The Pickwick Papers

In Victorian England, when scientific discovery is all the rage, four wealthy gentlemen led by the redoubtable Samuel Pickwick (James Hayter) set forth on an objective study of human behavior. The club's efforts are repeatedly thwarted by genteel con artist Mr. Jingle (Nigel Patrick) and his faithful manservant, Sam (Harry Fowler). The widow Mrs. Bardell (Hermione Baddeley) also gets involved when one of Mr. Jingle's schemes gets Pickwick put on trial for breaking a promise to marry her.