Though it helps to have read the book before watching this or any other film version of Dicken's well-known and much-admired novel, this particular version stands solidly on its own. In fact, in some ways this 1980 made-for-television version integrates the plot more fluidly than the novel itself. It completely captures the spirit of the book and for the most part is faithful to the details, even to precise wording of dialogue. I watched after rereading the novel and enjoyed it even more than the renowned 1935 version, which I saw as a child. Ten unqualified stars!
Review of A Tale of Two Cities
