,
I don't like boys.
You're too pretty and thoughtless
to have duties
that can be undertaken by me.
Be so good as to give me your keys.
I will attend to the housekeeping.
- I could have copies made...
- No. Kindly give me the keys!
My dear, I returned from my walk to
find the parlour's been rearranged.
My sister considered there to be
too much clutter. I agreed.
Perhaps, but I do think I
might've been consulted before any
change. It is very hard in my
own house...
- My own house, Clara?
- OUR own house.
It is hard
that I may not have a word to say.
- I'm sure I managed very well before.
- Edward, I go tomorrow!
Jane Murdstone, be silent.
I'm sure I do not want anybody to go.
I'm obliged to anyone who assists me.
- Only...
- Let there be an end to this!
- I go tomorrow...
- Will you be silent?!
Clara, I took
satisfaction when we
married
in the thought of infusing
your character with firmness.
Jane is good enough to help and yet
she is met with base ingratitude.
Don't accuse me of that.
I have many faults, but no one
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has accused me of ingratitude.

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I warn you, Clara,
this shabby response chills
and alters my feeling for you.
Don't be cold, Edward.
I can't live with coldness.
I have so many defects, I know.
It's good of you with your
strength of mind to correct them
for me.
Jane, I make no objection
to anything.
Let us hear no more of it.
David... go to bed.
I observe you have
an attachment to low company.
Do not associate with
servants!
Mistress Peggotty will not help you
in the respects you need improvement.
- Have you learned your lessons?
- I think so, Mama.
I fear the Greeks
even when they bring gifts.
Timeo... danaos...
...et...
...et...
- Well.
- Timeo...
...danaos...
- Timeo danaos et dona ferentis - as everyone knows!
- Oh, Davy...
- Don't say "Oh, Davy"! Be firm!
He either knows his lessons or not!
- He does not know them!
- Then send him away until he does!
I tell you, Clara,
I've often been flogged myself.
- It did me no harm.
- To be sure. Of course not.
Now, David,
you must be more careful today.
Suppose I go into a cheesemonger's
shop and buy 5,000 cheeses
at fourpence-halfpenny each,
how much do I spend?
- You know arithmetic, don't you?
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- Yes, sir.
See how your
laziness grieves your
mother?
No! No! O-Only I think I'm
not quite well, my dear
Edward.
Come, David... your answer, please.
How much do I spend?
You will defy me no more, sir!
Please don't hurt me!
I've tried to learn!
- Please don't hurt me!
- Keep still!
Quiet!
(KEY TURNS IN LOCK)
If you please, Miss Murdstone,
how long am I to be kept here?
I was left alone
for seven days and nights.
I believe I might've gone mad but for
the books my father had left me.
In their pages,
I was freed from the prison.
In my solitude,
I grew to love their characters
as I loved those nearest
and dearest to me.
(Davy?)
- (Davy?)
- Peggotty?
Oh, Peggotty!
Hush, dear. Be as quiet as a mouse
or the cats'll hear us.
- What is to become of me, Peggotty?
- School
- Near London.
- When?
Tomorrow.
Listen to me, my darlin' boy.
Don't lose heart... and never forget
how much your Peggotty loves you!
Is Mama very angry with me,
Peggotty?
No... no, not very.
- Shan't I see her?
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- Tomorrow.
I'll take care of your mama,
Davy dear, I promise.
I won't leave her, not ever.
As long as Clara Peggotty
draws breath,
you and your mama
will always have a friend!
Don't cry, Peggotty!
I ain't cryin'!
Your mama
gave me these for you, Davy.
Goodbye... my darling boy.
Goodbye.
- Please, ma'am, it's too cramped!
- Nonsense!
If you didn't fidget so much,
there'd be plenty of room!
- Fowl, madam?
- Mmmm!
Sir, where are the other boys?
There ain't no others for a
month. You're sent early as a
punishment. This is the gentleman
whose teeth are to be
filed? THIS IS THE BOY!
I have the 'appiness of
knowing Mr Murdstone.
He knows me and I know him.
- Do you know me, sir?!
- Not yet, sir.
- Not yet, but you will soon!
- YOU WILL SOON!
I'll tell you what I am.
I'm a Tartar.
- What am I?
- A Tartar.
When I say I'll have a thing done,
I will have it done!
HE WILL HAVE IT
DONE! What do you
think of this, young
snapper?
- Is there a dog, sir?
- A dog?

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- It's not a dog... it's a boy!
- A BOY!
Show this badge conspicuous
or you'll catch it, all
right! I don't take kindly to
biters! Now you've begun to
know me,
my young friend, you may
go! Leave him alone!
- How did this come
about? - I bit my
stepfather.
I think it's a damn shame.
- Now, boys, this is a new term.
- A NEW TERM!
Come fresh up to your
studying, I advise you,
for I come
fresh up to the punishment!
This boy prefers biting to studying.
What shall I do with him?
No answer? Then I'll show you.
Put your hands out, Copperfield.
HANDS OUT!
So you like biting, do you?
How do you like THIS for a tooth?
Is it a sharp tooth?
Does it bite deep?
Does it cut?
Stings a bit, don't it?
- A bit.
- You'll survive.
- I think so, sir.
- You're fresh as a daisy!
My name is Steerforth.
There's no need to "sir" me.
- What money have you got?
- About seven shillings.
Give it to me to take care
of. At least, you can if you
like. - Want to spend anything
now? - No.
What about a feast -
currant wine, cakes?
If you think a feast the best idea,
Steerforth.
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I thought I had never met
anyone so noble and generous.
I was bound to him ever after
for the kindness he showed
me. (ALL) Copperfield!
Nolumus, non vultis, nolunt.
Nolo, non vis, not vult.
Nolumus, non voltis, nolunt.
- Future imperative.
- FUTURE IMPERATIVE!
Let them be about to be unwilling.
- Noluntote...
- VISITORS FOR COPPERFIELD!
- Mr Peggotty! Ham!
- Davy boy!
As we were sailing up to Gravesend,
Peggotty said to inquire for Davy.
She said your mama sends you
her deepest love.
Those were the exact words.
- Is Mama well.
- Pretty well, I believe.
If Mama is still angry,
tell her I'm sorry I hurt her.
She ain't angry -
ain't nothing to forgive.
Steerforth! Here's Mr
Peggotty and Ham from
Yarmouth!
- I am glad to see you. How are you?
- Tell them Steerforth is very kind.
I'll tell 'em. It'll do 'em
the world of good to hear it.
Goodbye.
The rest of that long tedious half-year
is a jumble in my recollection
of the daily strife
and struggle of our lives.
I had nightmares that the Murdstones
would keep me here for the holidays,
but finally
I learned I was sent for
and it was time, at last,
to go home.
Any boy still here in one minute

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will be thrashed!
THRASHED!
I gave your message to
Peggotty, Mr Barkis.
- Nothing came of it? No answer?
- Was one expected?
When a man says he's willin',
he's waitin' for an answer.
Have you told her so, Mr
Barkis? W-Would you like me to
do it?
What's the name?
Christian name, I mean.
Clara. Her Christian name is Clara.
You tell Clara Peggotty
Barkis is waitin' for his
answer. (CLARA SINGS SOFTLY TO
HERSELF)
# Angels keep their watch on
you, my darling...
# Davy... my own
boy! He is your
brother.
Betsey Trotwood wouldn't be pleased
to see another boy.
What put that peculiar person
in your head?
- Do you want a second visit?
- Lord forbid!
Peggotty, Barkis asked me to tell you
that he was waiting for your answer.
- What is it?
- Oh, drat the man!
He wants to marry me.
- It'd be a good match, wouldn't it?
- Don't ask me!
He's never said
a word to me about it.
There you go.
Stay with me, Peggotty.
It will not be for long perhaps.
Me? Leave you?
Not for all the world...
though it would make SOMEONE happy.
How unkind you are.
Don't be so hard on Miss Murdstone.
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You know she only does things

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out of the best intentions.
Don't let us fall out, Peggotty.
I couldn't bear it.
You're my true friend
if I have any in this world.
Do you see? He's got it!
He's got the
baby! Davy, go
on.
I beg your pardon, sir.
I am sorry for what I did.
I hope you will forgive me.
I forgive you, David.
Whether there is forgiveness
in a higher place,
I cannot say.
The holidays lagged away.
What a blank space I seemed.
Sit up straight!
Which everybody overlooked,
yet was in everybody's
way. Elbows.
The manners of this
boy! Davy.!
Davy... wait! Davy!
Let me look at you once more.
Go on now. After all, we shall
see each other before long,
shan't we?
So I lost her.
I saw her afterwards in my sleep -
a silent presence near my bed
looking at me
with the same intent face,
holding up her baby in her arms.
COPPERFIELD IS TO REPOR TO MR
CREAKLE! Copperfield...
...I have something to tell you.
You are too young to know
how the world changes every day...
...and how the people in it
pass away.
But we all have
to learn it
eventually. When you
left home
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to come here, was everyone well.

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Was your mother well.
Was she? Was she
well. Yes, sir.
Because it grieves me to tell you
that I hear
that your mother is very ill
She's very dangerously ill
In fact, she's dead.
She was never well...
...for a long time.
She sank a little every day
until she knew she was
dying and her little boy,
too.
On the last night, she...
she kissed me and said...
"Let them lay my baby in my arms
and bury us together."
The sun was rising when...
...when she turned and said...
"Peggotty... put me nearer to
you for your face seems far
off."
And I put my arm under her
head to hold her up...
...and she smiled then...
...closed her eyes...
...and never woke
again. You must be
measured
for mourning clothes.
- You brought your shirts home?
- Yes, all my clothes.
Your services are no longer
required, Mistress Peggotty.
You may take a month's warning.
(CHURCH BELL TOLLS)
Don't drag your feet,
David. You will walk with
me.
Family only.
You should be dead, not them!
Why didn't He take you instead?
With Peggotty's imminent departure,
there would be no one in the house
to love me any more,
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but for her sake, when the day came,
I hid my loneliness and fear.

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What should you think
if I were to get married?
- To Mr Barkis?
- Yes.
You would have the horse and cart
to bring you over to see me.
- You could come for nothing.
- The sense!
- What name did I write in the cart?
- Clara Peggotty.
What name would it be
if I should write it next time?
Clara Peggotty again?
Clara Peggotty
Barkis! David.
This is a world for action,
not for moping in.
- As YOU do.
- Leave it to me.
It is a world for action, especially
for a young boy of your disposition
which requires correcting.
Stubbornness won't do!
Stubbornness must be crushed!
Education is costly
and even if I could afford it,
I feel it would not be
advantageous to you to be kept in
school
Before you is a fight with the
world. The sooner you begin it the
better.
You are going to London, David,
to begin life on your own account.
It's six shillings a week, rising
to seven if you prove yourself
useful
- Mick will show you the ropes.
- Quite the young gentleman!
We'll have none of your
airs or I'll throw you
in the cellar with the rats!
You'll have to be quicker than
that, little gent!
Copperfield?
Am I addressing the bearer
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of the name Copperfield?

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Yes, sir.
Wilkins Micawber...
...at your service.
I hope I see you well
Your esteemed stepfather,
a man of business like myself,
has charged me with providing you
with suitable quarters.
- You mean I am to say with you?
- In short, yes.
As your peregrinations in this city
have not as yet been extensive
and that you might have difficulty
penetrating
the mysteries of the modern Babylon
in the direction of the City
Road, I place myself at your
disposal
In short, in case you get
lost, I've come to take you
home.
Would you care to join me?
COME ON, OPEN UP, MICAWBER!
PAY ME NOW!
I'll keep coming back until
you pay me, you swindling old...
...the law on yer!
YOU POMPOUS OLD FOOL!
I'LL BE BACK!
Here's young Copperfield, my dear,
to share our familial habitation.
You are very welcome,
though when I lived at home
with my late mama and papa,
I never thought
I should have to take in a lodger.
Such considerations must give way
in times of pecuniary embarrassment
at least until something turns up.
My little princess!
Mr Micawber's difficulties
are almost overwhelming.
Whether it is possible to bring him
through them, I don't know,
but I never shall desert
him! (KNOCKING)
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Open up, Micawber!
(MICAWBER)... let me do
it! I can stand it no
longer!
My creditors will not
relent! It is inhuman!
Let me do the fatal deed
and forget the wretch once
known as Wilkins Micawber ever
lived! He will do away with
himself -
the father of my children!
- I think it is only a scratch.
- Has he gone?
- Not dead!
- My love!
(CREDITOR) I'll be back!
He's gone!
Copperfield, my brush with mortality
makes me hungry.
A bag of muffins, if you please,
and, pray,
join us for a modest
repast. What shall I do with
these, Mr Micawber?
Negotiate, my dear Copperfield,
negotiate.
- Not much call for this.
- I am to ask five shillings.
Five shilling?! I'd be
robbing my family if I offered
two!
(MICAWBER COUGHS)
It ain't plate, is it?
- The best silver.
- Three-and-six.
I can't go lower than four.
We'll trade! Are you a sporting man?
- Musical?
- Stand firm, Copperfield.
I'll put myself in the poorhouse
if I go on like this!
All right, four shilling,
then. Ahh!
My dear young Copperfield,
until something turns up,
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which I am, I may say,

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hourly expecting,
I have nothing
to bestow on you but advice.
My advice is never do tomorrow
what you can do today.
Procrastination
is the thief of time! Collar him!
I do not deny, at times,
Micawber has kept me in the dark
as to his liabilities,
but I never will desert him -
no use asking!
...I'm not, Mrs Micawber.
He is the father of my children,
the husband of my affections!
- I NEVER will desert Mr Micawber!
- What's the matter?
- I never will desert you!
- My life, I'm aware of
it. Be calm, Emma, be
calm.
I propose a toast...
to our new guest.
You have shown a precocious grasp
of commerce
and I am convinced,
under my tuition of course,
that you will, in short, go
far. To Copperfield -
not just a lodger... a friend!
As the long, tedious
days in the factory
passed,
no words could
express the agony of
my soul
My father's books had inspired me
with the ambition to write,
but now I felt that
all my dreams had been crushed.
The Micawbers'friendship
was my only respite,
but even that was brought to an end
by their misfortunes.
Something will turn up...
...I'm quite certain of it.
Page 21/74
- Where are you taking him?

Page 21/74
- King's Bench prison.
How can he pay his debts when he's
locked up and can't earn anything?
The sun is setting. I shan't live to
see another dawn. Think kindly of me.
I never will desert you!
We will not be overcome!
- Don't worry, I'll look after them.
- God bless you!
I resolved to visit Mr Micawber
as soon as I could.
My heart raced as I approached the
gate of the infamous King's Bench.
I think I expected to find
Mr Micawber clapped in irons
in some dreadful dungeon.
The reality of a debtor's prison
was rather different,
though no less terrible
in its own way.
Let the fate of the miserable
wretch you see before you be a
warning.
Annual income - 20.
Annual expenditure - 19.19.06.
Result - happiness.
Annual income - 20.
Annual expenditure - 20.00.06.
Result - misery!
The blossom is blighted,
the leaf is withered!
You are, in short, flattened!
Months passed with no sign
of a release for Mr Micawber.
I went to the prison every
day and did what I could for
him, but I had barely enough
to feed myself.
I thought you might be hungry.
You have... no close family
of your own, Copperfield?
- Beyond Mr Murdstone, I mean.
- He hates me.
I have no one else.
An aunt in Dover hasn't seen me

Page 22/74
since I was a
baby and I don't
think
she'd want to meet me
now. My advice is seek
her out.
She may be overjoyed
to reacquaint herself with you.
Wilkins! Our debts are settled!
You are a free man again!
The Lord Chancellor's acknowledged
a miscarriage of justice!
I wrote to him personally.
My family's remembered
their obligations.
Not, in short, before time.
They think Micawber should exert his
talents in our home town of
Plymouth. I shall never think of our
period of difficulty without
remembering you.
God bless you.
I never will forget you.
Farewell, my young friend. Farewell
Remember, Copperfield.
Annual income - 20.
Annual expenditure - 20.00.06.
Result - misery!
With my friends gone, I
understood that my fate lay in my
own hands. A great resolution
began to form within me.
I had decided to run away.
I'd go into the country to find
the only relation I had in the world -
my aunt, Betsey Trotwood.
- 15 shilling.
- I need a sovereign for the
coach. I'll throw in these valuable
items
out of the kindness of my
heart. They must be worth
another 10 shillings at least.
Five.
Done.
Excuse me, sir.
Page 23/74
Will you take this
to the coach station for sixpence?

Page 23/74
- Give me my money!
- Let go!
Or, by God,
I'll rip your body open!
- Stop, thief!
- Get out of the way!
STOP! STOP!
With nothing left in the world,
I now had no choice but to continue
my journey to Dover on foot.
Pardon me, sir, but do you know
where Miss Betsey Trotwood lives?
Go away! Go along!
No boys here!
Go on!
If you please, ma'am.
If you please, Aunt,
I am your nephew David
Copperfield. I have been very
unhappy since Mama died, and my
stepfather hates me!
He made me work in a horrible
place! Janet! Oh, mercy!
Oh, mercy on us, Janet!
Mr Dick, you've heard me mention
David Copperfield.
David Copperfield...
Oh, yes, certainly. David!
Well, this is his boy, his son.
He'd be like his father if he were
not so like his mother, too!
- He's run away!
- Run away?
- His sister never would have!
- I've no sister.
You came in her place
or this would not have happened!
- You think not?
- Of course not!
She would have lived with
me! We would have been
devoted!
Don't stand there wool-
gathering! Nobody has the brains
you have!
Here you see young David.
Page 24/74
The question I put to you is

Page 24/74
what shall I do with him?
- I want some very sound
advice. - What shall you do with
him?
Why, um, if I were you,
I should... I should...
If I were you, I should wash him!
- Mr Dick sets us right!
- I'll heat the water.
J-Janet! Donkeys! Donkeys!
Get off this green at once!
Turn round!
No! Don't!
I will have
no donkeys trespassing on my green!
Please, ma'am...
Ugh! Burn them!
Whatever possessed your poor mother
to marry again, I cannot conceive.
- Perhaps she fell in love.
- Why did she do that?!
- Look at what love did for me!
- Are you married, Aunt?
Was.
My husband treated me falsely...
ungratefully and cruelly.
That's what men do -
as far as I can see.
Mine nearly broke my fortune
and closed my heart for
good. He died in India, you
know.
Trampled by an
elephant! Mr Dick...
...would you please
go and find this boy some
clothes? Wash your face.
Ughh! Where have you been,
boy? Ughhh!
Now, we must consider what is to
be done with you, David
Copperfield.
- I'll have to write to your stepfather.
- Will I be given up to him?
I don't know anything about
that. Perhaps. We shall see.
Page 25/74
You have committed

Page 25/74
a very reckless
act. Running away
is a serious business, you know.
What did you mean by coming... here?
Poor little fellow.
Hah! Phoebus! How does the world go?
Come, sit. Here. How did you sleep?
Were you comfortable?
Don't mention this to anyone,
but... it's a mad world -
as mad as Bedlam!
What are you writing, Mr Dick?
It's my life story, my memorial!
The problem is King Charles I
keeps on trying to make his way in
there! It's very unreasonable!
Do you recollect the date
he had his head cut off?
I believe it was 1649,
sir. So the books say,
but I don't see how it
can. If it was so long
ago,
how could the people
have put some of the trouble
out of his head
after it had been taken off
and into... mine?
How long has Mr Dick
been writing his memorial?
Ten years or more, but that
don't signify. It keeps him
employed.
Well... what do you think of him?
Your sister Betsey Trotwood wouldn't
hesitate. Be as like her as you
can. Is he...
Is he at all out of his mind?
Not a morsel If there's one
thing Mr Dick is not, it is mad.
He's been called mad by his
family, who would've shut him in an
asylum. 'Mr Dick is the most
friendly,
amenable creature in existence.
'I rely on his judgement
Page 26/74
in all important matters.'

Page 26/74
Well done!
Before long, Mr Murdstone
replied to my aunt's letter,
saying that he was coming to speak
to her himself the following day.
(DONKEY BRAYS)
Janet! Janet! Donkeys!
Janet, donkeys! Donkeys!
Go along with you!
How dare you
trespass, you bold-
faced thing!
- It is Miss Murdstone.
- I will not be trespassed upon!
Lead him off, Janet!! Go along
with you! Lead him off, Janet!
Go away!
I don't allow anybody to ride over
this turf. I make no exceptions.
Your regulation
is rather awkward to
strangers. This boy, you should
know,
has a rebellious spirit - a violent
temper and intractable disposition.
Of all the boys in the world,
this is the worst boy.
- Strong, Miss Murdstone.
- Not too strong for the situation.
Indeed? Well, sir?
I placed him in a respectable
business. He ran
away. The facts, I
propose, speak for
themselves.
This business - a blacking factory.
If he had been your own boy,
you would've put him to it?
I have my own opinions as to the best
mode of raising this particular boy.
- I say no more about them.
- I see.
- What else do you have to say?
- I have come to take him back.
I will dispose of him
as I think proper.
Page 27/74
If you seek to impede me in any way,

Page 27/74
if you step between us now,
you do so for ever.
What does the boy say?
Are you ready to go?
Don't make me leave
you! They made Mama
unhappy! They never
cared for me! I want to
stay here!
Mr Dick...
what shall I do with this child?
I'd have him measured
for a suit of clothes directly!
Mr Dick, give me your hand,
for your common sense is
invaluable! I'll take my chance
with the boy.
If he is all you say he is, I can
do as much for him as you have
done.
But I don't believe a word of it!
- If you were a gentleman...
- Stuff and nonsense!
How exquisitely polite(!)
Overpowering(!)
I know the life you led his mother!
It was a woeful day when you came
- making great eyes at her!
- You wouldn't say boo to a goose!
- Elegant(!)
When you'd made sure of
her, you began to train her
like a caged bird,
teaching her to sing YOUR notes!
It's insanity or intoxication!
You broke her heart, then punished
the boy because of your own guilt!
There's the truth! And you and
your instrument may make the most
of it!
Who are you referring to?!
Good day, sir, and goodbye!
Good day to you, too,
madam.
If you ride a donkey over my
green again, I'll knock your
Page 28/74
bonnet off and tread upon it!
Oh, Mr Dick, you'll consider
yourself joint guardian with me of
this boy?

Page 28/74
- I'd be delighted!
- He should take the name Trotwood.
- Trotwood Copperfield, eh?
- Trotwood Copperfield!
Trotwood Copperfield!
- Why not?
- Trotwood Copperfield! Hurrah!
(MR DICK) Hooray!
Hooray! Flying high!
High in the sky! Look at it go!
My aunt proposed I should
resume my education. I happily
agreed.
You'll be the smartest boy
in the school
He will
My new school was in Canterbury
and it was a somewhat more
amiable, scholarly place than Mr
Creakle's.
I was to board in the house
of my aunt's lawyer and
agent, her old and trusted
friend
Mr Wickfield.
Is Mr Wickfield at home, Uriah
Heep? He is expecting you, Miss
Trotwood, if you'll please to walk
in.
(BETSEY) Trot.
I am most grateful to you, Wickfield.
I'm sure my nephew
will be very happy here.
Now, Trot, I must go
if I'm to be home before dark.
Never be mean in anything.
Never be false. Never be
cruel Avoid those three vices
and I can always be hopeful of
you. It's just a little dust in my
eye. It's nothing.
Come and meet
my little housekeeper, Trotwood.
Trotwood... this is Agnes,
my daughter.
She looks after me in every way.
Page 29/74
She will show you to your room.
(WICKFIELD) You see we lead

Page 29/74
a pretty quiet life here.
Quiet and dull, I'm afraid.
- Not more dull for me than Agnes.
- Than Agnes?
- Is it dull for you, Agnes?
- Of course not,
Papa. She must stay
where I can keep her
safe. I lost her mother.
I lost her too young.
- You are tired, Papa.
- Yes... yes.
I should go to bed now.
You are company
for us both, Trotwood.
It is wholesome to have you
here. See to the candles, Agnes.
- I hope you are settling in well
- Yes, thank you, Mr
Heep. I should be honoured
if you would call me Uriah.
I suppose you are a great lawyer.
Me, Master Copperfield? Oh, no.
I'm merely a clerk at present.
I'm well aware that
I am the 'umblest person going.
My mother is
likewise a very
'umble person
and my father's former calling
was 'umble - he was a grave-
digger.
What is he now?
He is partaking of glory at present.
But still,
I have much to be grateful for
in Mr Wickfield's offer of articles
otherwise not within my means.
Perhaps you'll be a partner
one day, Uriah.
Oh, no, Master Copperfield.
Ambition ain't for me.
A person like myself
had better not... aspire.
If he is to get on in life...
he must get on 'umbly.
Page 30/74
I must go home.
Mother will be getting uneasy.
For though we are so very 'umble...
we are much attached to one another.
I suppose you'll be
stopping here some
time? As long as I'm at
school
Indeed. Then I should think that YOU
would come into the business at last.
I should most like
to write stories one
day. A most worthy
ambition.
I bid you good
evening, Master
Copperfield.
My new school
was an excellent place,
as different from Mr Creakle's
as good from evil
The blacking factory life
became so strange to me
that I began to believe
it had never happened.
Time steals on unobserved.
The years glide by silently
and I move from childhood to youth.
The boy I was
seems no part of me now.
I remember him as something
left behind upon the road of life.
I must go and pack.
I leave at first
light. Trotwood...
I have already done it for
you. Thank you.
Mr Wickfield, there is a matter
that demands your attention.
What?
Oh... Uriah. Yes, of course.
Do not concern
yourself. I will look
after him.
As you have always
done. Dear Agnes.
Page 31/74
As dear to me as my own sister.
School days now over, the time had

Page 31/74
come to find my place in the world.
But it was with a lingering sense of
unease that I left my childhood
home. Walk on!
I had never lost my dream
of being a writer,
but I could hardly ask my aunt
to support me in such an
ambition, so when she asked me if
I should
like to be articled as a
clerk, I agreed readily.
- Something wrong, Aunt?
- A cold feeling came over me, Trot.
It was a donkey trespassing
on my green! I know it!
I shouldn't have left Mr Dick alone.
His character is not
suited to keeping donkeys
off.
The premium is 1,000?
I wish it were a smaller
amount. Few men are less
mercenary.
But I have partners and they
have their opinions on the
subject.
They are immovable on the
issue. - I can't let you spend
so much. - Trot, you are my
adopted son. My one aim
is to see you provided
for. Good.
My position settled, it remained
to find somewhere to live.
- Lucky you called, Mrs Trotgood.
- TrotWOOD.
Shan't be able
to hold onto these
rooms. My last gentleman
was delighted with 'em.
If he'd had any choice,
he'd never have left.
It's rather a steep climb,
Mrs Crupp.
Perhaps so, Mrs Grotwood...
Page 32/74
...but consider the benefits
of the purity of the air

Page 32/74
so near the top of the house!
Well, it's near the fire escape.
That's something.
You won't find a sweeter set
of rooms for the young gentleman.
Peppermint cordial,
you understand, for my spasms.
The furniture -
is it the last occupant's?
- It is, ma'am.
- What became of him?
- He was took ill and...
- Yes?
Well... he died.
- Good God! What did he die of?
- Drink and smoke.
- Smoke? Not from the
chimneys? - No, ma'am. Cigars
and pipes.
That's not catching at any
rate. Young Mr Copperfull
will be cared for
as though he were my own son!
Very well, Mrs Crupp,
we'll take the
rooms. Your sister
Betsey
would have been
a hardworking and honest girl
- Be worthy of her.
- As long as I am worthy of you...
...that's enough for me.
It was a fine thing to walk
about the town with my house key,
coming and going
without a word to anyone.
Yet I felt a part of me had been
left behind in Canterbury.
I missed Agnes
and found only a blank
where her smiling face used to be.
Alone in the city, I settled down
into a state of equable low spirits.
Weeks and months slipped
away and then, one day,
I looked up and everything changed.
Page 33/74
Ah, Mr Copperfield!
This is my daughter Dora
and her friend Miss Julia
Mills recently returned from
Paris.
Miss Spenlow.
- Have YOU ever been in Paris?
- Paris?
In
France.
No,
never.
I hope you'll go
soon. You would like
it.
My daughter's holding a picnic
to celebrate her birthday.
- Perhaps you'd care to join us.
- L-I would be delighted.
Excellent.
All was over in a moment.
I had fulfilled my destiny.
I was a captive and a
slave. I loved Dora
Spenlow...
to distraction.!
(BETSEY) How is she.?
(DR CHILLIP) She is a
he. (BETSEY) What.?
(DR CHILLIP) The baby is a
boy. A boy? A boy!
(DAN) You're most welcome,
Master Copperfield.
You'll find us rough,
but you'll find us
ready. (YOUNG DAVID)
Let's always be friends,
Emily. (YOUNG EMILY) I'd like
that,
but you'll be a gentleman one
day. Argh!
(CREAKLE)
So you like biting, do you.?
(STEERFORTH) Stings, don't
it.? (YOUNG DAVID) A bit.
You're as fresh as a daisy.
Page 34/74
My name is Steerforth, by the way.
There's no need to "sir" me.
(CREAKLE) It grieves me to tell you
that your mother is very ill

Page 34/74
She is very dangerously ill
In fact, she's dead.
(PEGGOTTY)
Listen to me, my darling boy.
Don't lose heart, and never
forget how much your Peggotty
loves you. (MICAWBER) I am
convinced
that you will, in short, go
far. To Copperfield.
Not just a lodger - a
friend. I never will forget
you.
(BETSEY) You broke her
heart, then punished the boy,
because of your own guilt!
Oh, Mr Dick. You'll consider yourself
joint guardian with me of this boy.
I think perhaps
he should take the name
Trotwood. (MR DICK) Trotwood
Copperfield.!
(BETSEY) Trotwood
Copperfield.! Perhaps you'll be
a partner in Wickfield's business one
day. Oh, no, Master Copperfield.
Ambition ain't for me.
A person like myself
had better not aspire.
Do not concern
yourself. I will look
after him.
(DAVID) As you have always
done. (SPENLOW) My daughter
is holding a picnic next Saturday.
Perhaps you'd care to join us.?
Oh... Irresistible, Mr Copperfull
My new life had begun.
I was independent, a young man
making his way in the world.
But what did any of this mean
without Dora.?
I was determined to win her heart.
I knew my happiness depended on
it. Miss Spenlow.
In honour of your birthday...
Page 35/74
What a dear bouquet!
They're beautiful flowers,

Page 35/74
Mr Copperfield.
I thought them beautiful
until I saw you.
Come. Join us.
(DORA) # Des jeunes filles si belles
# Des gar? Ons vifs et joyeux
# Dansant tous ensemble
tra-la-la-la-la-la
# Prenez-moi la main,
allons sous les arbres
# Cherchons la musique,
dansons avec joie
# La douce nuit est tombee
la lune vient de monter
# Dansons dans la foret
tra-la-la-la-la-la #
Little had been said,
but I was filled with the hope
that some vital understanding
had been reached between us.
For the next few days,
greatly to Mrs Crupp's discomfort,
I lived on nothing
but Dora and coffee.
Skittles, Mr Copperfull
When there's a young lady
in the case, skittles is
healthy. Diverts the mind, does
you good. Oh...
I satisfied my appetite
by writing her numerous letters,
hoping that she would detect
the desperate passion
that lay beneath their formal exterior.
Thankfully, for my sanity,
I was at last distracted by an invitation
to join Agnes at a London party.
Trotwood!
Agnes! How wonderful
to receive your invitation.
We see you so rarely these days.
My dear sister, I've so much
to tell you about what I've been doing.
Uriah. How are you?

Page 36/74
Much obliged for your condescension
to an 'umble person, Master Copperfield.
Take no notice of me. I am invisible.
Things have changed
since you left, Trotwood.
Papa is to make Uriah his partner.
- But he's not to be trusted!
- Uriah has made himself indispensable.
I have a good mind to...
Promise me you'll do nothing
to offend Uriah.
You fell in love on the
spot. More than that.
I completely and utterly adore
her. But what about you, Agnes?
Have you no admirers
to tell me about?
Of course not.
I have no time for anything like that.
Have you seen
the new play at Covent Garden?
(STEERFORTH) A miserable business!
(DAVID) Steerforth!
You don't remember me.
David Copperfield.
My God! Little Copperfield!
- I'm overjoyed to see you.
- You haven't changed a bit, Daisy.
This is Miss Wickfield, an old friend.
Delighted. You have the prettiest girl
in the place on your arm, Daisy.
Why do you call him "Daisy"?
Merely a nickname from school
You don't mind, do you,
Daisy? Not in the least.
I'm staying at my mother's.
You must call on me.
I want to know what you've been doing.
I feel as though you're my property.
Of all people! What luck.
Sometimes it is wiser
to leave the past alone.
Perhaps you shouldn't go to see
him. Why not? He's the best friend

Page 37/74
I ever had in the world.
Going home, Master Copperfield?
Indeed, Uriah. Perhaps you would care
to join me for some coffee?
Oh, really, Master...
I mean MisterCopperfield.
I'm sure you wouldn't
want
a 'umble person like me in your
house. I wouldn't ask you if I
didn't.
Do you remember saying to me once
that perhaps I should become a partner
in Mr Wickfield's business one day?
What a prophet you have
shown yourself, Mr Copperfield.
I don't suppose
I really thought it likely.
Oh, who would have?
But the 'umblest persons
may be the instruments of good.
Mr Wickfield is the worthiest of men,
but, oh, how imprudent he has been.
- Has he been imprudent?
- If anyone else had been in my place,
Mr Wickfield would have been
under his thumb by now.
Without me, there would have been
loss and disgrace,
and Mr Wickfield knows
it. Did you think Miss
Agnes
looked very beautiful tonight?
I thought her looking
as she always does,
superior to everyone around her.
Thank you.
Thank you very much for that.
Why should you thank me?
You will not think the
worse of my 'umbleness
if I make you a little
confidence, Mr Copperfield?
Of course not.
The image of Miss Agnes
has been in my breast for years.
Page 38/74
Oh, with what pure affection

Page 38/74
do I love the ground she walks
on! Does she know of these
feelings? Oh, no! Oh, dear, no!
You see, I'm just
emerging from my lowly
station,
but I rest my hope
on my usefulness to her father.
She's so much attached to him,
she may come, on his account,
to be kind to me.
If you'll keep my secret
and not go against me with my Agnes,
I will take it as a particular
favour. You wouldn't wish
to make unpleasantness.
Who knows what
the consequences might be?
(CLOCK STRIKES)
Dear me. One o'clock.
My boarding house
will be locked by
now. Dear Agnes.
Too loving and good
for anyone I could think of.
Was it possible she was reserved
to be the wife of such a wretch as this.?
You walk at a somewhat
lively pace, Mr Copperfield.
I wouldn't want you
to miss your coach.
I'll be back with the law
next time, Micawber!
Mr Micawber!
Open up, it's Copperfield!
Mr Micawber! It's David Copperfield!
(MICAWBER) Is it possible?
Have I again the pleasure of
beholding the infant scourge
of the pawnbroking profession?
Come in, come in.
Mr Heep.
Any friend of Copperfield's
is a friend of Wilkins
Micawber. (MICAWBER) My dear!

Page 39/74
There is a gentleman here
who wishes to be presented to you!
Copperfield, come to renew
his acquaintance with you, my love.
Lord, can it really be?
Oh, what happy memories
of my youth!
Oh, here!
Oh, I...
You may perhaps have surmised
that Mrs Micawber is in a state of health
which renders it not improbable
that there will be soon be
an addition to the infantine group.
In short, she is expecting.
It is a happy event,
though one that strains Mr Micawber's
already depleted resources.
But I know that he will,
as always, rise to the challenge.
We must celebrate.
Will you come to dinner next week?
Oh! A noble and generous proposition.
If I had listened to Agnes's advice,
if I had never taken up
Steerforth's invitation,
many honest lives would have
continued untouched by tragedy.
But I was blind to her wisdom then,
as I was blind to so many things,
and it was with
nothing but joy in my heart
that I went to visit my old friend
at the house he shared with his
mother and her companion, Rosa
Dartle.
James has told you he is
an Oxford man now, Mr Copperfield?
I am sure he will make you proud
and take a high degree.
My dear Daisy, I doubt whether
I shall bother to take a degree at
all Don't torment me, James.
You know you will
There is no better mind

Page 40/74
in the whole college.
You must forgive Mother.
She is quite horribly vain about me.
But you give her
every reason to be, do you not?
We hardly see you, and surely that
can only be because you work so hard?
Ah, good, the claret.
Daisy, this is Littimer, my manservant.
I'm delighted to make
your acquaintance, sir.
I trust I find you well tonight.
Very well, thank
you. How will you
spend
your holiday, Mr Copperfield?
I intend to visit my old nurse.
I haven't seen her in years.
Her brother lives in a boat
on Yarmouth Sands.
You remember him. He and his
nephew visited me at Creakle's once.
I think I have some recollection.
Rustic types, weren't they?
Their home is a magical
place. You really ought to
see it.
Ought I? Well, why not?
I have nothing else very pressing.
I'll come with you.
- Do you mean it?
- Certainly!
It might be amusing
to mix with that sort of people.
But do tell me. "That sort of
people". Are they really animals and
clods
and beings of another order?
- I would so like to know.
- They're not as sensitive as we are.
I dare say
they are wonderfully virtuous,
but their natures are very coarse.
Their delicacy is not to be
shocked or hurt very easily.
Really? It's so consoling to find
Page 41/74
that when they suffer, they don't feel!

Page 41/74
Sometimes I have been quite uneasy
for "that sort of people".
But now I shalljust dismiss
the idea of them
altogether. (HARP BEING
PLAYED)
I was fascinated by Miss Dartle,
and the strange hold
she had over
Steerforth. Don't stop,
Rosa.
You haven't played for me in years.
Come, Rosa. From now on
we shall love each other very much.
- What happened?
- You have to be careful with Rosa.
She is always
dangerous. Have you
noticed
that remarkable scar on her lip?
Of course.
I did that.
I was a young boy
and she exasperated me,
so I threw a hammer at her.
What a promising young
angel I must have been!
This is delightful, Daisy.
Just the tonic for a weary soul
(DAVID) I don't believe you are
half as jaded as you say.
I don't believe you can possibly be
as honest and good as you pretend.
Not compared to you, at any rate.
I'll see you back at the inn when
you've grown tired of being cried over.
Does Mr Barkis still
go over to Blunderstone, ma'am?
He do, but he's bad
abed with the
rheumatics.
I want to see an old house.
The Rookery, I think it's
called. My darling boy!
Peggotty!
It's better than a pint of liniment
Page 42/74
to see you again, Master Davy.
What was the name

Page 42/74
I wrote up in the cart,
sir? We had some grave talks
on that matter, didn't
we? I was willing a long
time. A long time, Mr
Barkis.
I don't regret it.
C.P. Barkis is the usefullest
and the best of women.
All the praise that
anyone could give C.P.
Barkis
she deserves, and more.
I'm a poor man, sir.
And I am sorry to hear
it. Very poor indeed.
Old clothes.
I wish it was full of money,
but it ain't. It's old clothes.
I understand.
Barkis has grown
a little nearer with time.
I remembered Mr Peggoty's boat
as a quiet, homely place,
but as Steerforth and I approached,
it soon became clear
that this was no ordinary night.
(SHOUTING AND LAUGHTER
FROM INSIDE)
(DAN) This is the happiest day
of my life!
Master Davy, it's Master Davy!
(HAM) Master Davy!
(DAN) Davy boy!
Mr Peggotty, this is Steerforth,
an old friend from school
- You don't look a day older.
- Good to see you after so long.
Why that you two
should come to this here roof
tonight of all nights of my life.
What do you think, then?
What do you think?
Only that this girl,
who I brought up from a baby,
and loved better than a daughter,
Page 43/74
only that she's going to be
married! Emily!
(DAN LAUGHS)
My warmest congratulations.
And who is the lucky fellow?
- Ham!
- Who else but Ham?
Two years past, he asked
her and she comes to me
and says she couldn't have him.
"Him that I've known so intimately
all my life," she says.
"And loved like a brother,
I can never have him."
And that was the end of it.
Until tonight, when he comes crying out
to me alljoyful, "She'll be my wife!"
And she says, "Yes, uncle. I've
changed me mind, if you please."
If I please!
I'd lay down my life for Emily.
She's all to me that ever I can want.
There ain't a gentlemen in all the land,
nor yet sailing upon the sea,
that can love his lady
more than I love her.
Ham.
I give you joy. May you always
be as happy as you are
tonight. (STEERFORTH) He's
a chuckle-headed type for the
girl You're not with
Miss Dartle now, Steerforth.
I could see for myself
how much you liked
him.
You see clean through me,
Daisy. I am defenceless against
you.
Thank you.
Emily!
I'm not good enough for Ham.
I'm cross and changeable with him
when he is never so to me.
Why am I so often harsh when all
I should think of is making him happy?
Page 44/74
You do make him happy.
Anyone can see that.
It would have been better
if he'd found someone else.
Ham would rather die
than be with anyone but you.
Don't say that!
I'm not worthy of him!
I should be a hundred times
more thankful for his goodness.
I should feel what a blessed thing it is
to be the wife of a good man
and to lead a peaceful life.
Once you are married, all these
worries and fears will fall away.
- What do you think of her, Daisy?
- She's handsome enough. Why?
I've just bought her.
- But you might never come back.
- I don't know about that.
I find I've taken a fancy to the place.
She must be newly-rigged, though.
I'm leaving Littimer behind
to see it done.
I've decided to give her
a new name - "The Little Em'ly".
(DAVID) All she ever wanted
was to love and be loved in return.
Think on the happy times, Davy.
Not what came after.
I felt many emotions
as I lingered by my mother's grave,
but it was the thought of Dora
that stirred me from my melancholy.
Reflecting on the past, I knew with
certainty that my future lay with her
and that I could not rest
until I had declared
myself. If your poor mother
could see you now,
she'd be that vain her pretty
head would be completely turned.
Goodbye, Peggotty. When I come back,
I'll have important news for you.

Page 45/74
- What news?
- I'm going to be
married. Only the lady in
question doesn't know it
yet.
- Who is she?
- Dora. Her name's Dora!
My darling boy!
(COACHMAN) Go
on! Steerforth?
I wish to God I had had a judicious father
these last twenty
years. I wish with all
my soul
I had been better guided.
I wish I could guide myself better.
- What do you mean?
- Nothing, Daisy, nothing.
I am bad company for myself
sometimes, that is all
If anything should ever separate us,
you must promise me
that you'll think of me at my best.
- Will you do that?
- Why should we ever be separated?
Just promise me, can't you?
Remember me at my best.
Never more would I
touch his hand in friendship,
never more hear his laughter or feel
the warmth of his companionship.
May God forgive you, Steerforth.
I cannot.
My dear Copperfield!
This is luxurious.
A way of life which reminds me
of a period when I was myself a bachelor.
Happy days, now, alas, gone forever.
- Micawber! Have I deserved this?
- Deserved what?
- You wish that we had never married.
- My love!
This is my reward, Mr Copperfield!
- I who will never desert him!
- Forgive me, Emma!
I am a wife and mother,
Page 46/74
and I swear I never will desert him.
My dear, no one is urging you
to do anything of the sort, least of all me.
- You don't regret our nuptial vows, then?
- Impossible! Unthinkable!
Oh...
- Sit down, my dear.
- Yes.
Ah! Shall I do the honours,
Copperfield?
Are you aware, Mr Copperfield,
that we are shortly to leave the metropolis
to cast our lot among strangers?
In short, Copperfield,
something has at last turned up.
Where?
I have recently
entered into arrangements
by virtue of which
I stand pledged and contracted
as a confidential
clerk to a mutual
friend.
Heep.
A man of remarkable
shrewdness and perspicacity.
I am convinced
Micawber will flourish in a situation
so suited to his fertile resources.
I am sure he will be a judge,
or even a chancellor, one day.
To Copperfield,
the companion of my youth.
And to Heep, my friend and protector.
The time had come to know my fate.
I called on Dora at the first opportunity.
Happiness or misery
was now the question,
and only she
could give the answer to it.
Be quiet, you naughty boy!
I came here today to tell you...
Jip! Quiet, please!
- I came here today to tell you...
- Jip, come back here! Bad boy!

Page 47/74
Mr Copperfield!
I came here today
to tell you that I love
you. I have loved you
since the first moment I saw you
and I will always love you.
- We hardly know each
other! - One minute was
enough.
I love you, Dora.
With all my heart.
Forgive me.
I shall go now.
Please don't.
Dora...
Aunt! Mr Dick!
I'm ruined.
Betsey Trotwood - I don't mean
your sister, Trot, but myself -
had a certain property and
for years that property did pretty well
and returned good
interest. But her man of
business,
being no longer the man
of business he once was,
she took it into her head
to remove it from his
hands and invest it for
herself.
First, she lost it in the mining
way. Then she lost it
in the shipping and banking
way. And finally, she lost the
lot.
And the least said about
it, soonest mended.
- Is Mr Wickfield to blame for this?
- The blame is entirely my own.
Well, the cottage is
let at 70 pounds per
annum,
which is all which we have to live on.
So here we are, my dear Trot.
And you haven't a penny in the world!
What do you have to say to that?
Page 48/74
You know I've often
thought about writing.
Mm?

Page 48/74
I could work in the mornings
before I go to Doctor's Commons.
- And I have 100 pounds a year.
- Which you should keep for yourself.
- We must meet our reverses boldly.
- Boldly!
Boldly. And not suffer
them to frighten us.
We shall act the play
out and live misfortune
down!
- A beggar? Love a beggar?
- I am now a beggar.
How can you be such a silly thing
and sit there telling stories?
- I'll make Jip bite you.
- This must be our secret for now.
I cannot speak to Mr
Spenlow about our engagement
until I've begun to make my
fortune. A secret engagement?
How romantic, Doady!
When we are married,
if our income is to be small,
we must try to be practical
Please don't be practical
because it frightens me so.
If you will sometimes
look at your papa's housekeeping
and perhaps study cookery...
You are determined
to frighten me out of my wits!
With perseverance and strength
of character, we can bear anything.
But I haven't got
any strength. Have I, Jip?
Oh, do kiss Jip
and stop being so disagreeable.
Jip will have to wait his turn.
I will feel happier when I've
spoken to Mr Wickfield about our
situation. And no doubt you will be
glad of an excuse to see Agnes.
I can't feel comfortable until I
know her opinion of my engagement to
Dora.
Page 49/74
Oh. So you imagine
yourself in love, do you?
Imagine?
Yes, I suppose you think
you were made for each other,
and are to go through
a children's party kind of life
like two pretty pieces of confectionary!
Blind, Trot, blind!
We are young and inexperienced,
I know, but we love one another truly.
And she's neither silly
nor light-headed, I suppose?
Dora is fascinating
and sweet and beautiful
Blind, Trot, blind.
Returning to Canterbury,
I felt Agnes's gentle
influence reaching out to me.
It seemed to pervade
even the city in which she dwelt.
Yet as I approached
Mr Wickfield's house,
my happiness gave way
to a growing sense of dread
about what I might find
within. (DOOR BEING CLOSED)
This is a bad business of your aunt.
I came here to discover
if anything might be done.
Nothing, Mr Copperfield,
nothing at all
It's all gone
and no one is to blame but herself.
She has been very reckless.
Isn't that right, Mr Wickfield?
Quite right.
You'll stay with us, Trotwood,
while you remain in
Canterbury? Uriah is a great
relief to me.
It's a load of my mind
to have such a
partner. My dear
Copperfield!
So how do you like the law,
Page 50/74
Mr Micawber?
It is a great pursuit, sir.
To a man of higher imaginative powers
such as myself,
it is perhaps over-reliant on detail
A mind is not at liberty to soar
to any exalted forms of expression.
Still, it is a great pursuit.
Do you see much of Mr Wickfield?
Mr Wickfield is a man
of very excellent qualities...
...but he is, in short, obsolete.
I am afraid his partner
seeks to make him so.
My dear Copperfield.
I am here in the
capacity of confidence
and trust.
The discussion of some topics,
even with Mrs Micawber herself,
is incompatible with the functions
now devolving upon me.
Do not ask, 'umble as I am,
to speak of the affairs
of my friend Heep.
(FOOTSTEPS)
Wouldn't you say my Ury
is quite the gentleman these days,
sir? Indeed, Mrs Heep.
(WHISPERING)
How long has she been living here?
- Months.
- Does she never leave you alone?
It is certainly
difficult to avoid her
company.
My dear sister.
I have missed you so much lately.
I wanted to talk to
you about Dora.
We are to be married.
She is the most wonderful girl
in the world
and I know that you
will come to love her as well as I
do. How could I not love anyone
Page 51/74
who thinks so much of you?
Promise not to abandon me
when I become an old, married man.
You know how I rely on you.
It is Dora you must rely on now.
Of course.
I will always be
your devoted friend and sister, Trot.
Wherever our separate paths
may lead us, you may rely on that.
(AGNES) Shall we retire, Mrs Heep?
Father, go to bed soon.
I'll give you a toast, gentlemen.
To the divinest of her sex.
I'm a 'umble individual
to give you her health,
but I do admire, no, adore her.
Choose some other toast, Uriah.
Agnes Wickfield,
the divinest of her
sex. Who else can
propose it
if not the man who would be her
husband? Never! Never!
Have you gone mad, Wickfield?
I have as good a right to
her as any other man.
I have a better right
than any other man.
Look at my
torturer. Always at
my elbow,
whispering his venom.
In my house, in my business...
Like a millstone around my neck,
bringing me to my ruin!
Take care, Wickfield!
Without me you would have
no house or business, nor reputation.
(WICKFIELD WAILS)
Your safety is in my hands,
remember? Oh, what have I come to,
Trotwood?
My weak indulgence has ruined me.
God knows what I have done
in my misery of oblivion!
Page 52/74
Have you ever picked a pear

Page 52/74
before it was ripe, Mr Copperfield?
What?
I did that when
I spoke of Miss Agnes.
But the pear will ripen yet.
I can wait.
There must be two parties
to a quarrel, Copperfield.
And I won't be one.
- Father is quite recovered.
- Is there nothing that can be done?
His first words when he woke
were to send apologies to Uriah.
- He is more in his power than ever.
- Promise me one thing.
Promise me you will never sacrifice
yourself to a mistaken sense of duty.
Agnes, you can't be
considering marriage to that...
...reptile!
Goodbye, Trotwood.
My return to
London
was tormented by thoughts
of the fate that lay in wait for Agnes.
Little now stood between Heep
and the final success of his scheming.
It was with a heavy heart
that I made my way
to Mr Spenlow's office
at the Doctor's Commons,
only to find that
a further catastrophe awaited.
You have abused my confidence and
committed a dishonourable action!
- I love Dora to such an
extent... - Miss Spenlow, if you
please!
And I beg that you won't
speak to me of love or
engagements. My daughter is not
to be thrown away on a
clerk! Now let there be
an end to this nonsense.
Take these letters away
and throw them on the fire.
Page 53/74
You must forget her, Mr Copperfield!
Soon after this disastrous
encounter,
a letter arrived from Peggotty informing
me that Barkis was in a very poor way
and she feared he would soon
be making his final journey.
I resolved to go
to Yarmouth immediately,
though not before attending
to the matter closest to my heart.
I'll never give Dora up
and the sooner Mr
Spenlow knows that, the
better.
I'll see him this
morning on my way down.
Mr
Spenlow? Mr
Spenlow?
Mr Spenlow's death from a heart
seizure threw everything into confusion.
I was desperate to see Dora,
but she blamed her attachment to me
for her papa's untimely end.
She cannot see you, Mr Copperfield.
The floodgates of sorrow are open
and her grief is not to be assuaged.
If I could just send her a note
or a token of my sympathy...
Powerless to do anything for Dora,
I finally made my way to Yarmouth.
- How is he, Peggotty?
- He is fading fast.
This is kind of you, Master Davy.
Uncommon kind.
Barkis, my dear. Here's Master Davy,
who brought us together!
Old clothes!
Old clothes...
He's going out with the tide.
People can't die along the coast,
except when the tide's pretty nigh
out. Barkis, my dear.
C.P. Barkis.
No better woman anywhere.
Page 54/74
Barkis is willing.

Page 54/74
I have looked over Mr Barkis's
will and opened the box.
- There was over 3,000 pounds inside.
- 3,000?!
He leaves the interest
on 1,000 to Mr Peggotty
and the rest goes to
you. Not bad for old
clothes!
Mr Littimer!
I ain't a person to live with them
as has had money left.
Things go too contrary with me.
I had better be a riddance.
How should I spend it without you?
Don't I want you now more than
ever? I know'd I was never wanted
before, and now I'm told so!
How could I expect to be
wanted, being so lone and lorn?
Lord!
(MRS GUMMIDGE WEEPS)
Master Davy?
Will you step outside for a minute?
I would have died for her.
I'd die for her now!
She's gone, Master Davy.
Emily's gone.
And not alone.
How am I ever to break it to
him? When? How did this happen?
Read it, sir.
Slow, please, so I can take it all in.
"When you, who loved me
so much better than I deserved, see this,
"I shall be far away, never to return,
unless he brings me back a lady.
"Try to think as if I died when I was little,
and was buried somewhere."
She begs forgiveness and tells Ham
to find another more worthy of him.
Who's the man?
I want to know his name!
It ain't no fault of
yours. You couldn't have
known.
Page 55/74
The servant was seen
with our poor girl last night.
He's been hiding about here
this week or more.
He was out this afternoon
on the Norwich road,
only now his master was with him.
Steerforth?
No, no! He couldn't!
(DAN WAILS)
I knew in my heart
she didn't love me like I loved
her. If I hadn't pressed
my affections on her,
she might have come to me
in the old friendly way
and told me what
was struggling in her mind.
I might have saved her.
You are not to blame, Ham.
Never think that.
I'll take care of Ham, my love.
Don't you worry yourself about
that. My duty here is done.
I'm going to seek my niece.
That's my duty now.
Why do you come here.
What do you want of me?
I want to know if he will do
as he promised and marry her.
Impossible.
A marriage to someone
so far below him
would destroy his career and
ruin his prospects. It will never happen.
If there is any other compensation...
You offer me money as compensation
for my niece's disgrace and ruin?
What compensation can you make for
opening a pit between me and my son?
What is your love to mine?
What is your separation to ours?
My son has been
the object of my life.

Page 56/74
My every thought has been devoted
to him, his every wish indulged.
And now he takes up
with a miserable beggar girl
and repays my devotion
with deception.
You speak of your
injury? I come here with
no hope, and I take none
away.
Good day, ma'am.
You do well to bring him here!
He's deeply injured,
though you don't seem to know
it. I would have his house torn
down
and see her branded on the
face! If I could hunt her
to the grave, I would do it.
Chances are they're
in foreign parts by now.
The sooner I go,
the quicker I'll find them.
You know where I may be reached.
Look out for yourself, old girl
I've got my garden and a little money
now, Dan. Don't worry about me.
If any hurt should come to me,
remember the last words I left for
my child were "love" and "forgiveness".
(DOOR BEING CLOSED)
Aunt!
You remember Peggotty?
For the love of God, don't call her
by that South Sea island
name! She married, didn't
she?
What is your name now,
Pegg...? Barkis, ma'am.
You see, that's human.
It sounds less as if
you needed a missionary.
We are older than we were, I see.
How are you, Barkis?
I am heartily sorry for your loss.
Thank you, ma'am. I'm quite well
Page 57/74
Oh, yes! Yes, Mr Dick.

Page 57/74
It came from Doctor's Commons
while you were away, Trot.
The firm has collapsed
with heavy debts.
Mr Spenlow was bankrupt.
There is nothing left.
Does this mean
Miss Spenlow is destitute?
- I must go to her.
- Oh, Trot!
Oh, Mr Dick!
Shh... That's all right.
It's all right.
I shall take care of you now.
You are still mine, aren't you, Dora?
Of course I am!
It's just that I am so frightened!
There's no need to be afraid.
But we have nothing!
We have everything.
I took with fear
and trembling to authorship.
I wrote a little something
and sent it to a magazine.
It was published.
I wrote more and quickly began
to make a steady income,
enough for Dora and I
to contemplate the future with
optimism. (COACHMAN) Whoa!
I have forgotten what
relation Agnes is to you,
Doady.
No blood relation, but we were
brought up like brother and
sister. Dora.
Agnes is so warm and kind.
I was quite frightened of her before,
but now I feel so calm
and peaceful in her company.
I wonder that you
ever fell in love with me.
How could I see you
and not love you?
Don't you think that if I had been

Page 58/74
her friend a long time ago,
I might perhaps
have been more clever?
You would prefer me
if I was, wouldn't you?
- What nonsense!
- Is it, Doady? Are you sure?
And so we were married.
The bridesmaids were gone
and the celebrations were over,
and Dora and I
were left alone at last.
Are you happy now, you foolish boy?
But Doady, what shall I do with this?
Jump, Jip.
My love, do you think Mary Anne
has any idea of time?
- Why, Doady?
- Dinner should be at five. It is now six.
I doubt whether two young birds
could have known less about keeping
house
than I and my pretty wife did, for
the same thing happened again and
again.
- Don't!
- Why not?
- She looks so tired, poor thing.
- Tired? She's drunk!
But she has so many
children, who are a great
trial to her.
- Would you carve, Mr Micawber?
- No, no, no.
My pride at hosting
our first dinner together knew no limits,
but alas, the outcome was not
the triumph I had anticipated.
Mutton should always be rare.
Perhaps we should start
with the oysters.
I'm afraid there's something the matter
with them. They don't seem right.
There's nothing wrong.
Capital oysters, in fact.
Only, they have never been opened.
Page 59/74
All that is required

Page 59/74
for a delightful repast is an oyster
knife. (MICAWBER) No? No matter.
How does Micawber
seem to you, Mr
Copperfield? A little
subdued, perhaps.
He is entirely
reserved. He is secret.
He has become severe
to his children
and even looks with an eye of
coldness on the unoffending little
stranger
recently added to our familial
circle. It's hard to bear.
Mr Micawber is not the same
since he fell in with Uriah Heep!
(MICAWBER GROANS)
Erm...
Soup, perhaps?
Soup?
Oh, dear...
(BETSEY) You must have
patience with her, Trot.
Just a few words here and
there. Teach her
a little firmness, you mean?
Don't ask me such a thing, Trot.
The outcome would only be failure,
misery for Dora,
and division between us.
(BETSEY) Judge her by the qualities
she has, not by those she lacks.
I was content
to heed my aunt's advice,
but the happiness I had once
anticipated for myself eluded me,
and there was always
something wanting.
I had no equal partner
in the toils and cares of our life.
Yet my decision
to adapt myself to Dora
made our second year
much happier than our first,
and when I learnt
Page 60/74
that she was expecting a child,
it seemed our joy
might yet be complete.
But already, dark clouds
had begun to gather around us.
You may go up now. She's resting.
She might still have a child one day?
Your wife is very weak,
Mr Copperfield.
When I can run about again,
I shall make Jip race with me.
You are getting quite slow and lazy.
He has a worse disorder
than laziness, my dear.
Age.
Oh, poor Jip!
How strange that he should be old.
Even little Jip.
Let Jip have his rest.
I'll give you another dog to race with.
Oh, I couldn't have any other dog.
You are not so old, Jip, are you,
that you'll leave your mistress
yet? We may still keep each other
company a little longer.
We shall both be running
about again soon, as we used
to do. Anxious as I was
about Dora,
I never forgot Dan
Peggotty, who travelled
restlessly
across Europe,
never wavering in the certainty
that he would find his niece.
- How long is it since your return?
- A month.
And still no news?
If she were ever to leave him, London
is where she'd come to lose herself.
These are the places
I must look for her now.
Emily?
Emily!
If you need me,
sir, send word
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here.

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Many a time in me sleep,
I heard her cry out, "Uncle!"
And fall like death before
me. Many a time I raised her
up
and whispered to her,
"Emily, my dear.
I am come for to bring
forgiveness, "and to take you
home."
I sent for you because there is news.
She has run away.
Tell him what you know.
Mr Steerforth and myself have been
abroad with the young woman
ever since she left Yarmouth
under his protection.
She was much admired
wherever we went.
The whole thing lasted longer
than anyone might have expected,
but, at last, Mr Steerforth grew
restless and charged me with breaking the
news
to the young woman that he was
gone. Mr Steerforth proposed
that the young woman should marry
a very respectable person who was
fully prepared to overlook the past.
- You!
- Her conduct was surprisingly bad.
- She showed no gratitude at all
- Get him out of here.
This low girl he picked
out of the tide mud may be dead.
If not, it is in both our
interests that she be found.
She must not be allowed
to prey on him again.
You wrong her most grievously.
Is he informed of everything, Rosa?
Then there is nothing else
to detain you here, Mr Copperfield.
I am told you have
some reputation as a writer now.
I find my name
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connected with a little praise.

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It is a pity you have no mother.
She would have been proud of
you. Do you mind if I say
something very, very silly?
More than usual, I mean.
I feel so foolish sitting here quite idle.
I want to do something to help
while you are so industrious.
Please. Let me hold the pens for you.
Thank you, sir.
Stop here!
Go to the inn in Buckingham Street
and ask for a Mr Peggotty.
Bring him here in ten
minutes and I will double
it.
(EMILY)... it was before I
turned my back on everyone I ever
loved! (ROSA) Your home? Do you
think
I care about your home?
You were bought and sold like any
other commodity your people deal in.
- Say anything you like...
- (DAVID) Emily!
(EMILY) I believed him, loved him!
- (DAN) Master Davey, where are you.?
- She dares to speak of her love!
- Emily! Oh, my girl!
- Uncle!
Tell this piece of pollution
to hide herself beyond reach
or to seek some obscure
death. If she is still here
tomorrow, I will see her
whipped.
Nobody is going to say
a cruel word about my darling again.
We'll go where nobody knows us,
to the ends of the earth if we have
to. Mr Peggotty resolved that
they must start a new life in
Australia. Knowing that she would
never again return to her home,
Emily begged me
to take a letter to Ham.
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I solemnly accepted her commission,

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but on my arrival in Yarmouth,
I found the town deserted
and a dreadful storm
raging. (BELLS ARE RUNG)
- What's going on?
- A clipper from Spain has foundered!
She's breaking up!
- Davy!
- Is there nothing can be done?
- (PEGGOTTY) It's too
dangerous! - God have mercy on
his soul
It's Steerforth!
For God's sake,
Ham, don't go in
there.
I can't stand by
and watch a man drown.
It's Steerforth!
(PEGGOTTY) Ham! No!
Please don't go!
(PEGGOTTY) Ham!
(PEGGOTTY) Ham!
(PEGGOTTY) Ham!
(PEGGOTTY) He's reached him!
Pull them in! Pull!
(DAVID) Pull! Pull!
(DAVID) Pull harder! Haul them in!
For God's sake, pull!
Pull harder!
(DAVID) Ham!
Ham!
HAM!!
(BELLS TOLL)
(WOMAN WAILING)
The other's come ashore,
sir. Dead? In Yarmouth?
(DAVID) No one will ever know
why he was there.
I can only hope that he came
to make amends to Emily and her family.
(ROSA) Why did you not forgive him?
(MRS STEERFORTH WEEPS)
Look at your dead child's handiwork.
Your pampering
of his pride and passion did this!
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- Look and cry for what you made him.
- Miss Dartle!
I will speak!
I could have loved him
and asked for no return.
I would have been his
slave for one kind word a
year.
Your love was proud and selfish!
At least show some feeling
for a mother's grief.
Who feels for me?
There, there. Hush.
Hush.
It was an evil hour
he ever brought you to this house.
Is there something wrong, Doady?
No, I'm fine. Nothing at all
Mr Micawber.
I put my hand in no man's hand,
until I have blown to fragments
that detestable serpent Heep!
You must go to Canterbury, Doady.
If you don't I shall be very cross and
disagreeable and make Jip bark at you.
Trot can go. I shall stay here.
Why shouldn't you both go?
I have Peggotty now.
I'm not so very ill, am I?
- No, of course not!
- What a question!
Well, then. You must go,
or I shall begin to
think
I'm really ill and cry all day!
- Is Miss Trotwood with you?
- She is on her way.
Everything is prepared, Copperfield.
Well, I am sure,
this is an unexpected pleasure!
Don't wait, Micawber.
Go along. I'll talk to you presently.
If there is a scoundrel on this earth
with whom I have already talked too much,
that scoundrel's name is Heep!
Oh, I see it now...
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This is a conspiracy.
You have corrupted my clerk.
Deal with him
as he deserves, Mr Micawber.
- Ury...
- Hold your tongue, Mother.
They'll gain nothing
listening to this pompous fool
Approach me again, you heap of
infamy, and it will be your head. Chair!
This scoundrel, Heep,
employed me
in the belief that I
shared the baseness of his
nature.
I found my services constantly
required for the falsification of
business
and the mystification of Mr Wickfield.
Ask this wretch, Heep, if you will,
who lives in his house after him.
You do, you imbecile.
Ask him if he kept a pocket book
of his transactions
in that house
which he later tried to burn?
Ury, be 'umble
and make terms, my
dear! This villain,
Heep,
tricked the honourable Mr W.
Into believing that he had withdrawn
a sum from Miss Trotwood's trust
fund, namely 12,000 pounds.
Which, in truth, Heep took out himself
with a forged signature.
Ever since, he has
used this supposed criminal act
to torture, constrain
and bend him to his will
Proof of all this lies within, madam.
In short, Mr Wickfield
has been for years
deluded and plundered
in every conceivable way
to the financial advantage of
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the avaricious, false and grasping Heep!

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No, my son will be
'umble, Mr Copperfield,
if you willjust give him time to
think. Where is my property?
Blame Mr Wickfield
for mishandling it, would you?
I should have guessed all
along
that you were responsible for my ruin!
Your money is quite safe, Aunt.
I only took her money
to ruin you,
Copperfield. I have
always hated you.
You've always been against me
and my love for Agnes.
Love?
Your selfish, grasping desire would
have forced me into a marriage I didn't
want, and you talk about love.
- Mr Dick?
- Yes.
Will you go around to the
Guildhall and bring a couple of
officers?
I shall return post-haste
with the forces of the law.
- Shall I go now?
- Post-haste, Mr Dick.
Running is futile.
You have nowhere to go.
I shall send for my family immediately.
The veil that has long been interposed
between Mrs Micawber and myself
is now withdrawn.
And my children
and the author of their being
can once more meet on equal terms.
Mr Micawber. It seems
you are in need of a fresh start.
Indeed, madam.
I wonder if you have ever
turned your mind to emigration?
It was the dream of my youth.
Why not go now?
Capital, madam, or rather
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the lack of it, is the issue.

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You have done us a great service.
What if we were to find you
the capital in return?
I could not take it as a gift.
But if a sufficient sum could be
advanced at five per cent per
annum... It shall be done in any way
you wish. One question arises.
Are the circumstance of the country
such that a man of Micawber's abilities
would have a fair chance
of rising in the social scale?
I will not say, "Might he
aspire to be Governor?" at
present...
- There is no better opening anywhere.
- No better.
No better.
Then it is evident that Australia
is the legitimate sphere of action for him!
Passage was booked
for the Micawbers
and suddenly it was
time to say farewell
(DAVID) Mr Micawber?
You look very well equipped,
Mr Micawber.
We have abandoned the luxuries
of the old country, Copperfield.
Forest dwellers such as ourselves
cannot expect to participate in
the refinements of the land of the free.
I am sure there are towns
of some description in Australia,
but I feel it wise to be prepared.
- Wilkins Micawber?
- Yes.
I have a warrant for your arrest
on a matter of non-payment
of certain outstanding bills.
All hope is extinguished!
Convey my family to the workhouse
and forget that a being
such as I ever lived.
- We shall never leave without you!

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- What is the value of the
bills? Nine pounds,
nineteen shillings and sixpence.
Ha! A mere trifle.
(MICAWBER) A noble gesture, ma'am,
that will be repaid, with interest.
Thank you, ma'am.
Copperfield. The time has come
for us to take our leave.
- There will be no speeches on my part.
- I don't believe a word of it.
I say, there will
be no speeches from
me. Only, in
short...
...farewell, old friend.
God go with you, Mr Micawber.
God go with all of you.
(MICAWBER) Come on, we must board.
(MR DICK) Bye!
- Bye.
- Bye.
Bye. Bye.
Bye-bye!
Thank you!
Mr Micawber and his family
were not alone on their journey that day.
The time had also come
to say goodbye to other old friends.
Fearful for Emily's health, Peggotty
insisted that the news of Ham's
death should be kept from her
until she was stronger.
We'll start a new life together.
It is so good to see you well again.
When you gave Ham my
letter, did he say anything?
His love is with you
always. And forgiveness?
Did he send
forgiveness? With all
his heart.
I did ask this one to come with us,
but you see, she's that fond of you
and your, Master Davy,
that it wouldn't be
Page 69/74
hardly fair to let her
go. I told him straight
out,
"My place is here now, Davy."
(STEWARD) Passengers on
board! (WAILING)
Will I ever see my little boy again?
Be 'umble, Ury, as you always was!
I was dreaming a moment ago.
I thought we were in the park again.
Walking together arm in arm.
It was so pleasant.
I am quite sad to wake up.
Don't be sad. We'll go there again soon.
Doady, dear.
I am afraid
I was too young to be married.
Don't say such things.
I was such a silly little creature.
I think it might have been better
if we had only loved each other
as boy and girl, and then forgotten it.
I don't think I was fit to be a wife.
- As fit as I to be a husband.
- Perhaps.
But you are clever...
...and I never was, and never could be.
We have been happy,
Dora. Very happy.
But as the years went on,
you would have wearied of your little wife.
I would have tried,
and disappointed you.
And you might not have been
able to love me half so well as now.
Do not speak to me so.
Every word seems a reproach.
I love you too much
for reproachful words.
It's the only merit I
have, except being pretty.
Oh, how my poor boy cries.
Will you ask Agnes
to come up, Doady?
I want to speak to her quite alone.

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Don't cry, Doady.
It is better as it is.
Not tonight, Jip. Not tonight.
I went as far away as I could,
not knowing, even
then, how great the
shock was that I had
to bear.
A long and gloomy
night gathered about
me,
haunted by the ghosts of many hopes,
many errors, many sorrows and regrets.
Agnes wrote to me often.
She gave me no advice,
she urged no duty on me.
She only told me
what her trust in me was,
how a nature such as mine
would turn affliction to good.
But I mourned for Dora, taken so
young from the world she loved.
For Steerforth, who might have won
the love and admiration of
thousands as all those years ago
he had won mine.
And for broken- hearted Ham, who
found peace at last in the stormy sea.
I worked early and late, patiently and
hard, until my first book was
finished. It was published and was
successful
I began another immediately.
Three years passed in this way.
I might have gone on the same
forever, but one day I looked up from
my work
and suddenly I knew
it was time to return.
It was as though I could hear
a voice calling me home.
Agnes's voice.
Thank you, Peggotty.
What will you do now,
Trot? I thought I might
ride over to Canterbury
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tomorrow.
- Is Mr Wickfield well.
- A better man in all respects.

Page 71/74
A reclaimed man.
- And Agnes?
- As good and beautiful as
always. Has she any admirers?
Dozens.
D-d-dozens.
- But is anyone worthy of her?
- I suspect she has an attachment.
I think she is going to be
married. (AGNES) Will you go away
again.?
(DAVID) Perhaps. There is
little enough to hold me here.
You have a secret.
Let me share it.
- A secret?
- There is someone close to your heart.
My aunt told me. Confide in me.
Let me be your friend and brother
in this as in so many other things.
- What have I done?
- I am not myself.
Don't speak to me
now. We'll talk
later.
If you have a
burden, let me
lighten it.
I must go.
If you have a lover, you can tell
me. The attachment I have is not
a new one. It is not what you suppose.
I cannot reveal it! It has long been
mine and must remain mine.
Agnes...
You love me?
I have loved you all my life.
- For God's sake, let me go.
- What have I ever been without you?
- You mean as a sister?
- No.
Much more than that.
I went away loving you,
I stayed away loving you,
and I have returned home loving you.
Do you remember how Dora
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sent for me the night that she died?

Page 72/74
She made me
promise something to her.
What was it?
She told me that only I could occupy
this empty space in your
heart. (CHILDREN'S LAUGHTER)
Trotwood! We have a
visitor. (DAN LAUGHS)
Maybe things were a little hard at first,
but what with sheep farming
and one thing and another,
we are as well to do as well could be.
And Emily?
She might have married
any number of times.
"But Uncle," she says to me,
"that's gone forever."
That's my Emily.
There's happy news of someone else
you might recall, sir.
"Mr Wilkins Micawber,
magistrate, writer, famed public orator,
"and manager of
the Port Middlebay Bank,
"was fted at a public
dinner this Thursday last.
"Far be it from us to follow
our distinguished townsman
"through the smoothly-flowing periods of
his polished and highly ornate address!"
...and the Lord Chancellor
turned to me and said,
"By God, Micawber, you're right.
The law must be
changed." (LAUGHTER)
"It was a masterpiece of eloquence,
"and those passages in which he traced
his own brilliantly successful career,
"with particular emphasis
on the importance
"of avoiding
pecuniary liabilities at all costs,
"brought a tear
to the manliest eye present."

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I would like to introduce you to
the greatest person I have ever known.
My lovely wife, Emma.
(APPLAUSE)
(CLOCK STRIKES)
And so my story
draws to its close.
There was a night much like
this many years ago, Trot.
Except perhaps for one more
item that demands to be
recorded.
Our first two children had been boys.
It's a girl
A beautiful little girl
(BABY IS WHIMPERING)
She shall be called
Betsey Trotwood Copperfield
in honour of her godmother.

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