This once beloved story of Dickens has been filmed many times since the days of silent films, and was even once made into a musical (as "Mr. Quilp"). But probably this Disney-Hallmark production gets the best review among others, and not without good reasons. It has good atomosphere, beautiful shots (in Ireland), and decent production designs. But if you are one of devoted Dickensians, you might be a little disapponted with, or even resent some part of it.

The double story of the original work was condensed, but still retains fairly much of the book. Being threatened by villanious moneylender Daniel Quilp, Little Nell and her grandfather (Peter Usitinov) decide to leave their old curiosity shop in London, to live in country. They soon meet many colorful Dickensian characters including Mrs. Jarley and her waxworks, and a kind school teacher who provide them with place to live. But Quilp, who intends to throw the doddering grandfather into an asylum, is persistently chasing them, always at their heel.