Part 1 of 9 of the 1979-80 period drama. Young Nell Trent lives with her grandfather in his antique shop, the Old Curiosity Shop. Due to her grandfather's protective nature she has few friends other than servant Kit Nubbles, but she lives in fear of the grotesque money lender Daniel Quilp, who visits Mr Trent regularly. Little do either know that her grandfather has been rapidly losing money at the gaming tables. When Quilp finds out that his money has been used for gambling, he demands repayment of his loans, but with an added security included - he wants Nell too, who he secretly lusts after. Horrified by the proposal, Mr Trent decides the only way to protect his granddaughter is for them to escape at the dead of night...
Starring Natalie Ogle, Sebastian Shaw, Trevor Peacock, Granville Saxton, Christopher Fairbank, Colin Jeavons, Patsy Byrne, Simon Garstang, Freda Jackson, Sandra Payne, Daphne Anderson, Colin Mayes, Val McCrimmon, Audrey Leybourne, Mildred Mayne and Maggie Peterson.
