I thoroughly enjoyed watching this and highly recommend it for viewing by anyone: very young children won’t grasp nor follow the sometimes convoluted story-line. Surely Charles Dickens is one of the world’s best story tellers, and he doesn’t disappoint in telling about Nicholas’ ventures, after his father’s death. His uncle [Christopher Plummer] appears to have the same nasty spirit as old Marley in “A Christmas Carol,” another Dickens classic. The uncle is greedy and self-serving, while Nicholas is the total opposite: he cares deeply about people and not only takes care of them, but truly goes “the extra mile”.

There are many layers to the story, but it’s one that’s easy for any child of 12 and up to enjoy. The good vs.evil theme prevails, and who but Dickens can tell the tale better? Conditions in late 18th century England with respect to children are vividly depicted, and some scenes might be too much for very young children to see: the harm done to children and the deprivation are appalling in any age. I would hope particularly that children would be motivated to want to read Dickens after viewing this video.