Olympic ABC Directory

The Newest Classic From A&E's Acclaimed Literary Collection The epic saga of the legendary sea-faring hero comes to life in these films based on C.S. Forester's classic novels. Set against the bloody backdrop of the Napoleonic wars, Hornblower charts a course for high adventure, following the raw recruit as he battles the French, evades capture and rises through the ranks of the King's Navy. With a powerful performance by Ioan Gruffudd (Titanic, Poldark) in the title role. (4 DVD) approx. 3.5 hrs.

This brilliant Masterpiece Theater adaptation of Charles Dickens's classic novel distinguishes itself with its faithfulness to the book and outstanding performances . Ioan Gruffudd plays the adult Pip, an orphan who lives with his sister and her kindly blacksmith husband, Joe. Pip's life changes when he is sent for by Miss Haversham (Charlotte Rampling), an eccentric and wealthy spinster who wears only her bridal gown, which she was wearing when she was left at the altar years before. Introduced to Estella (played later as a woman by Justine Waddell), Miss Haversham's contemptuous ward, Pip falls in love with the girl and spends the remainder of his youth attempting to be good enough for her. But despite his efforts to improve himself, the frustrated Pip seems destined to remain Joe's apprentice. Until one day a lawyer calls to inform Pip that he has “great expectations.” Pip is to be released form his apprenticeship and educated in London as a gentleman! The benefactor who has made this life transformation possible, however, wishes to remain anonymous.