Great Expectations: The 1871 Dramatic Adaptation

From the master dramatist, W. S. Gilbert, comes the only 19th century dramatic adaptation of Charles Dickens celebrated novel "Great Expectations." Original produced in 1871, the London Times praised Gilbert's effort by claiming the playwright had brought the novel to life with "considerable skill." Today Gilbert's adaptation of the now classic coming-of-age tale is a fascinating look into the era of Victorian theatre with all its melodramatic elements, exaggerated sentimentality, and thrilling theatrical devices.