Craik wrote her most popular work in 1857 titled John Halifax, Gentleman. It was made into a silent film in 1910. Later, in 1938, this film was made again in the U.K. and starred actors John Warwick, Nancy Burne, and Roddy McDowell. It tells the story of John Halifax who, despite humble beginnings, becomes a highly respected local businessman. As partner in a mill he weathers the turbulent economic times of the early 1800s. It was also adapted for television by the BBC in 1974.