Probably the greatest black and white movie of all time. Before he became famous for Directing epics (The Bridge On The River Kwai, Lawrence OF Arabia etc.) David Lean directed a number of British literature classics. While I have never seen a movie that has eclipsed It's literary source, This is by far the best adaptation you are likely to see. To adapt one of the most famous novels by one of the most loved novelist's of all time is an almost impossible task. To end up with a result like this is a combination of many superb collaborations. From Lean's Crisp and tight direction to Guy Green's stunning Oscar Winning Black and White photography. The casting of each part was superbly cast from a fine stock of British actors. Led by John Mills as the central Character Pip he was backed up by a magnificent set of actors. Alec Guinness (in his first major role) played Herbert Pocket, Martita Hunt was unforgettable as Miss Havisham, That fine Scottish actor Finlay Currie played the convict Magwitch. Francis L. Sullivan Played the lawyer Jaggers just as he did in a 1934 Hollywood version. The ever reliable Bernard Miles played Pip's shy brother in law, the blacksmith Joe Gargery. The Heroine and the object of Pip's affections Estella was played by two of British cinemas most beautiful exports. A very young Jean Simmons played the young Estella and Valerie Hobson( who 15 years earlier played opposite Boris Karloff, as the bride to be Elsa in the horror classic Frankenstein) was the older Estella. Almost 60 years old there has been many versions of Great Expectations made since this masterpiece. The only question is why when it is obvious this version will never be surpassed as the definitive version.