A Tale of Two Cities

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A Tale of Two Cities

1958

1h 57m

History

Drama

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3 Reviews

49%

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100+ Ratings

In the most well-known adaptation of Charles Dickens' novel, Sydney Carton (Dirk Bogarde) is an underachieving English barrister who hopes to redeem himself from the litany of poor choices he's made in his life -- such as his unreturned love for Lucie (Dorothy Tutin), the wife of a virtuous former French aristocrat (Paul Guers). When peasants in post-revolution France take over and systematically dispatch the old guard, Carton's feelings prompt him to risk his life for Lucie's husband.

Moira Walsh

The Catholic World

In writing the screen play T. E. B. Clarke has addressed himself to modernizing the speech and attitudes. Unfortunately this does not make the story seem any more plausible. It only makes it seem rather flat.

Aug 24, 2023

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Clyde Gilmour

Maclean's Magazine

It sticks laudably close to the story and is well worth seeing but Hollywood's 1935 production with Ronald Colman had more emotional impact.

Nov 11, 2019

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MFB Critics

Monthly Film Bulletin

A straightforward adaptation which follows the events of Dickens' crowded narrative with commendable fidelity. The pure excitement of the book is missing, however; and the fault lies mostly with T. E. B. Clarke's reverent but somewhat lifeless script.

Mar 2, 2019

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ABC W

A well-done adaptation of a great classic novel.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/10/24

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Audience Member

ok overall, interesting story for it's time

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/13/23

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Frances H

Good, but not as good as the Ronald Coleman 1035 film.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

10/11/16

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Audience Member

ok version of this often filmed Dickins' classic

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

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Audience Member

The Tale of Two Cities The film starts of slow but everything eventually relates. My issue with the film was it became difficult to differentiating between who was French versus English since they were all British or American actors with English sounding accents. A very sad and mellow dramatic ending. The movie presents a good depiction of France during the French Revolution. It presents an accurate depiction of how people of innocent people were killed for no good reason besides a previous title. Not even a court case was provided to prove innocent or guilty. Just nearly guilty. Shows the waist. I never realized that the quotes; "It was the best of times. It was the worst of times" as well as "It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known." derived from this book. I have known these lines all my life from Star Trek II The Wrath of Khan.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

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Audience Member

Effective adaptation, great cast--Bogarde is tremendous and at his best!!

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/22/23

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Ralph Thomas

Director

Dirk Bogarde

Sydney Carton

Dorothy Tutin

Lucie Manette

Cecil Parker

Jarvis Lorry

Stephen Murray

Dr. Manette

Athene Seyler

Miss Pross

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Synopsis

In the most well-known adaptation of Charles Dickens' novel, Sydney Carton (Dirk Bogarde) is an underachieving English barrister who hopes to redeem himself from the litany of poor choices he's made in his life -- such as his unreturned love for Lucie (Dorothy Tutin), the wife of a virtuous former French aristocrat (Paul Guers). When peasants in post-revolution France take over and systematically dispatch the old guard, Carton's feelings prompt him to risk his life for Lucie's husband.

Director: Ralph Thomas
Producer: Betty E. Box
Production Co: Rank Organization
Genre: History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): May 22, 2017
Runtime: 1h 57m