1970s BBC costume drama based on the novel by Charles Dickens. Natalie Ogle stars as thirteen-year-old Nell Trent, or 'Little Nell', who lives in the shabby antique shop owned by her ailing grandfather (Sebastian Shaw). However, grandfather is heavily in debt to his wicked landlord, Mr Quilp (Trevor Peacock), who forecloses on all his loans when he discovers that grandfather has lost the money gambling. Nell and her grandfather take off across the country in an attempt to evade Quilp, who follows close behind. However, can a mysterious stranger offer hope of salvation?