Great Expectations (1946)

Date: 1946
Director: David Lean
Production Company: Cineguild

Stars: John Mills, Valerie Hobson, Bernard Miles, Francis L. Sullivan, Martitia Hunt, Finlay Currie, Alec Guinness, Ivor Barnard, Freda Jackson, Anthony Wager, Jean Simmons
Location(s): Kent, London

Region(s): ,

Storyline:

With the help of an unknown benefactor, an orphaned boy from a humble background is given the opportunity to become a gentleman.

Additional Information:

Screen captures by Phil Wilkinson

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With the wind howling across the Medway marshes, Pip (Anthony Wager) runs towards the graveyard where his parents are buried.

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The camera follows the orphan.

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At the studio, Pip stands beside his parent's gravestone before turning to leave and running into escaped prisoner Abel Magwitch. The Kent Film Office website explains that the church is based on St. James’ Church in Cooling.

Here's the real thing as opposed to a studio set-up, taken by Stephen, which, despite the different angle, reveals the same design. (SJ)

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Threatened by the convict, Pip runs home to where he lives with his brother-in-law Joe Gargery and his Wife. Wikipedia tells us that Dickens was inspired by the forge in the village of Chalk, near Gravesend, Kent for the Gargery's house and a replica was constructed on St. Mary's Marshes on the Isle of Grain in the Thames Estuary.

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A year later, Mrs. Gargery (Freda Jackson) arrives home with Uncle Pumblechook (Hay Petrie) and announces that Pip is to visit the eccentric and wealthy Miss Havisham to provide company for her and her adopted daughter Estella.

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Uncle Pumblechook drives Pip to Miss Havisham's house. Restoration House in Rochester, Kent was reproduced at Denham Film Studios in Buckinghamshire.

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Following his sister's death, Biddy (Eileen Erskine) arrives to help out at home.

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Into his sixth year as apprentice blacksmith to Joe, Pip is sent to London by Mr. Jaggers at the request of an unknown benefactor.

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The coach from Rochester to the Capital splashes through a ford.

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Pip looks around in awe at London's mighty buildings. St. Paul's Cathedral on Ludgate Hill EC4 seen from St. Paul's Churchyard.

A tree has grown in front of the view. SJ

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The coach drops Pip (John Mills) off near St. Paul's. The view from the north-western end of Cannon Street EC4.

Taken at the same time of day. SJ

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After meeting with Mr. Jaggers at his office, Pip is taken by Mr. Wemmick (Ivor Barnard) to Herbert Pocket's rooms in Barnards Inn.

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Having become a gentleman under the direction of Herbert Pocket, Pip is reunited with Estella and the two spend a great deal of time together.

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After the identity of Pip's benefactor is revealed, plans are made to smuggle the man out of the country from Limehouse before an old enemy finds him.

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Learning that a steamer for the Continent leaves Gravesend pier every Thursday, Pip hires a rowing boat. Number 8 slip at Chatham Docks in Chatham, Kent according to Wikipedia.

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After Herbert and Pip become familiar figures on the river, the two venture to the remote Ship Inn where they decide to stay on the night of the escape. A set on the Medway in Kent.

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Disguised as a River Pilot, Abel Magwitch (Finlay Currie) joins Pip and Herbert in the rowing boat as they set off to meet the steamer.