Production
David O. Selznick dearly wanted to film David Copperfield, as his Russian father, Lewis J. Selznick, had learned English through it, and read it to his sons every night. After failing to dissuade Selznick from the project, Louis B. Mayer, his father-in-law and employer, agreed that MGM would underwrite the production provided his contract child star Jackie Cooper was cast in the role of the young David. Selznick fought to remain true to the novel's origins and, after an extensive talent search in Canada and Great Britain by Selznick and George Cukor, the role went to the British Freddie Bartholomew.
Cedric Gibbons designed a recreation of 19th-century London on the MGM backlot. The scenes set outside Aunt Betsey's house atop the white cliffs of Dover were filmed at Malibu. MGM even filmed the exterior of Canterbury Cathedral, which only appears in the film for less than a minute. Special effects, including many matte shots, were by Slavko Vorkapić.
Charles Laughton was originally cast in the role of Mr. Micawber, and was authentically made up with a bald cap, since Dickens describes the character as hairless. After two days' work, he disliked his performance in the dailies and asked to be replaced. Selznick released Laughton, with the project five weeks into production.
"Billed as a super-production, it had all the earmarks of super-flop," reported Silver Screen in 1935: "Cukor decided, 'We must have a good utility man to build the picture up. Someone who can be depended upon to give a surefire performance.'" Laughton recommended comedian and Dickens aficionado W. C. Fields for the part. This proved a wise suggestion. Silver Screen columnist Jeanne De Kolty continued, "Fields is a trouper -- one of the best on the screen today. He always gives a first-class performance. His name will sell pictures in small towns where new stars may not be known. Chances are even a poor film will make money if it can boast of Fields in the cast."
A clause in Fields's contract stated that he had to play the part with a British accent, but he had difficulty learning the character's florid dialogue and had to read off cue cards. He thus speaks in his own voice, without any affected accent. His defense: "My father was an Englishman and I inherited this accent from him! Are you trying to go against nature?" This is the only film where Fields does not ad lib, and he plays the character in a straightforward manner (although he did want to add his juggling specialty; when this was denied, he wanted to add one of his familiar anecdotes about snakes, which was also denied). Director George Cukor said that when Fields did make a suggestion for a visual bit, such as accidentally dipping his quill in a teacup instead of an inkwell, it was always within the parameters of the character. The result was one of the finest performances of that year.
