1970 British film by Anthony Friedman
Bartleby is a 1970 British drama film directed by Anthony Friedman and starring Paul Scofield, John McEnery and Thorley Walters.[1][2] It is an adaptation of the short story "Bartleby, the Scrivener; A Story of Wall-street" by Herman Melville. The film relocates the narrative from New York in the 1850s to London in the 1970s.[3]
It was shot at Twickenham Studios and on location around London. The sets were designed by the art director Simon Holland.
Plot
Bartleby, a young audit clerk, is defeated by the pressures of modern life; he gradually opts out of all forms of social engagement and withdraws into his own world.
Cast
- Paul Scofield - The Accountant
- John McEnery - Bartleby
- Thorley Walters - The Colleague
- Colin Jeavons - Tucker
- Raymond Mason - Landlord
- Charles Kinross - Tenant
- Neville Barber - First Client
- Robin Askwith - Office Boy
- Hope Jackman - Hilda - Tealady
- John Watson - Doctor
- Christine Dingle - Patient
- Rosalind Elliot - Miss Brown - Secretary
- Tony Parkin - Dickinson - Clerk
Critical reception
The TV Guide reviewer commented that "the film is brooding, slow, and annoying at times, but the vision of McEnery as Bartleby is not easily forgotten. Scofield...gives a supremely intelligent portrayal of a man caught between logic and emotion."[4]
Stanley Kauffmann of The New Republic called Bartleby "a poor film but with superb acting in it".[5]
References
External links
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