The Pickwick Papers

As Pickwick and his companions are taken to the magistrate, Sam cannot help but voice his frustration, offering bold insults to Grummer and challenging the entire group of officers. His irritation gives way to curiosity when they arrive at the courtyard where he previously encountered Trotter. His surprise only grows when the group halts at the very gate from which Trotter emerged, and Grummer pulls the bell to summon entry.

Inside, they are led up the steps and are ushered into the presence of Nupkins, the magistrate. Nupkins, sitting behind an enormous table looks imposing as he scrutinizes the group. Grummer identifies Pickwick as the lead prisoner, prompting Sam to step forward with irreverent charm and speak on the behalf of the Pickwickians. Sam introduces his companions and suggests that Nupkins punish his officers because of how poorly they have treated the Pickwickians.

Nupkins demands to know who Sam is, and Grummer identifies him as a dangerous character who tried to rescue the prisoners. Sam’s cheeky responses infuriate the magistrate, who accuses him of being a vagabond. The situation escalates as Nupkins accuses one of the special constables of being drunk, despite the man’s protests of sobriety. This leads to a farcical scene in which Nupkins threatens to commit the special constable, only to relent when advised against it.

Once the exaggerated formalities are completed, and after a confusing testimony from Grummer, Nupkins finally delivers his judgment. He fines Sam and the others for their involvement in the alleged assault. Pickwick interrupts Nupkins’s judgment, insisting on his right to be heard. He asks Nupkins if they can speak in private so that he can explain why he has come to Ipswich. After a tense exchange, Pickwick is granted permission to speak to Nupkins in private. As such, Pickwick reveals his true purpose: to expose Jingle as a fraud and an impostor. Sam backs him up, revealing that Trotter is also complicit in the scheme.

The revelation stuns Nupkins, who realizes that the charming “Captain Fitz-Marshall” (Jingle), a regular guest of his family, is in fact a conman. Concerned about the social repercussions Nupkins and his family experience a crisis of reputation. Mrs. Nupkins laments the disgrace, placing much of the blame on Mr. Nupkins for introducing her to Jingle. After some debate, Mrs. Nupkins agrees that it would be best to quietly handle the matter without public exposure. The Nupkins family invites Pickwick and his friends to dinner, along with Jingle. Before the dinner, Sam is sent downstairs to spend time with the kitchen staff. Sam quickly charms the ladies, and during their lively conversation, Trotter unexpectedly appears. Recognizing Sam, he tries to back out, but Sam refuses to let him leave.

Sam mocks Trotter for his misdeeds, and one cook attacks Trotter in a fit of rage, pulling out handfuls of his hair because Trotter spread rumors that they were going to get married. Before the situation escalates further, a bell summons them upstairs. In the drawing room, Pickwick confronts Jingle while the Nupkins family looks on in horror. Jingle remains unperturbed, even as Pickwick delivers a scathing rebuke of his character. In response, Jingle calmly dismisses the accusations with his usual nonchalance and then makes a quick exit with Trotter.

With the confrontation over, Pickwick and his friends prepare to leave. Nupkins thanks Pickwick for warning him about Jingle, whom he plans to steer clear of from now on. As Sam retrieves his hat from the kitchen, he shares a flirtatious moment with Mary, a housemaid, who helps him find it in an awkwardly small corner. The two share a kiss, marking the beginning of Sam’s first romance.