Great Expectations (1946): Film vs Book

About the film

A poor boy in the marshes receives a mysterious fortune from an unknown benefactor and is sent to London to become a gentleman.

How close is it to the book?

The black-and-white film is admired for its atmosphere and its opening in the graveyard, and it keeps the main arc while cutting several long subplots and characters.

Read or watch first?

The novel adds many characters and a stronger sense of Dickens's humor and social criticism.

What the book gives you

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

A richly drawn story with memorable characters, intriguing secrets and a young hero finding his way. Dickens at his most atmospheric, with a touching, well-earned ending.

Who will like it: Readers who enjoy colorful Dickens characters, mystery and a story of growing up.