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This 1935 adaptation of David Copperfield has endeared itself to generations of movie audiences in spite of artistic and technical flaws reflecting the state of the movie art in filmdom's infancy. The success of the production derives mainly from its loyalty to the spirit of the novel, its atmospheric depiction of 19th century England, and its talented adult actors. Edna May Oliver (Aunt Betsey Trotwood), Basil Rathbone (Mr. Murdstone), Roland Young (Uriah Heep), Lennox Pawle (Mr. Dick), and W.C. Fields (Wilkins Micawber) all breathe life into their caricaturish alter egos. Oliver and Fields, in particular, verily become their characters, almost out-Dickensing Dickens' characters in their eccentricity. On the other hand, the child actors -- Freddie Bartholomew (David as a boy), Fay Chaldecott (Little Emily), and Marilyn Knowlden (Agnes as a little girl) -- all perform with the overwrought theatricality of elementary students in a school play. Moreover, Elizabeth Allen as Mrs. Clara Copperfield fairly reeks of maudlin melodrama. Even her two-second fainting spell is overdone. Director George Cukor may be responsible for the weak performances of Allen and the children; Cukor's choppy transition style also hurts the film. He unceremoniously cuts off one scene, then begins rolling the camera again elsewhere. Nevertheless, the film is worthwhile because of the strong performances of Oliver, Fields, Rathbone, and the other top-billed adult actors. Be aware, though, that many videotape copies of the film have woefully inferior sound reproduction. Viewers planning to rent it should preview it at the rental shop before taking it home.