Great Expectations (1989 TV series)

Did You Know?

• Harty Church on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent was used for the scene where young Pip meets the escaped convict Abel Magwitch at his parents' grave.
• Upnor Village served as the home of Herbert Pocket's fiancée Clara.
• Upnor Lighthouse is visible when Pip docks in the village.

Introduction

Jean Simmons, who had played the young Estella in the 1946 film, took on the role of Miss Havisham here. The cast also featured John Rhys-Davies as Joe Gargery, Ray McAnally as Jaggers, Anthony Calf as the adult Pip, Kim Thomson as both young and adult Estella, Adam Blackwood as Herbert Pocket, Anthony Hopkins as Abel Magwitch, Niven Boyd as Orlick, Susan Franklyn as Biddy, and Martin Harvey as young Pip. According to Connor and Smith, the five-hour drama serial format allowed for a more complete adaptation of the novel, restoring omitted characters like Orlick and Wopsle, and giving greater depth to roles such as Biddy, Drummle, Miss Havisham, and the adult Estella.