Downton Abbey fans are urged to watch this “extraordinary” BBC period drama that’s been hailed the “best film ever”.
Charles Dickens is famed for writing some of the greatest stories in history from Great Expectations and Oliver Twist to A Christmas Carol.
Some that viewers may not be as familiar with though is Bleak House, a Victorian bestseller about a lifelong lawsuit, a hidden family secret and an orphan girl.
The 19th Century novel has been adapted for the small screen on a few occasions but it’s the 2005 version that’s often brought up by Downton Abbey fans as an alternative watch. And what’s even better is that the “excellent” 15-part period drama Bleak House is ready to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
BBC Bleak House stars Line of Duty actress Anna Maxwell Martin as Esther Summerson. (Image: BBC)
While a multi-generational inheritance case continues to drag on, orphan Esther Summerson and wards Ada Clare and Richard Carstone, go to live with their generous cousin John Jarndyce at his home, Bleak House.
Elsewhere, aristocrat Lady Dedlock raises suspicions with a lawyer as she suddenly shows an anxious interest in a court document from years ago.
What makes Bleak House stand out even more though is its star-studded cast, led by Motherland and Line of Duty star Anna Maxwell Martin as Esther Summerson.
She is joined by The Fall and Sex Education actress Gillian Anderson as Lady Dedlock, Netflix’s Beef actress Carey Mulligan and The Crown icon Charles Dance as Mr Tulkinghorn.
The Fall and Sex Education Gillian Anderson stars as Lady Dedlock in BBC’s Bleak House. (Image: BBC)
“This multi-hour TV drama is a masterpiece from beginning to end”, someone praised on IMdB. Another said: “I can’t think of a greater Dickens film adaptation. This version of ‘Bleak House’ is simply one of the best films ever made.”
Someone else hailed it the “best film I’ve ever seen”, with a fourth writing: “It took me totally by surprise.
“I recommend that any lover of great literature and British period pieces make this a must see.”
As a further fan stated: “I rather think that Charles Dickens if he were still around would heartily approve.”
Bleak House is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
