Excellent interpretation of Dickens' work will probably forever remain in the shadow of the 1935 Ronald Colman version, and will perhaps be a richer experience to those who have read the novel. The only real detriment is that Guers' dubbing is rather distracting. Fantastic cast, though, with Bogarde's droll, self-loathing (and sleepy!) Sydney Carton a standout amongst a surfeit of great character actors. Interesting to see Christopher Lee playing a similarly corrupt nobleman the same year he first essayed Count Dracula, as well; the Marquis is a much nastier piece of work than the the Count, though (and dies in a remarkably similar way)! Indeed this film is full of nastiness, as Dickens no doubt intended; the poor are just as awful and corrupt once they get power as the noblemen ever were--a message the 99-percenters might well stop to consider. Even acknowledging that, Carton's actions and final words allow some light to shine into this darkness, and therein lies the true power of Dickens' words and the film's images.

Note: David Lodge's scenes were reshot with Sam Kydd replacing him, for whatever reasons. However, Lodge does remain in the film briefly, receiving a tip from Dirk Bogarde at coach journey's end.