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DECEMBER 19, 2003 at 12:48 PM
Posted by CHEESER
Source: PBS via iharrypotter.net
Masterpiece Theatre
on PBS station WNET (New York) this weekend presents Charles Dickens' David Copperfield, starring Dame Maggie Smith (Professor McGonagall), a young Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) in his first acting role, Zoe Wanamaker (Madam Hooch) and Lord of the Rings wizard Sir Ian McKellan.
David Copperfield, Charles Dickens' semi-autobiographical novel, is a coming-of-age story, capturing the poignant comedy, tenderness and tragedy of the loss of innocence as children enter the adult world. Young David suffers the wrath of his stepfather, the abusive Mr. Murdstone; the betrayal of the charming sociopath Steerforth; battles the sniveling clerk Uriah Heep; and falls head-over-heels into a doomed infatuation with slow-witted Dora.
The program will air on WNET in New York on Saturday Dec. 20 at 11:10 p.m. ET. It originally aired in December 2001, and most markets will see a new, different Masterpiece production instead.
Daniel Radcliffe gave an interview with Masterpiece Theatre in 2001 covering a range of topics:
Do you like to read more now?
Yes, definitely, because that's what the Harry Potter books really did; they introduced me to reading. At the moment I'm reading The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. And watching films... films is my biggest of all hobby.
Do you have a favorite movie?
Probably What's Eating Gilbert Grape.
And do you have a favorite book?
It's either Harry Potter number two or a book called Holes by Louis Sachar. It's really good.
Reader Comments (41)
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Points: 7828
Rococoed says:
I think the PBS station for my are is airing a different program as well. It's nice to hear that Harry Potter showed Daniel Radcliffe the pleasures of reading. I must disagree with him when he says the second book was the best, however.
Posted Dec 19, 2003 at 12:56 PM EST
Wizard
(Moderator)
Points: 806
Carl says:
I really don't like the book Holes but to each his own. Never seen David Copperfield either but it really seems like a great cast of people on it.
Posted Dec 19, 2003 at 1:01 PM EST
Witch
Points: 552
Gir Vasquez says:
Daniel was so little! Awww. I actually just saw the movie last weekend. It was great! The whole cast was wonderful.
Posted Dec 19, 2003 at 1:14 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2289
Snufflesmom says:
This is one of Dan's first performances and I look forward to seeing it again.
Posted Dec 19, 2003 at 1:24 PM EST
Werewolf
(Moderator)
Points: 5479
MoonyDawn says:
I hope I remember to watch it. Thats neet that they worked togther before Harry Potter.
The interview was in 2001, I think he said in a more recent interview that POA is now his favorite. Its mine too!!
Posted Dec 19, 2003 at 1:29 PM EST
Crookshanks Caretaker
Points: 3837
hermionefan1 says:
I would love to see him in the TV movie. I have to check the times in my newspaper. Thats cool that Daniel like Holes, because thats a great book and movie. I still think the third book is better thou.
Posted Dec 19, 2003 at 1:30 PM EST
Keeper of Harry's Fate
Points: 9051
TheOneWhoMustBeNamed says:
I have never seen this piece, but the cast makes it sound as if it would be really good. Interesting blending of actors. Too bad it won't be seen in LA, and its not available on video.
Posted Dec 19, 2003 at 1:36 PM EST
Head of Gryffindor House
Points: 3725
Professor McGonagall says:
Daniel Started acting at a very young age. I'll try to see it !!
Posted Dec 19, 2003 at 1:47 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 308
davie7117 says:
I think that it is really cool how all the actors starred in movies toghter before Harry Potter.... And the book is really good... David Copperfield.
Posted Dec 19, 2003 at 1:55 PM EST
Half-Blood Prince
(Moderator)
Points: 945
Professor Scoots says:
I will have to remember and try and watch it. It sounds great! I didn't know that so many of the Harry Potter actors had actually worked together before HP & SS. Very Kool, I can't wait to see it.
Posted Dec 19, 2003 at 2:18 PM EST
Seer
Points: 15207
Brittany Radcliffe says:
Good i wanted to see one of the first movies that MY future husband was in (ha)!! a lot of people are in there from HP and even from LOTR!! cool. But see we do have something in common we obth like Harry Potter books and Holes!! its fate!!<---- this all applies to Daniel!! <3 MWAH
Posted Dec 19, 2003 at 2:22 PM EST
Pesky Pixie Presidente
Points: 4359
Firebolt_909 says:
Cool that they're having a rerun. it's nice to look back at things. How can people say they don't like the book HOLES? i love the book,a nd the movie is awesome!
Posted Dec 19, 2003 at 3:18 PM EST
Points: 790
M. Sebastian says:
If you have not seen this, it is well worth watching although Dan is not in the entire movie. The later part is David grown up so not Dan anymore. It is also available on DVD if anyone is interested.
Posted Dec 19, 2003 at 3:21 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2034
Professor Snape says:
I've never seen that show before. thanks for posting it here, i'm gonna have to watch that tomorrow, if they brodcast it in pennsylvania.
Posted Dec 19, 2003 at 3:28 PM EST
Student
Points: 231
HP fan says:
Wow, I remember watching David Copperfield before and seeing young Daniel Radcliffe in it. It was released before December 2001 because I remember seeing it before I knew that Dan was going to be Harry Potter. I checke the website, and it said that it aired previously on April 2000, so that makes sense. Wow, it's weird to know that the young Dan in that t.v. movie would someday become the title role of Harry Potter. It's truly amazing. :)
Posted Dec 19, 2003 at 3:34 PM EST
Heir of Slytherin
Points: 5499
Spazzingduck says:
Daniel is so young in David Copperfield! He's such a cutie!
Posted Dec 19, 2003 at 5:28 PM EST
Editor of the Squibbler
(Moderator)
Points: 2031
eudaemonia says:
I have this movie on DVD and it's pretty good even if you've never read the book (such as myself). And I think it's Daniel's best work so far.
I could barely recognize Ian McKellen. When I saw his character give David a bit of discipline in front of the other students in the classroom I couldn't help think Future wizards: Gandalf's giving Harry Potter a beating. Hehe...
FYI, there's a sample of the movie at the PBS website where David (Daniel) meets his Aunt Betsey (Dame Maggie Smith).
Posted Dec 19, 2003 at 5:31 PM EST
Points: 7828
Rococoed says:
Thanks for the clip, Eudemonia. Daniel looks so young there...
Posted Dec 19, 2003 at 6:19 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1660
siriusgyal says:
I use to watch that i just didn't relise that he would become so big when he grew up a bit more.
What aa talented young lad.
Posted Dec 19, 2003 at 6:28 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2391
HPN4eveRon says:
HOLES AND HARRY POTTER are my favorite books!!!! What a quincidence!!! Ha! Love it!
Posted Dec 19, 2003 at 7:30 PM EST
Auror
Points: 4247
gryfgirl says:
I've never caught that on television here yet but I did rent the DVD and it was a very nice adaptation! Strange to see Dan Radcliffe & Maggie Smith onscreen together but not as Harry & Prof. McG. hehe (FYI Zoe Wanamaker & Ian McKellen aren't in it that much though.)
Posted Dec 19, 2003 at 7:38 PM EST
Daily Prophet Journalist
Points: 2597
dance_gear says:
I really wanna see it but i dont think i can...well ne wayz i love the book Holes by Louis Sachar...its great tho i havent see the movie and i think that his comment of COS being his favorite is false now because that was in 2001 and i think he likes POA the best but i'm not positive...well i love POA the most...Dan is sooo adorable when he was younger and now he is still hotttt!!!!
Posted Dec 19, 2003 at 8:35 PM EST
Squib
Points: 184
Melquiades says:
I love watching Masterpiece Theatre productions, saw David Copperfield few years back on TV, bought the DVD after HP.
This is a really great adaptation, the Hallmark adaptation was an embarrassment compared to this BBC production. It's well acted, with great actors like Maggie Smith, Ian McKellen, Bob Hoskins, Pauline Quirke, Zoe Wannamaker and yes even young Daniel did hold his own against these season performers.
Posted Dec 19, 2003 at 8:45 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2773
Professor Grubbly-Plank says:
It is a wonderful movie. I am glad they are showing it again. It is definatly worth seeing. I was able to check it out from my public library.
It is amazing how young Daniel was when David Copperfield was filmed. He has grown up very nicely.
Posted Dec 19, 2003 at 11:39 PM EST
Transfiguration Professor
Points: 2990
Choralee says:
I am disappointed that the PBS station in my area will not be carrying the David Copperfield showing on Saturday. I was so looking forward to seeing it again.
Daniel has come a long way in his acting. It is fun to watch the evolution. PoA, I am sure, will yield yet another depth of his skills to the big screen!
Posted Dec 19, 2003 at 11:45 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1908
Opera Ghost says:
I bought the DVD exactly one year ago this week! And I admit I hadn't seen it before I bought it, just wanted to see Dan in it. After watching it a few times over the year, though, I now enjoy it as a movie and a story, although I still think Little Dan is so cute! The adult cast is good, too, Dickens' characters are so vivid and memorable, like JKR's. Thank goodness Dan did this movie, the story goes that is what made Chris Columbus want him for Harry Potter. So, you can probably still get it at Borders, that's where I got mine, if your library can't get it for you.
Posted Dec 20, 2003 at 12:27 AM EST
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