90 minSeason 1 • Episode 2
LatestDavid is now working in London as a clerk at Spenlow's and living at Mrs. Crupp's house. However, her fondness for "peppermint cordial" renders her incapable of fulfilling her promise to Aunt Betsey to treat David as if he were her own son. // A chance meeting with his old schoolfriend, James Steerforth, leads to David being invited to dinner with Steerforth's mother. David also discovers from Agnes that her father's clerk, the lurking and evil Uriah Heep, is to become a partner in her father's business - and the stage is set for a bitter battle.
A young man journeys from a difficult childhood to maturity, exploring social injustice, personal development, and the complexities of human relationships.
Acting
Radcliffe's pre-Harry vulnerability; Smith steals every frame.
Production
BBC period detail that makes you smell the coal smoke.
Writing
Davies adapts Dickens without the bloat—miracle.
Creator
Simon Curtis
Tom Wilkinson
Narrator (voice)
Daniel Radcliffe
Young David Copperfield
Ciarán McMenamin
David Copperfield
Emilia Fox
Clara Copperfield
Pauline Quirke
Peggotty
Maggie Smith
Betsey Trotwood
Trevor Eve
Murdstone
Michael Elphick
Barkis
Alun Armstrong
Dan Peggotty
Bob Hoskins
Micawber
Imelda Staunton
Mrs. Micawber
Patsy Byrne
Mrs. Gummidge
Zoë Wanamaker
Miss Murdstone
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Radcliffe filmed this immediately before Philosopher's Stone—his screen test for Potter used his Copperfield performance.
Andrew Davies' adaptation deliberately foregrounded David's class anxiety, resonating with 1999 Britain's 'Cool Britannia' contradictions.
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