LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF NICHOLAS NICKLEBY, THE {EPISODE 2 OF 4} (TV)
Summary
Continued from T88:0408. The second episode of the Royal Shakespeare Company production of Charles Dickens's novel, taped for television before a live audience at London's Aldwych Theatre. Aired over four consecutive nights, this program was inspired by the acclaimed stage version -- produced both in London and in New York -- in which a small troupe of actors perform multiple roles to tell the story of young Nicholas and his battle with the iniquities of Victorian society. After providing information about education, finances, and the theater in Victorian England, host Peter Ustinov summarizes the previous episode. In this segment, Nicholas arrives in London with his crippled friend Smike. Newman Noggs, Ralph Nickleby's kindly clerk, secures a position for Nicholas teaching French to the children of his neighbor Kenwig. But Nicholas's reunion with his family ends in sadness when Ralph learns about the fight with Squeers and threatens to disown Mrs. Nickleby and Kate if Nicholas remains with them. Back on the road, Nicholas and Smike encounter a band of roving performers and Nicholas joins them as a playwright and actor.
Nicholas, now happily involved with Mr. Crummles's spirited traveling theatrical troupe, is smitten with the charming leading lady, Miss Snevellicci. Meanwhile, his sister Kate, employed at the millinery shop of Mme. Mantalini, becomes the unfortunate target of the jealous Miss Knag. More troubles await Kate when she dines with her uncle Ralph and one of his male associates, the licentious Sir Hawk, presses his attentions on her. With the acting troupe, Nicholas plays the hero in Crummles's happy-ending version of "Romeo and Juliet." Host Peter Ustinov provides closing remarks and shows previews of the following episode. Includes a commercial from the sponsor, Mobil Oil. Continues with episode three on T88:0411.
Details
- NETWORK: WNEW-TV
- DATE: January 11, 1983 8:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 1:00:22
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T88:0409
- GENRE: Drama
- SUBJECT HEADING: Drama; Miniseries
- SERIES RUN: WNEW - TV series, 1983
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Colin Callender … Producer
- Jim Goddard … Director
- Charles Dickens … Writer
- David Edgar … Adapted by
- Stephen Oliver … Music by
- Peter Ustinov … Host
- Roger Rees … Cast, Nicholas Nickleby
- Emily Richard … Cast, Kate
- Jane Downs … Cast, Mrs. Nickleby
- John Woodvine … Cast, Ralph Nickleby
- Edward Petherbridge … Cast, Noggs
- David Threlfall … Cast, Smike
- Patrick Godfrey … Cast, Kenwigs
- Alun Armstrong … Cast, Mr. Wagstaff
- Christopher Benjamin … Cast, Mr. Vincent Crummles
- Suzanne Bertish … Cast, Fanny Squeers / Milliner / Miss Snevellicci / Peg Sliderskew
- Janet Dale … Cast, Miss Knag / Mrs. Cutler / Miss Belvawney
- Nicholas Gecks … Cast, Lord Frederick Verisopht
- Cathryn Harrison … Cast, Tilda Price / Henrietta Petowker
- Lila Kaye … Cast, Mrs. Crummles
- Shirley King … Cast, Mrs. Kenwigs
- John McEnery … Cast, Mr. Mantalini
- Bob Peck … Cast, Sir Mulberry Hawk
- Thelma Whiteley … Cast, Mrs. Mantalini