I was wondering if we could create a new threat so we can discuss all the new Jane Austen movies? If not, please feel free to delete this.

Sincerely,

DK

Hi, DK! Fabulous idea. I am really looking forward to the Masterpiece Theatre "Complete Jane Austen" and all those new adaptations, including the new Andrew Davies-scripted Sense and Sensibility. Have you or anyone else on the forum seen any of the new movies?

Cheers,

Laurie

Persuasion on Sunday is sopposed to not be that true to the novel, but I'll forgive it because I hear Rupert Penry Jones is Captain Wentworth (he is my dream Rutherford!) and seeing him in britches and boots will be thrill enough. I've all ready pre-ordered from Amazon all the upcoming movies that I currently do not own. Still, no one call me on Sunday nights at 9 pm for the next few months, ha!

Edgeworth... not Rutherford. Who is Rutherford? oops. Edgeworth. (I tried to edit, even delete, but couldn't...) I mean RPJ as my dream Edgeworth.

Did I understand correctly? All the adaptations from the Masterpiece "Complete Jane Austen" is available at Amazon? I'll have to check for myself!

I thought Rupert Penry Jones was fabulous in MI5/Spooks, the British TV series. Can't wait to see him as Edgeworth, I mean, Wentworth! ;-)

I feel a DVD order coming on...

Laurie

Geek Sewing, Yes, The new Persuasion (2007)--airing Jan13, also new Mansfield Park (BBC, 2007), airing Jan 27 and new Northanger Abbey, airing Jan20, is all available for pre-order and will be released a few days after the US Masterpiece Theatre airings... You could order the new Andrew Davies Sense and Sensibility available at Amazon UK if your DVD player can play Region 2 DVDs. Its not available for pre-order yet here in the US (region 1)but I don't doubt the wait will be long. That will actually air here Mar 30 and Apr6. I'm all anticipation! RPJ was also in a recent Masterpiece Theatre film of Cerano. He was not the lead but very enticing just the same. I have also pre-ordered the MI-5 Season 5. I'm hopeless... thank heavens for that Amazon gift card at Christmas.

Hi, Christina--I stopped watching MI-5 after Matthew MacFadyen left (I was heartbroken). I take it you advise me to get back in the habit?

Thanks for the sched for Masterpiece Theatre. FYI, I've also posted a schedule on the homepage of this site, plus a link to the MT/JA homepage with the trailer of the series.

Yes, I know as MM is my favorite MR Darcy (sorry to Colin Firth fans), I can easily understand the loss of interest in the series. Once Keeley Hawes left the show, it actually improved. The writing improved as did the overall acting... and bringing RPJ on was awesome. His TV show wife (can't recall her name) is a gem as well... and although might be too old for COJAA Jane, I'd invite her to read for the part, regardless!

I liked Keeley Hawes, so for me it was a double loss. But I'm encouraged by your recommendation and will put it in my Netflix queue (if it's available there).

In the meantime, I can't wait to see Persuasion on Sunday.

I've got some exciting news to share--I've been asked by PBS.org to guest blog about the new Sense and Sensibility, which also means I'll get to see the film before the broadcast.

I'm all astonished!! (Not really.) What a great honor -- how do you get on that list? Can't wait to hear your review. The only thing I've read in the negative about it (as you know it is all ready airing in Britian) was a beginning scene where the girls are lining up or such to go to the funeral... and since women did not attend funerals back then, that got some criticism. But hey, that's ok with me. I'm easy. And also that Colonel Brandon mght have been cast a little too old. Things that make me go, "hmmmmm..."

To once again ammend a previous posting of mine, the RPJ Masterpiece film I saw was Cassanova NOT Cerano. Good grief. 3 months away from 40 and all ready I am losing it! And yes, he was stellar in boots and period dress. Can't wait to see him as Captain Wentworth -- my favorite JA hero, 2nd only to Mr. Darcy!

Rupert Penry-Jones as Casanova, Captain Wentworth, and how about another "C," Charles Edgeworth (as Christina suggested several posts ago). I just rented Season 4 of MI-5 and Christina, I must say you were right--it's wonderful. I'd already seen the first two episodes and watched the third so far.

But back to Jane Austen: Soon as my S&S post goes up I will announce it on my homepage and send out a newsletter (so if you're not on my mailing list, please sign up). In the meantime, here is the link for Remotely Connected (the PBS.org guest blogger project):
http://www.pbs.org/nights/blog/2008/01/the_complete_jane_austen_persu_1.html

As Mary Elliott Musgrove would say, "I am so ill..." about last night's Persuasion. I am not a stick in the mud when it comes to totally staying true to JA's originals regarding the editting, cutting and pasting scenes and dialog about, etc if it improves the movie... but good grief, that was inexcusably weak. Why remake it if it's not going to surpass previous films? The cast was good and as I have a bit of tendre for Rupert Penry-Jones (and of course my hope that it would get better!) he was the only reason I stayed with it. Sally Hawkins was so utterly miscast. Every time she came on the scene, I worried a fly would fly into her mouth! What a dud. She was not at all smart or strong or mature. Just resolved to be washed out and desperate. I could go through scene by scene and say why it worked for me or didn't -- but all in all, I wish that they had stayed closer to the original (or eevn the Ciaran Hinds film) because they cut out or glossed over some of the most important parts (examples: not really reading his letter in full, Anne's talk with Bennoch about constancy and loving longest that is overheard by Wentworth, when William Elliott first notices Anne...) And by the way, how does she attract anybody as she is so washed out, even in Lyme! and extremely dull-witted. Sadly, I though Mrs Smythe was more vibrant!

I didn't love it as much as the 1995 adaptation, but I really did enjoy it (and it appears I'm in the minority amongst the Janeites). Having worked in film and being a lifelong lover of movies, I tend to give film adaptations of books a great deal of latitude. It is always impossible to be absolutely true to text. The 1995 BBC P&P was the truest to text of all the films because it had five hours to do so. Mostly I was impressed by how the filmmakers of this Persuasion adaptation compressed that story into 90 minutes. Yes, it should have been a true miniseries, or at the very least, a two-hour film. However, it was beautifully done for a small-budget production, and I loved this Anne Elliot as well as this Captain Wentworth. His performance was very restrained. Yes, the filmmakers left out a lot, but what riches and treasures await those viewers who have never read Persuasion but now want to do so. If this film brings more readers to Austen, then that makes me very happy.

One more thing I want to say: the only thing that really bothered me was the directorial choice to have Sally Hawkins break the fourth wall and look directly into camera. I found this jarring and it took me out of the story every time. Go figure!

The film would have bombed if it were not for RPJ. He was the only one that carried the audience--at least, me--to the end. Sally Hawkins as Anne? Please. Anne was regarded as "extremely pretty," and she would be that girl who just needed a makeover and something to be happy about for her pretty features to shine forth.

The dialogue! Oh, the dialogue. Who wrote the screenplay? Who edited the screenplay? I was very disappointed. Can you believe this bit? When Wentworth asked Louisa Musgrove when did Charles asked Anne to marry him, Louisa said, "It was before he married Mary." Oh, how stupid. Of course, it was before he married Mary. She should have followed the novel and said, "I believe a year before he married Mary." That's not too much to ask.

The kiss? Ugh.

I thought that Wentworth had too much Darcy in him. (I apologize to all of you who are fans of RPJ, pre-Persuasion. I have not heard of him before this adaptation.) Wentworth is supposed to be explosive, acting much on impulse, particularly when he's angry or jealous. And Anne a perfect match to his character. I thought this Wentworth too subdued, too softened.

Okay, there's my rant.

Diana

I think this film was the product of two unfortunate circumstances: 1. A very low budget, necessitating all sorts of unpleasant compromises and cutting out or combining of scenes and locations; and 2. not hiring a consultant who loves Austen as much as we do. If 2 had been in effect, the filmmakers would have known they HAD to find a way to include the two key turning points in the film: Wentworth seeing Mr. Eliot admire Anne in Lyme; and Wentworth overhearing Anne talking to Capt. Harville about constancy. With that said, I still think the unwitting filmmakers did a lot with very little money. I think I need to blog about this...

You should totally blog about this!!!

I haven't seen Persuasion yet because I don't receive any channels and Netflix doesn't have it, yet. I'm really bummed and really dying to see it after all the different view points I read. But netflix does have Northanger Abbey and it's so on my queue. Finally, I'll be able to make a useful contribution to this forum.

Hey I recieved my copy yesterday and re-watched it. It grew on me a little, like a fungus... I guess?! I concur with all Diana's points BTW. And add that another viewing has only fueled my disappoinment: I am further apalled by Anne barely covering up in front of the menfolk as SHE sets young Charles shoulder. Good grief. And Charles Musgrove like a loon walking around shooting everything in site -- but never hitting anything. And how did Wentworth get Kellynch --wasn't it entailed? (I did like the extra scene on the walk in the rain with the Captains as it is revealed to Wentworth that he may still have a chance! which of course is not from the novel -- but it was an additive that I liked and was sorry they cut that from the US airing.) And the reason Jane Austen changed that last chapter was because the letter scene works better at the White Hall Inn! And this, all from the woman who forgives ALL the cuts, pastes and inaccuracies from P&P2005 and not ashamed to admit it that it is my favorite to watch!:) I who have never worked in the film industry, have little sympathy for the filmmakers. But as a period film fan, have much sympathy for us viewers. Still looking forward to the rest of the JA season. It can only get better! (I went to JA talk in Seattle this morning--you should have heard the Persuasion buzz by all the more accomplished Janeites!)

Hey Christina, what was the buzz? What were they saying?

Christina... I live in Seattle. I am too much involved with sewing and pattern drafting to realize that there is a JA group here in Seattle. Please, tell me more. Details, for the love of God! I want details.

Laurie,

I can agree with you on the second circumstance only. "Unpleasant comprises" that result in poor editing, etc. due to a very low budget is hard for me to swallow. I would rather hear you say that most of the budget went to securing RPJ for the role of Wentworth.

I don't mean to be hoity-toity. Please laugh with me.

Diana

It is after 4am and am suffering from sick children ailing so I thought I'd check in... Diana, I am a member of Jane Austen Society of North America www.jasna.org and a newly minted member of the Puget Sound Chapter www.austenps.com. I have yet to actually attend one of their meeings (every other month in King County)because I am about 5 miles from B.C. but receive their newsletters as well as all the newsy emails. Yesterday, the American Assoc of University Women hosted it's monthly meeting in Seattle and the topic was "From Longbourne to Netherfield to Rosings to Pemberley." I found out about it by the local JASNA chapter as the speaker was the club librarian, a very accomplished Janeite and scholar in her own right. Informative and entertaining. DKDC,the buzz was not at all positive on Persuasion. One said she actually fell asleep. Another described Sally Hawkins as a deer in the headlights. They pointed out much of what we all here have also shared but in the most passionate terms. One even said "Janeites have very high standards and not very forgiving," etc. It was so entertaining to be part of the discussion --although it was just about a silly movie. Also Diana, I know that the chapter has made a contribution to the Book-it Repertory Theatre and will attend the Feb production of Persuasion. BTW, did you see the All about Jane article in the Seattle PI on Saturday? Anyway, hope this info helps.

Christina,
thanks for your awesome post and all the information and for answering my gossipy question. :-)

I'm going to join JASNA too. Like tomorrow. I can't wait.

Very happy to see that Christina is being a JASNA recruiter --2008 will be the year that Janeites rule the world. :)

Hope your children are feeling better, Christina...

I spent a really fun evening with my JASNA book group to discuss my book (I think we spent a lot more time discussing the Persuasion movie than my book). Most of the people in my group were as incensed as the people in this forum. I do agree with you Diana; I'll bet most of the budget did go to securing RPJ for the role of Wentworth. And I agree with you too, Christina--Anne not closing up her robe was absurd. And that's something that has nothing to do with a low budget!

And am I right in understanding that Masterpiece Theatre actually aired a shorter version than the British broadcast? That's insane. I thought I'd read that somewhere, but I don't yet have the DVDs in hand. As if two hours isn't short enough to adapt an entire book.

On a much more pleasant note, did anyone love the new Northanger Abbey as much as I did, and as my JASNA book group does? I had VERY low expectations, as I do for any JA adaptation, but this one was actually quite good. I thought the two lead actors were particularly good in these roles.

Absolutely loved it! Loved it! Bravo.

But I must confess... I guess I'm not such a big addict. I have not finished reading Northanger Abbey...

As I am now sick, I unfortunately FELL ASLEEP watching it. Fortunately I got a notice from Amazon saying my copy is being sent out today-- so not all is lost! I had heard this was also an Andrew Davies production --is that true?? Anyway, yes, the DVD and the British airing of Persuasion were about 10 minutes longer. There is a long scene of Wentworth and Harville walking in the rain along the sea wall like I mentioned in a previous post, a scene where the Admiral and Mrs Croft are walking through the house, more of the diary scene before Anne greets the Crofts in Bath, a scene with Anne looking through a box of sentimental items/letters, also MORE wild running through Bath at the end... when I'm feeling better, I'll have to watch it again. Oh well, I'm resolved to say it wasn't Jane Austen, but then neither was Becoming Jane... and I'll get over it. At least it may bring people into the fold. But like one new leader of my local JASNA chapter wrote in the newsletter, "All this exposure cannot help but bring more people to appreciate all the writings of Jane Austen... but seriously, don't you feel just a little bit smug that we knew she was fabulous all along?"

I can't believe Masterpiece Theatre is not airing the complete versions--isn't this the COMPLETE Jane Austen? What were they thinking???

If this is really the case that the British airings were 10 minutes longer, then I'm wondering if what's being sold on Amazon is the complete version. The running time of one of the DVDs (I checked Persuasion and NA on Amazon) is 90 minutes; the other is 93 minutes).

Christina, I do hope you feel better very soon.

I agree with the leader of your JASNA region. And I do feel lucky that I've been enjoying JA's fabulousness for many years!

I may have complained, but I still welcomed the mental exercise. Still worth watching for the sake of discussion with other JA addicts!

Oh no, no. I wasn't complaining about the wonderful people in this forum. I don't think you complained, you stated your opinion like everybody else. I hope my post didn't come through as mean or attacking anyone. I'm so sorry!! I was just bummed that I haven't seen the movies yet. Everyone in here is super awesome!!!

DK, no need to apologize. I didn't feel offended at all. I just didn't want you to miss out on RPJ's Persuasion.

Sorry about your cable problems, DK. I'm ranting lately about the DVDs, which I've read have also been cut (at least NA has, I'm told). I think Persuasion is the full version.

As for whether seeing the films is worth it, I agree with GS (short for Geek Sewing). Definitely worth the mental exercise. And I'm also reminded of what Karen Joy Fowler, author of the Jane Austen Book Club, said at the 2004 JASNA AGM--she said something to the effect that she is so annoyed at the Austen movies that she has to watch them over and over again--and everyone erupted into knowing laughter. I think we all love to complain about the films but watch them anyway because it's just such a thrill to see anyone even attempt to adapt our beloved author to the screen.

DKDC,Well I bought them all. Regardless if they are good or not. I enjoy studying them and noting the differences in the original, etc. I am also a huge fan of fanfiction and all the what if scenarios so I am rather forgiving when there is a change... if it somehow improves the flow of the film. Persuasion 2007 was not that good. I would highly recommend buying the Ciaran Hinds/Amanda Root version first, if you are going to buy. Persuasion 2007... hmmm... I recommend this with caution. I certainly would not recommend it for one who has just discovered Jane Austen and will be influenced by the inaccuracies in etiquette (for example: Henrietta sitting next to Captain Wentworth in the carriage on the way to the Great House! --gasp! Women sat on one side, men on the other!!) But if you have read the book, and have an understanding of the themes, plots and turns... go ahead... What's $14.95?! That's my take. I hope I don't sound to presumptuous.

Laurie, Northanger Abbey's DVD has been cut??? What?! I kept falling asleep (Nyquil will do that to you...) so I don't have anything to compare. Ugh... not good.

BTW Laurie, I just bought your book on DVD so that I can listen to it in the car -- as I spend much time shuttling kids to and from school, kid events, etc. (I have JA books on CD too-- and they are a great way to pass the time in the car while driving.!)

Hi ladies. You are all so great. Christina, I own 1995 Persuasion and I actually need to buy a new DVD because I've worn it out by watching it over and over again. It is that good!! Persuasion is my favorite JA novel and then Pride and Prejudice comes a close second. But..Yikes..I've never read Northanger Abbey or seen any movie adaptations so the new N.A. will be a total suprise delight for me. I hope I can still call myself a Jane Austen Addict now that you all know the truth about me...Sigh.

Laurie, I love what Ms. Fowler said about the Jane Austen movies. Very clever of her.

Well, netflix schmetflix. I'm going to order both movies.

I finally watched Northanger Abbey and am extremely satisfied! The two leads were terrific! Very believeable and charming. (In the old 70's Northanger Abbey video, I never got any chemistry between Henry and Katherine so I was always in awe how they got together.) I did like how the return trip back showed how dangerous a trip it was for a single, gentile girl to undertake alone, especially at night! It really showed the full force of Gen Tilney's anger at sopposedly being hoodwinked. I also enjoyed the performance of Carey Mulligan (Kitty Bennett from P&P2005) but I thought they went a bit far as to actually show her in Capt Tilney's bed. That was a bit reaching, I thought. (I do not recall such a strong reference in the novel? any ideas on that?) I also thought since they did the narrative voice-over that they could just as easily have said how it really ended... that they didn't marry right away, since they were waiting for the general's permission (and her parents wouldn't agree until the Gen agreed as well) but then when his sister married well after all, the Gen was persuaded to be more forgiving and condone the marriage. And say that she wasn't as destitute as the Gen was later led to believe either!! Anyway, that's nor here nor there. I enjoyed it. Am happy to own and recommend it! I even did not mind the combining of scenes (2 carriage rides, etc.) for the sake of time. It was quite well done. Bravo!

Ah, DK, what delights await you in NA, the book! And this adaptation is quite good. Glad you liked it too, Christina. (And I'm so happy you have my audiobook. I think the narrator did a wonderful job with all those accents.)

I didn't mind that the filmmakers showed Isabella having been seduced by Capt. Tilney. I could see that happening. In the book Henry says, "The mess-room will drink Isabella Thorpe for a fortnight," and yes, what the filmmakers made of that is a stretch. Nevertheless, I suppose a seduction could explain why Capt. Tilney lost interest in Isabella all of a sudden, when he was still in Bath (she refers to his dropping her when she writes Catherine in Northanger).

I do want to buy the DVD, but I want the whole, uncut version!

I donot know how to display the link but at Austenbog dated Jan 21 (I think) there is a very good description of the cuts in the Northanger Abbey US airing as well as what is cut from the original UK version on the Region 1 DVD. Why they do this is beyond me... other than to probably next year come out with the uncut version with interviews, etc. so that impatient fans like me, who have to have it now, now, now... will either buy it again, or simply sulk, and then end up buying it anyway the next day. (No, I'm not bitter, ha!) So when is COAJAA gonna be a BBC or Masterpiece Theatre film?? or are we looking straight to the big screen, (: !!?

Wish I had an answer for you, Christina...we shall see.

As for those chopped-up DVDs, all I can say is: grrrrrrrr

Best thing to do is get a code-free DVD player and buy the British version, which is what I think I'm gonna do (I've got a second DVD player that's code-free).

But aren't there two versions of NA DVD in Region 1? And might one of them have the full film on it?

On Mansfield Park. I am sorry if this movie was anyone's first introduction to Jane Austen or to Mansfield Park for that matter. Too many missing scenes from the novel! And they never even leave Mansfield Park in this flick. The huge turning point for Fanny Price was when she is returned to her parents when she refuses Crawford so that she can see what a cushy life she has had at Mansfield Park. And we never see Maria in any oppulence that the Rushworth fortune brought to her -- that would have really brought home what she gave up to be with the rake, Crawford. And Crawford is sopposed to be short and not overly handsome. And the other Bertram daughter elopes with Yates (Tom's friend -- who wasn't even depicted.) And didn't Tom go to the West Indies with his father?? And why is Fanny's hair down all the time and so messy-- the bedhead look doesn't come about for another 200 hundred years, folks!!?? And Lady Bertram was just background as was Mrs Norris!! Whatever happened to the condescending, manipulative Mrs Norris?? We are 1 for 3 on this series. I had such high hopes. And the scene with Edmund and Miss Crwaford at the end looked like a 1st take... like they were just getting warmed up. Not much for any anxious moments or anger. And why does this series insist on making everyone waltz (and very badly might I add) at the end? Maybe next week will be better as I do like that actress... however, I for one do not think Jane Austen would have regretted much. I prefer to believe that a woman who enjoyed her privacy, her writing and the solitude of living a quiet life with her sister in her brother's household, would have nothing to regret of lost loves. She had more than one occasion to get married if she wanted and I would think that if she had wanted that type of life, she could have made it. I am very grumpy now -- but will try to enjoy next week and with an open mind. I liked the 2000something MP movie better,; even ALL those inaccuracies from that film could be forgiven as it at least made sense.

I've read this book so long ago, and because it turned out to be my least favorite JA novel, I've never read it again nor visited a few pages now and then.

I read a few reviews on MP 2007 before watching the adaption. Many discussed the same issues as you, Christina. So I watched the adaptation with very low expectations...

... and I actually enjoyed it.

Christina, thanks for making me laugh--I'm grumpy right along with you!

This adaptation was completely missing dramatic tension and a coherent story--unless one had read the book one would have no idea what was going on, including why Fanny didn't like Crawford (other than that she already loved Edmund)and what her position was in that household (yes indeed, where was the nasty Mrs. Norris??)

Glad you enjoyed it nevertheless, GS! BTW, I recently re-read the book, and I must say I've gone from someone who really didn't get it (or Fanny Price) to someone who really loves the book. It's still not my favorite, but I've grown to appreciate its complexity and its suspense and the fact that, like the voiceover said in the 1999 film, "it really could have turned out differently," and Austen keeps the reader wondering if Fanny is going to accept Crawford, and if Edmund will end up with Mary, and even though they didn't, what if they had...? And I love what-if's in fiction.

Wow, was that other MP film from 1999? I actually liked that movie -- the voice over narratives and Fannie writing her own stories, albeit they are JA's early works, was a nice touch (see I can stray far and away from the original and enjoy it regardless!) as I had never read Mansfield Park before so it was a good initiation to the story -- and later on, I actually enjoyed that novel. Ironically for me, that so far the one movie in this series that I genuinely liked was Northanger Abbey, my least favorite of JA's novels. Anyway... I hope no one here has been put off by my grumpy opinions, "they were kindly meant." Well, not really, ha!

Christina, you and I are definitely in the minority about MP 1999. I liked it, too. At least it had dramatic tension, which this new adaptation completely lacked.

Grump away! I enjoy your opinions.

Hello, a newbee voicing here....I confess I like MP 1999 as well because it had absolutely nothing to do with the book. This was Jane Austen in the role of Fanny Price, and not the novel's version. The new one which aired this past Sunday is exactly how I pictured Fanny. I am of the mousecreep opinion on her. Maybe a reread would have me see it differently....probably not. I do agree w/the bedhead look being offputting. I also found myself seriously disturbed by the waltz at the end as well. How scandalous ;)

Hello Miss Adler,
Look here!! I have joined! I'm so very excited. I'm going to have to take my time and read all that was written about Mr. Penry-Jones. I do adore him.

*sigh* nothing but talk of Jane. how at home I feel.

xoxo,
Steph

Now that I have fully been caught up on all the Persuasion talk I have to agree with most. The new version left me wanting but I still enjoyed it for the most part.

Dialogue. I did laugh out loud when Miss Musgrove said Charles wanted to marry Jane before he married Mary. Duh! LOL Too funny.

Rupert *sigh* I heart him and have for years. I've been watching MI-5 for a few years and I instantly fell in love with him. In my imagination, I originally saw him as Col. Fitzwilliam in the new P&P and how funny that would have been to have been along side Matthew?! I was still exited that he was to be Capt. Wentworth. I love Capt. Wentworth and it was so perfect but my happiness balloon deflated a little after watching it on tv. I watched it last year on youtube. That's dedication. LOL Anyway, Rupert did play Wentworth differently and I think had the script been better as well as the direction he would have shined more. But then again, I am partial to Mr. Penry-Jones. I tend to sigh at the thought of him.

Sally as Anne: I didn't like her hair. She was way more emotional that I was used to but I think overall she did a good job. Again, writing and directing make all the difference.

I still love the first Persuasion.

thanks,
Stephanie

RPJ as Col. Fitzwilliam. SWOON!! Love that. Now in all my FF readings elsewhere and any other books, its RPJ as the Colonel. As I "lerve" MM, I doubt I could have handled such beauty on the screen at one time.

LOL, I've always loved Col. Fitzwilliam!!! And I especially love the '95 movies version of him. You can imagine my astonishment when that....that random man played him in the MM version. Serioulsy? Serioulsy! This is why I want to be in casting! I would have had RPJ in that movie in a heartbeat. I would have moved the mountains of Derbyshire to have Rupert as Fitzwilliam along side Matthew. I probably would have imploded for them both to be in a scene together in breeches and boots!

Yeah, but then we might have wanted Lizzie to end up with Col. Fitzwilliam instead of Mr. Darcy, and would that be what JA wanted?

Oh, who cares--RPJ and MM on screen together--I'm there.

Welcome to the forum, Stephanie/Miss D & Irene, BTW!

Too true! Now that could be a whole other story.

The two Fitzwilliams: Col. Fitzwilliam and Fitzwilliam Darcy! What a read! What scandal!

In the end, I usually want Mary to marry Col. Fitzwilliam because I always think she's just misunderstood and she hasn't quite blossomed yet. LOL

Thanks for the welcome! I can't wait to get my book this weekend so I can really contribute to all the talk!

Steph

Oh, and just another random thought, because I'm an addict, I would love to see the new Darcy with the old Lizzy. I don't know why? I'm strange that way.

steph

Enjoy your journey to Regency England, Steph!

And MM with JE? I could see it. Guess I'm strange, too.

Jennifer Erle(sp?), yes love her. I saw her on Sunday for the last half hour of some Hallmark Movie after watching the disappointing Mansfield Park -- and she had straight,blonde bob-length hair! The same beautiful face but in 30's, probably, not yet 40s. And no British accent! If I hadn't read "info," I would have NEVER recognized her. She is from America and lived in GB or vice versa. MM and JE, interesting... of course, she would have to be her 1995 age of early 20s, right?

Why should she be? Might not MM like a woman who has lived in the world a bit longer?

Signed,

A Mature Woman

BTW, I love when I can't recognize actors--the best ones are always chameleon-like. I had read quite awhile ago that JE is a blonde. Her Lizzie Bennet do was a wig.

Oh I have no problem with MM with a mature woman, remember I turn 4-0 in 2 1/2 months... its the fantasy remaking of P&P2000+ with a JE and MM as Darcy and Lizzy, that I would have a hard time buying-- if he was not older, or at least looked older than Lizzy. JE looked even more beautiful in that Sunday night movie then in 1995 as Lizzy. Some people just mature well. I think the blonde hair was just shocking to me because I did not know she was a blonde -- or THAT SHE WORE A WIG as Lizzy! Wow!

You're right, of course. And I was just playing. Lizzie must of course be younger than Darcy. No matter how gorgeous or mature she is.

Actually, I think I first read about JE being a blonde in Bridget Jones's Diary!

It is a shock to the system to see JE blonde is it not? It's the same sort of shock I get when I see Gillian Anderson w/out red hair. I know it's dyed, but c'mon she is meant to be a redhead. And how much do I love that two of my passions have met. Jane Austen meet Dana Scully...Jane is a writer and social satirist....Dana is a skeptic who hunts aliens w/her gorgeous partner. *sigh*

LOL, right Alicia!
I totally get the similarities.

I tortured myself with Persuasion last night just to watch my RPJ. They should make an adult adaptation of Persuasion starting RPJ sans pantaloons! Vulgar? Yes, I am.

On Jane Austen Regrets. My sappy, overly romantic heart titally enjoyed it and thought it a thousand time better than Becoming Jane. I think it was a terrific piece of "fanfiction." That said... the independent, free-thinking woman that I am, does not want to believe Jane Austen would have had anything to regret of her life (no more than most anyway.) Letters prove she had more than one occasion to have entered into the married state if she had wanted that life. And being able to live her quiet life with her sister taht she loved so much and write as she liked -- under the care and protection of her brothers- was something she cold not have done had she thrown her lot into the married state. Like she said in the movie, "If you want a man like Mr Darcy, you have to make him up, " or something of the like. And pointed out that married life would have been too busy morthering and taking care of marital and household obligations. I thought the movie quite good in portraying all that and more -- but it was a bit heavy on the regrets... but without all that, the title would not have worked. I was also interested how this film threw much of the blame of her change of heart to that early proposal at the feet of Cassandra, making her much like Anne Elliott in Persuasion and even Bingley in P&P. But since so much of her letters were burned, we'll never know. Just a lot of fanciful speculation.

Hi Christina. I agree with you 100%. I truly doubt she had any regrets. I'm sorry, but our dear Jane Austen could have had any man she wanted. I truly believe she didn't want to settle and placed her energies into writing. Thats my five cents! Now, I finally saw Persuasion!!!!! It was splendid. So romantic and the lead character a total hottie. I even liked the altered ending. I know it was a far stretch from the book but it was a romantic move from Captain Wentworth to his bride because he know how badly she wanted to be mistress of Kellynch Hall, sort of like a tribute to her mother. Sigh. I loved, I loved, I loved it, and I wish to never part with it again....sigh.

I loved Miss Austen Regrets, particularly because I didn't think she was all that regretful in the film. Financially stressed, yes, but not regretful. Choose between being the rich mistress of a great estate and the wife of a man you don't love (well, three great estates, 'cause we're talking about Harris Bigg-Wither) and the poor-ish author of six of the greatest novels in the English language. She made the right choice but a tough one considering the limited options for women of her time. But I do not think she regretted it. I loved Olivia Williams. Brilliant actress. I loved her portrayal of Austen. Being unmarried and going for the life of an author was a brave choice (though I do believe that she would have married for a great love).

Oh,I had a question about both movies of Persuasion and the book. I didn't understand why Captain Wentworth insisted Anne ride home with Admiral and Mrs. Croft during the walk to the Hayters. Was it because he sensed she was tired( or physically in pain) and wanted to help her because he cared or was it because he didn't want to be in her presence and he was mad at her? I'm so confused....

I agree Laurie. She would have married for a great love. It just really irks me when people make her out to be regretful. I liked "Becoming Jane" also because she didn't seem regretful and seemed happy to write and be surrounded by her loved ones. It's so sad that we'll never know the truth. Why do you think Cassandra destroyed most of her letters? Because they were too intimate? I guess we will never know....

When he puts her in the carriage, thats a big pointwhich is so subtle you almost miss it in the movie. She is exhausted from the walk and from just the whole day and the pretense of being fine with the whole situation -- and he notices her fatigue and can't help himself... he feels protective of her and asks his sister to give her a ride back-- and then he basically puts her in the carriage regardless of her protests. And leaves her to wonder why he did it. Still at this point she doesn't have much hope but at least she thinks he might not be totally indifferent to her. (Is how I read it in the book.) He loves her -- but I think he is still smarting from 8 years before and is trying to not open up old wounds even though he has had to "return to the scene" -- and doesn't want to admit his feelings to himself. Its a pride thing, I think.

Oh, thank you for the clarification. I'm glad it's not because he coudn't stand the sight of her. If it's a pride thing then he still loves her at this point, and he is feeling protective, like you said. So romantic! I really liked this version, but I still love the 1996 version more.

I liked the actor that played Sir Elliot. He did a really good job. I don't think its easy to act a selfish, indulgent but yet such a froo froo character.

I agree with you Laurie that she would only marrying for great love. Choosing to live a poor life especially back then was extremely courageous. So its doubly sad. BTW, I have always loved what you wrote in your book in the dedication, about how if there is a justice in the world, Miss Austen, then there is a reality in which that lovely young man from the seaside didn't die young, you live to write at least 6 more novels, and the two of you grew happily old together, preferably without children." Ha! (Which man was the young man by the seaside?) And I wanted to know if you ever read an Amy Tan book called The 100 Secret Senses? Its rather topical, and quite enjoyable.

DKDC, I asked that very question about burning the letters -- a couple of weeks ago at a JA talk and the speaker read a sample of one of her letters... it was rather sharp and almost harsh; funny, too, but could be mean-spirited if in the wrong hands. She believes her family was trying to protect Jane after her death, by not having her ascerbic wit misconstrued or be hurtful to any friends, acquaintances, family, etc.

Christina, great minds think alike. I'm so glad you asked. Yes, that makes a lot of sense. But still....I would have loved to know her innermost thoughts. By the way, I am officially a Laurie Viera Rigler Addict. How do I know you ask? Well, the other day when this site was down I was convniced that my work had blocked me from it, because I spend too much time during the day reading Laurie's blog or her suggested links. I had quite a fright. Thank God that wasn't the case. :-)

After re-reading her book several times now, I have come to the idea that maybe it's all Jane Mansfield's stalker, crazy behavior that drove Jane Austen's sister to burning the letters after JA's death. Its rather apparent to me that after the London encounter, JA went back to the cottage and related the distressing story about the lunatic fan with the crazy story about the future and moving pictures of her stories... and that stuck with Cassandra... and so after JA's death, Cassandra decided it was better to get rid of unsavory correspondence and writings, lest they fall into the hands of undesirables like that which accosted her sister on the street. (: So I blame Jane Mansfield.

Christina,
You are a genious.

I must agree with your pronouncement, DKDC. :)

Did anyone watch P&P again last night? I have the DVD (of course)--much better quality than the analog broadcast--but I had to record it anyway to see what Gillian Anderson had to say.

BTW, I blogged about P&P--the phenomenon of its popularity as a book and a film--right here on this site. Would love to hear your thoughts. Just scroll up and click on "Blog" in the left-hand menu.

Cheers,

Laurie

I agree w/the fencing scene being sexier, but not b/c he is fencing, but for what he says (though seeing Mr. Darcy/Firth sweaty w/a sword is swoon worthy). Who wouldn't want a man that wants to "conquer" his feelings for you. "I shall conquer this!" is probably one of the all time sexiest lines to be put in cinema or television.

I'm so happy to find someone who agrees with me! I'm with you on all points. Great line, Andrew Davies. To me, Darcy fencing to work off his passion for Elizabeth is sexier than Darcy emerging from a pond in wet clothes.

As I own my own copy of the P&P mini-series (and as my husband so quickly pointed out to me that it was not necessary for me to tune in for last nights airing), we opted to watch Jennifer Garner in Kingdom on payperview. It was a bit too nail-biting and violent for my own sensitivities so after it was over, I begged my husband to click over to catch a bit of P&P2... to calm my poor nerves. Ahhh... what balm a little ballroom conversation at Netherfield can do for one's person! Although I will agree that this P&P is the truest to Jane Austen's own novel, and Jennifer Ehle is spot on as Elizabeth, I beg to differ with the majority of my fellow addicts, and bravely state, although somewhat apprehensively, Colin Firth does nothing for me. (I am ducking from the barrage of tomatoes coming my way!) I do not care for his constipated scowls. (Duck again!) And all the water scenes, albeit bath or pond, are laughable. I totally get that Andrew Davies is trying to show a more passionate, troubled, etc. Darcy then what JA was able to portray... but I still feel the scenes totally unnecessary, contrived and staged. Then again, if Matthew Macfadyen had had 5 hours of film to show more of his Darcy-acting-chops, maybe I might have more MM fans with me. Yes, yes... I know I shouldn't even bring up P&P3 (2005) as it took so many liberties with the original novel; regardless to me, that still remains my favorite to watch-- it's just so beautifully shot. And I admit, I rather enjoy all the sugar additives! Still, I love to watch and listen to this P&P 1995 (despite Mrs Bennett's shrill and over the top performance.) Don't hate me. (:

How could anyone ever hate you?

I think what makes life interesting is that we all have different tastes, and that yours means there's more of Colin Firth for the rest of us to share. :) I think that MM is a very close second to CF as Mr. D. Very sexy and a brilliant actor.

Now I will risk the tomatoes: I love the added-for-the-US-release of P&P 2005 ending scene, which every Janeite I've ever talked to HATES (excluding you, Christina, if by sugar additives you refer to this closing scene). So get out the produce and start throwing, y'all.

And yeah, I agree about the over-the-top Mrs. B.

Yes, in particular I do love that US alternate ending with the swoon-worthy 5 kisses and "Mrs Darcy"s... (I couldn't imagine liking it as much as I do without it!) and the ultra sentimental scene with MM striding across the field of fog to meet Lizzy IN HER NIGHTGOWN as he is half undressed sans his waistcoat and cravat! (Shocking! and so totally unbelievable for the time period, but somehow acceptable and overlooked and forgiven in my 21st c. brain!)I do believe Courtney/Jane might understand... Hopefully no one will turn me in and make me relinquish my JASNA card because I am the minority in loving this film --and especially these non-exhistent JA scenes. I'm "out of the closet" about those scenes and not ashamed of liking sugar with my champagne! But what was up with all the pigs? I believe Courtney Stone even eluded to the pig walking thru Longbourne!

So I guess there are two Janeites who love that final scene. Perhaps more will come out of the closet...

And yes, Courtney did allude to the pig.

Wait a minute. Hold the Press!! I didn't know it was a shame to love that final scene. I love love love that final scene. I melt every time I see it and I'm at the point where I just fast forward to that scene for my daily Romance habit. Please someone tell me what the alternate ending is!!

I love both versions equally. How can a mother favor a child? Sigh.

Believe it or not, but all other countries' end the movie with Mr Bennet saying, "If any other gentleman are here for Mary or Kitty,send them in. I'm quite at my leisure." Sopposedly Wright (the director) struggled with himself about adding that scene, thinking it over the top. Maybe for some it was, but my sappy, sentiments love it... ardently!

I'm so glad that the US Version didn't end there. How boring. Although, do you remember when Mr. Darcy exits Mr. Bennet's study and Elizabeth goes in to speak to her father? Do you remember that smoldering loving gaze they gave each other? I suppose it is fitting that it did end there for the other countries, but I so love our ending with the kisses and the Mrs. Darcys.

I was on vacation and missed some of the PBS/BBC productions of Austen. Missed "Pursuasion" but did catch "Mansfield Park". (Like the rest of you, my copy of the 1995 BBC PP is almost worn out).

Did not particularly care for the new "Mansfield Park" because of the cuts in the script and the acting. I was very pleased to see that I am not the only person on earth who actually liked the 1999 Patricia Rozema MP version. For once, I can really understand changing Fanny's character because she is certainly the most troublesome Austen heroine for me, indeed, one of the most troublesome heroines in all of literature for me. Plus, I think that Embeth Davidz and Alessandro Nivola were the PERFECT Henry and Mary Crawford, and very much enjoyed Lindsay Duncan as the dual characters of Lady Bertram and Mrs. Price. Very sorry to say that I thought that the actress who played Fanny in the new production played her as a bit of a vapid airhead. Such a difficult character to play as written, I think.

Here is a PP question to all of you addicts: does anyone have a theory on just how Lady Catherine de Bourge came to find out that Lizzy was to be engaged to Darcy? I always thought that perhaps Darcy tipped her off to test the waters of Lizzy's heart. What do you guys think?

My personal opinion about how did lady Cat find out about Darcy's ineterest is that the Lucas family sent a letter to the Collins telling them of the Bingley/Jane engagement... and with that Charlotte mentioned to Mr Collins her suspicions of Darcy's interest in Elizabeth... and then Collin's shuffled off to Lady Catherine to share this idea, and probably found himself in a viper pit. I totally agree with everything you said about MP 1995. Hope you get a chance to see the other movies-- they at least make for interesting comparisons and discussion.

Christina:

What a wonderful theory about Mr. Collins speculating to Lady Catherine that Lizzy and Darcy were to be engaged. It sounds just like his character to be such a busy body and try to engratiate himself to his patroness. We do know that Mr. Collins did, infact, relate all the events of Lydia's marriage that he knew to Lady Catherine, why not toss in that bit of speculation?

Through out the years, I have wondered just how Lady Catherine came to hear that there was a possibility that her nephew and Lizzy may become engaged. To attribute the rumor to Darcy (through a third party, of course) would set Darcy up as very manipulative, a man who plays to win, though this is a possibiity. Also, why did Darcy never let Lizzy know that it was him who saved Lydia? Was he really all that selfless, never imagining that he could gain her affection again, or was he that convinced of Lydia's lack of discretion would spill the beans?

Thanks for the news that I can now buy these new Austen movies on Amazon. I love "Pursasion" , and not thrilled to hear that most of you were dissappointed with this production. Loved the 1995 BBC version, but will bite the bullet and see this one too. Perhaps through Netfilz, though.

Darcy had given up any hope of seeing her again that is why he is so embarrassed at seeing her by chance at Pemberley--especially when he has just arrived sweaty and dirty after riding ahead to his home. He didn't want her to feel indebted to him about Lydia-- he wanted her love-- he wanted to win her by his good merit, not by her feeling grateful. He wanted to be worthy of her love. He was not a manipulator by any means -- after Hunsford he would not have wanted to importune on her any further -- and he doubted he would ever see her again anyway. Maybe we should start a different thread for topics like this. And he is inscensed by Lady Cat's lack of decorum by travelling to Longbourne to speak with Lizzy.

If you like the "Darcy testing waters" theory look no further than the silly Laurence Olivier version of P&P. I love all the bows on the costumes! Completely ridiculous version and wonderful b/c of it. Not to mention Mary FINALLY gets herself a man. Poor Mary.

My friend in college who first introduced me to P&P made me watch the Olivier version first so I could get the gist of what would be happening in the mini series since we'd have to watch the '95 version over a few days time.

Christina, I love that you refer to her as Lady Cat. That is superb! Having a rather low opinion of the feline species (sorry cat lovers) any association to them w/the less loved JA characters is most appreciated by yours truly. Love the fact that the pet cat in Harry Potter is Mrs. Norris. I had a plant I named after Mr. Collins b/c it was so ugly and despite my propensity to kill plants that thing lived for nearly 7 years! Everytime we thought it dead a new leaf would sprout and strangely enough any plant we placed next to it died w/in 2 weeks. It finally died this past winter. Kind of sad really.....

Hi, all. I agree with Christina that Charlotte and Mr. Collins are the source of the "report" that Darcy and Elizabeth are getting engaged. Charlotte definitely saw how much Darcy admired Elizabeth when she was in Hunsford, and so when Bingley and Jane got engaged she figured another engagement would be forthcoming.

As for Darcy's being quiet about his role in the Lydia/Wickham marriage, this is the thing that makes me (and I would imagine, Elizabeth) fall irrevocably in love with him. For me, the most admirable acts of kindness and charity are those that are done quietly. And that's what Darcy did for the woman he loved by arranging her sister's marriage.

Laurie:

I feel like the modern cynical woman for even thinking it possible that Darcy could have engineered the situation for Lizzy to find out that he saved Lydia! Yes, it is truely and purely romantic, with a captial "R" for Darcy to have acted in such a way not ever intending Lizzy to know of his good deeds. However, the irony is that if Lydia had better discretion, Lizzy never would have totally fallen in love with Darcy. Their love hinged completely on chance.

I think Lizzy was already well on her way to being in love with Darcy, and if Lydia had behaved more appropriately, Elizabeth would have stayed longer in Derbyshire, where she would have more opportunities to see the new, improved Darcy.

I watched the 1980s version of Northanger Abbey today. I really liked it, of course. Has anyone else seen it? And if yes, do you remember the part where Henry and his brother take out a small box and sniff it in each nostril? What was that???

DK, you and I are definitely in the minority. I liked it, too. That stuff Henry sniffed was called snuff, which was basically powdered tobacco.

I liked that movie Northanger Abbey as well -- it was my first intro to that book which got me to read the novel. I did like the recent Northanger Abbey better, though. BTW, I just saw a really old P&P (by the BBC) with Elizabeth Garvie. She is a terrible Lizzy, though. It is like 5 hours long. It is almost all on a sound stage, very low costs and seems like it is acted on a stage. If it had been a play I would give it a raving review. But since it in in movie form, the poor lighting and limited editing almost killed it for me. The story is pretty accurate with the occasional liberty of having different characters saying others lines and saying lines in different chapters, but all in all it was... acceptable. The very handsome Darcy was played by a David Rintoul who saved the entire thing for me. He was better than Colin Firth, to me. (ducking from the tomato bombardment, again!) I did like this version better than the Lawrence Olivier version.

Another fan of the other NA! BTW, no tomatoes are forthcoming from me. In fact, I've even heard some of our fellow Janeites say they like David Rintoul the best. I thought he was a fine Darcy but not as fine as Colin Firth or Matthew MacFadyen. Or maybe I too was distracted by that very stagey way of filming (or should I say, taping) that typifies BBC productions of that era--old-fashioned videotape on sound stages (with very limited camera movement; I suppose because video cameras were big monster machines) and then film for the exteriors, which was always a jarring switch. Audiences have become much more used to a naturalistic look than they were in those days, I suppose. I did like Elizabeth Garvie very much. I find the Laurence Olivier version hard to watch because of all those silly Gone With The Wind costumes!

Has anyone seen the new Persuasion on DVD? I bought it and just watched it last night; it's a bit longer than the PBS broadcast. Those 2 minutes or so in the full version make a huge difference, in my opinion. Though I think moving the "woman's constancy" speech was an unfortunate mis-step in this adaptation, on the whole the film is much better on DVD than it was in the American broadcast--shows more of Wentworth's motivations and longstanding hurt feelings, which makes the story work a lot better. Plus, the difference in quality between the DVD and the analog broadcast of PBS makes the production look much richer than it did on TV. Too bad I can't buy Northanger Abbey 2007 in the uncut version in Region 1. I think that including a full scene or additional scenes, even if they are a mere 30 seconds, can have an enormous effect on the entire film.

I've seen it. You are right, the quality was much clearer. And two minutes more. Hooray. I know a lot of people will disagree with me, but I loved the part where she runs around (sort of like in Run Lola Run) it gives it an intensity that leads to a very satisfactory happy ending. I'm waiting to buy it until April because that's when they release the disc-set of "Jane Austen Regrets, Sense and Sensibility and Persuasion" all in one. I think its 35.00 on Amazon. I can't wait. I did however, purchase Northanger Abbey 2007 and I should be receiving it any day now. By the way, I watched my first two episodes of MI-5 (Spooks) last night. Not only was my very handsome Mr. Darcy in it, but so was Peter Firth (who played Mr. Tilney from NA 1980s.) How awesome is this show? Well, besides all the killings and bad people.

Oh, I purchased Persuasion (the new version) as soon as I was able to. I heart the Rupert too much not to own it.

DKDC-I'm so glad you are enjoying MI-5! I really enjoy it. It has the sleekness of an American show but it's British and fantastic. I don't own season 2 on dvd but I do own 1,3,and 4. I am waiting for 5! There will be a couple episodes in the 3rd season when you get Mr. Darcy and Capt. Wentworth together. Too much...overload of the men! It's great. I enjoy the newer seasons. Rupert's character has grown and gone thru some tough situations and it's interesting to see how he's changed. They do make espionage (sp?) seem very sexy!

Steph

Ok, just have to chime in with something on/off topic. I purchased the 1985 P&P from Border's the other day b/c it was dirt cheap, and I'd never seen it but was intrigued. Oh.... my.... word! I didn't know it was possible for authentic British actors to use a fake British accent. Mr. Darcy not only has one of the largest chins I've ever seen, but he's a bit smarmy instead of aloof. There's NO chemistry between him and Lizzy, it's just wretched. I can't wait to torture myself w/part 3.

Irene, this is very on topic. I am very sorry for your suffering. You cracked me up with your fake British accent comment. :-)

Miss Davies: Captain Wentworth and Mr. Darcy on screen, together? My heart can't take this good news.

Steph, Just to add to your MI-5 topic of a while back... Today, I received my long awaited MI-5 season 5 dvd set. I immediately watched 2 episodes (put everything on hold!) and am delighted to report, it is the best yet! And as added bonus, BIngley of P&P2005 was in both episodes playing a young son of the PM! Miss Bingley from P&P1995 gets hurt -- RPJ gets shot -- and much more excitement.. But I won't spoil it for any of you- just a bit of a teaser. I do so love to see all my favorite JA movie characters in other roles.

Speaking of MI-5: That last season was amazing, and yes, I agree, Christina, the best yet. And how about that scene where RPJ brings an Austen novel to "rehab," or whatever that rest home place was and says why he likes Austen: "She noticed things." Or was that scene in Season 4? In any case, Season 5 was amazing and I can't wait till the next one comes out on DVD.

I think I just died and went to heaven. MI5 Season 7 (the new one starting this fall) is going to have a part for Richard Armitage. Can you just die? If Season 7 starts this fall, does this mean we in the US will have to wait longer for it?

Laurie, I can't wait to catch up and see the reference to Jane Austen. This is awesome.

I think I just joined you in heaven, DK. Are we fangirls or what?

The final episode of MI-5, season 5 has the actress who played Elizabeth Elliott (the Ciaran Hinds' Persuasion) played the top environmental scientist. I just love recognizing these JA players!!

BTW, Laurie, so have you blogged your S&S article yet?

I'm putting the finishing touches on my Sense and Sensibility post. Should be on PBS.org's Remotely Connected blog a couple of days before the movie airs or thereabouts:
http://www.pbs.org/nights/blog/

My post on the new Sense and Sensibility film is up at PBS.org's Remotely Connected blog:
http://www.pbs.org/nights/blog/2008/03/the_complete_jane_austen_sense_1.html#more

And may I be the first to mention what a mighty fine post it is!!

We should start a threat to discuss your posts/blogs.

Thank you. Please consider posting comments on my blog and Remotely Connected, too!

Christina and Laurie:
I got my season 5 of MI-5.....I AM SO HAPPY! I got in on a Monday and watched all but the season finale. I have to wait!

I know this is straying for the topic of Jane but...I totally giggled when I knew it was Bingley from the new P&P! I think he's a bit adorable. And I really wanted to hate Ros but she's just so smart and cool and so kick ass. Damn it! Just as long as she stays away from my Adam Carter! She'll break his already fragile heart.

Season 7!! I am wondering when season 6 will come out on dvd. Haven't gotten word. They just finished airing season 6, I think, right before the holidays so we shall have to wait and see but tossing Richard Armitage would be interesting.

You know, Richard would make a good Col. Brandon if anyone decided to do another tv/film version of Sense. Then again, he could also be a good Wickham.

I can do this all day!

Steph

Hey, did you just love S&S last night?? I thought it was terrific, and that Maryanne was exactly how I imagine her when I read her. I did like the first half better; more sensual. Last night wasn't as strong, but I enjoyed it just the same. I didn't even mind the straying from canon. I did wish that the Willoughby character had played his departure from the cottage a bit more anxious and distressed. I felt like he almost "pleased" with himself, or smug. He didn't seem that sricken that he knew he was not only leaving his love but has lost favor with his rich aunt. But anyway... I loved this Colonel Brandon. He was definitely the strong, silent type -- that just oozes sex appeal. And Edward Ferris was spot on as well. Those eyes. So clear and honest. Anyway, now I wait for my own copy of S&S; did you know that sopposedly it also has Jane Austen Regrets included! I hope that is true, because I enjoyed that film too.

aaaaaaaarrggggggggghhhh! I am sans cable right now!! I am on dvd lock down so I totally missed S&S.

Ok, so I love the fact that Richard Armitage will be on MI5 but I'm also sad because that means....MY ADAM CARTER WILL BE LEAVING. There is no way both can be senior case officers! I love Adam but I think I can handle a new boy as well. Especially, one who is so tasty.

I shall miss Rupert if my instincts are correct. I'm hoping they are not, for once and only once.

Days off are lovely!

I really enjoyed the new S&S. Especially the music. I hope someone releases that soundtrack. I agree about this Col. Brandon. Perfect. And I love the way his character was developed in this adaptation.

And I loved Jane Austen Regrets. So touching.

What is DVD lockdown, Steph????? Sounds serious!

About Adam Carter leaving????? I had not heard anything like that. I do love Richard Armitage though. But I must confess that one of the things abot MI-5 that keeps me so enthralled is that they are not afraid to write off someone the audience loves, kill them, fire them, send them into hiding, etc. It really stops cheesy contrived scenarios that make you roll your eyes.

So at this rate, I wonder what season this new Colonel Brandon is going to appear on MI-5??? Ha, ha!

Christina, my dear, I will give you that! They are never afraid to get rid of a character. Series 6 will be a doozy! I won't spoil for you if you don't already know. I really love the show though. So, Adam Carter, well, I looked Rupert up on imdb and it only lists the first episode of series 7 but I don't know if they are keeping it a secret or not because under Richard Armitage, they don't even have M-5 or Spooks listed. The only place I could find it any info on Richard was on Wikipedia. And then on somewhere it mentioned that Rupert had finished filming his final episode of Spooks *insert major tears and crying* I'll get over it...slowly.

Oh, so dvd lockdown isn't as bad as it sounds. Basically, since I don't have cable...I can only watch me dvd's, which is fine.

Oh, so another Jane Austen film adaptation connection to MI-5 is Ms. Gemma Jones, who played Elinor's mothers in the Emma Thompson version of S&S. She'll be on series 6. Very exciting.

sigh....off to find another dvd. :)

DVD lockdown doesn't sound so bad to me. :)

Hmmm. The MI-5/Jane Austen connection: Is it some sort of grand conspiracy?? Rupert Penry-Jones (Capt. Wentworth), Peter Firth (Henry Tilney), Gemma Jones (Mrs. Dashwood), Anna Chancellor (Caroline Bingley), Simon Woods (Mr. Bingley), and let's not forget RPJ/Adam Carter and his line about Jane Austen in the show. I had this thought today that wouldn't it be hilarious if all these former Austen movie folks that are ending up on MI-5 started talking about Austen or being their Austen characters in the middle of some heart-stopping action sequence in MI-5. That's how my mind works.

Laurie, I seriously think you should e-mail the BBC or producers or whatever and suggest just that to them!! I can just picture it. :-) Hugh Laurie would recreate the annoying husband while talking to Peter Firth, aka Mr. Tilney, Rubert Penry-Jones, while in the middle of an interoggation with a terrorist, starts reciting "You pierce my soul. I am half hope half agony..." etc etc. Sigh.

Hilarious, DK, that is so funny! I forgot that Hugh Laurie is yet another Austen adaptation alumnus who is in MI-5. Maybe I'll blog about this...

Oh Laurie. Please please blog about this!!!

DK, I've finally blogged about it, and quoted you. :)

Oh and I forgot about Mr. Wickham from P&P with Colin Firth. He was in tonight's episode of MI-5. He plays a naughty politician who got caught up in a nasty little sex scandal that leads to death. Not his. But it's covered up by some celebrity drama.

How funny!

OOh, I just, for some strange reason that is unknown, got a visual of Richard Armitage in a suite ala MI-5. I do hope he shares a scene with Rupert....I may not physically be able to handle that but I shall do my best.

Just read the blog.
Twas fantastic!!
And how true?!

Always happy to be of service, Miss D. :)

Where has this web site been all my life? I am so glad I found you all.

In my personal opinion I do noy believe that Jane Austen had any regrets about her life. I believe she wrote was was truly on her heart. In all of novels the main charcter always finds true love; marry for love.

I watched all showings during the Jane Austen fest on PBS. Oddly enough, while in England April 2008, the had the fest going. The week I was there Austen's Regrets was showing. I watched it, again. How addicted am I.

Happy you found us, Kimmy!

I would like to believe that JA had no regrets. And surely if she could see all the millions of people she's made happy, she wouldn't feel an ounce of regret. I believe she would feel like a truly accomplished woman.

BTW, I wonder why Miss Austen Regrets aired in the US first but not the other new shows?

I finally got around to watching HBO's Rome, Season 1 and 2. Guess who played a grown up Octavian in Season 2? Our very own Mr. Bingly from 2006's P&P. I must say, I was a tad disturbed to see him in some devious scenes though...
Also, there were some other JA actors in it, but I can't think of them right now. :-)

I know how disturbing that can be. I felt that way when I saw Captain Wentworth (Ciaran Hinds) play a deviant (I can hardly type the word) on one of the Prime Suspect episodes. I think we get so stuck on these actors being the characters we love that it's challenging to see them play the villain. But I imagine it's heaven for an actor to have a wide range of roles, and I'ld guess that villains can be the most fun to play. Or maybe that's my evil twin speaking... ;-)

Oh I know what you mean Laurie!! Ciaran Hinds played Ceasar in Rome, but luckily he wasn't evil so it wasn't bad at all to see him play non-JA. But I agree, once an actor becomes a JA character that's it for me. I can't visualize them in anything else. I still refer to C. Hinds as Captain Wentworth. I can't help it.

Those poor actors with all us fangirls trying to keep them in a little box. :)

So are there additional JA related movie adaptations being made in the near future?? Has anyone heard anything? I'm having withdrawels for new stuff...

Hi, DK! There's a new movie from ITV called Lost in Austen that's going to be aired in the UK I think in the fall. Austenblog has a promo/trailer posted.

I’ve been a Jane Austen fan for over 40 years and I do find it
irritating when things get changed in productions – someone says
something another person said – that type of thing but I also look
forward to new interpretations and I don’t mind if they add little
extras (like Mr Darcy fencing!) because obviously each generation
wants to give their own interpretation. I also like fantasy novels
especially ones where people from this time go through to another so
I thought Lost in Austen might be just my cup of tea, although I tend
to find modern young actresses a bit harsh – just act like themselves
but in a different dress.

And how pleasant for no-one to be murdered/assaulted and no shouting
and screaming!

So I watched the first episode and it was quite good. I liked Amanda
(the modern day girl) and it was a novelty hearing Jane’s characters
speaking words which Jane didn’t write. I did think though that
Lizzie and the Bennetts and Mr Darcy were nice and so were the sets
and the costumes so they could have just made a new version of P&P!
Lizzie was only in the first episode for a few minutes and wasn’t in the second episode at all so I don’t know if they going to do another series – Lizzie in London!

I watched the second episode last night and personally I thought it
was awful, I don’t want to spoil it for people who haven’t yet seen
it but I thought it was unnecessarily coarse regarding Mr Collins.
So there are two more to go – I hope it gets better!

Hi, Merlin, and welcome to the forum! And thanks for reporting on Lost in Austen, which we do not yet have here on the other side of the pond. :) The trailers and promos made it look very appealing. Sorry to hear the second episode didn't live up to your expectations.

Hi Laurie

Nice to be here! (I have "spoken' to before - I emailed you the Radio Times feature).

Aha--so you are Merlin, a/k/a Sylvia? Hi again!

Hi!

Does anyone remember the Sense and Sensibility with Robin Ellis as Edward - (later in Poldark) he was my favourite and apparently it has finally been released on DVD so I'm off to wander around the internet to buy it.

I have not seen that version of S&S. Was it a BBC production from the 70s or 80s?

It was a BBC one from 1971 - I thought the 1981 and the last one made him too 'weak' especially the Hugh Grant one.

Thanks for the info--will have to rent that one sometime!

Am currently awaiting a copy of the uncut version of the latest Northanger Abbey (our public TV network cut a couple of minutes from it for broadcast here, unfortunately). It was still lovely, but I like to see films in their entirety!

I wasn't fussed on the latest versions - I'm afraid I find 'new' actors too modern - they just seem to be themselves in different clothes. I quite liked Gwyneth Paltrow in Emma - couldn't watch Pride and Prejudice though because I can't abide Keira Knightley!

I quite like Keira Knightley, but I, like so many other people, am so partial to the 1995 miniseries that I think she had a very tough act to follow. Also it's so much easier for a mini to be faithful to the text. Two-hour movies (and even worse, the ninety-minute ones) must chop chop chop.

Well the third episode of LIA wasn't as bad as last weeks but the P&P story has been turned upside down, inside out and shaken all about - which is irritating! I think it would have been better if Amanda had gone through a portal and met Jane Austen - who had just been proposed to and was deciding what to do - and Amanda then would have the dilemma of persuading her not to marry - because we would lose all the books - or because she loves Jane and feels sorry for her that she never found someone to love/marry - helping her decide to accept - then they wouldn't have had to mess about with all my favourite characters!

I haven't seen any of the episodes so unfortunately can have no opinion! But I do hope you enjoy the rest of the episodes. :)

Laurie, I can understand why you would not want to watch LIA especially if you are still immersed in writing your own sequel. This series is entertaining and I have enjoyed watching it very much. I am not disturbed that it is not Jane Austen's canon. As a reader of many prequels, sequels, adaptation, on-line fan fiction, etc, etc, etc... I rather enjoyed seeing it and what they did with our beloved characters. I was not offended by it or the rough, somewhat crass depiction of various characters. At first I was down trodden when I saw this being made because I thought this would diminish your chances of getting your book produced into a movie. Now that I've seen the first two epis, I am confident as ever that your book would be an excellent movie. One more thing about this series, I am okay with this Darcy having a little dalliance with regular-Amanda-schmo but what I will not be able to tolerate is if they do not bring Lizzy back and Darcy does not end up with her. That would be most unnatural. And that Darcy, he is perfect. Elliot Cowan has him spot on: arrogant, prideful, and hateful-hateful-man!

You are absolutely right, Christina--much as I'd love to see Lost in Austen (or read some of the Austen-inspired books that came out recently), I need to keep my mind clear. Very happy to hear that you've been enjoying the episodes, and also that you feel it bodes well for Confessions becoming a movie. Though I have not seen LIA, that was my thought exactly. :)

Wow. I have to watch LIA. Will it be made available on DVD someday?

Also, I have three books by Elizabeth Aston waiting for me. Has anyone read her? They sound fun. Plus I need something to tide me over until Laurie's sequel release.

The DVD is available on Amazon UK on 29th September - couldn't see it on Amazon US yet.

Thank you Merlin. I can't wait to buy it.

I did read one of Elizabeth Aston's books and really enjoyed it. I met her at a local JASNA event and went to one of her readings, and she was lovely. Meeting her and hearing her talk about her work made me want to read her book.

Oh great Laurie. Thanks for the review. I can't wait to crack them open. Right now I'm reading a non-JA book and as soon as I finish it I'm starting the Aston books I have waiting for me.

Hello, All!

Saw a lot of discussion on Lost in Austen. I read on the Austen.blog that it is heading to Canada this November and that America's PBS will not be getting Lost in Austen this year or next. Don't know if any of the cable channels will carry Lost in Austen. If should you all hear, do share.
Currently, I am reading "Jane Austen: Her Life and Letters a Family Record" by William Austen-Leigh and Richard Arthur Austen-Leigh. Next, I will read "The Bedside, Bathtub and Armchair Companion to Jane Austen" by Carol Adams, Douglas Buchanan, and Kelly Gesch. After that, I will re-read one of Austen's six novels as well as read a bio on Winston Churchill by Roy Jenkins.

Waemly,
Kim
Dallas, TX

Sorry for the typo -- "waemly" vs warmly. Tried to go back to correct but could not. I am a bit challenged on a blackberry. :-)

K

Hi, Kimmy--no worries--you should see some of the typos I end up with when I send messages from my iPhone. It's autocorrect features are overly zealous. You're doing just fine. Quite an impressive reading list, by the way!

Hi, Kimmy--no worries--you should see some of the typos I end up with when I send messages from my iPhone. It's autocorrect features are overly zealous. You're doing just fine. Quite an impressive reading list, by the way!

For UK viewers (not sure about people in the US) ITV3 (SKY119) are having a Jane Austen Season next week (missing out Sense and Sensibility though!)

Monday 1st December
9.00pm - Persuasion (with Sally Hawkins/Rupert Perry Jones)
11.00pm - There's Something About Austen - documentary.

Tuesday 2nd December
9.00pm - Pride and Prejudice (Kiera Knightley)
11.30pm - Emma (Kate Beckinsale)

Wednesday 3rd December
9.00pm - Mansfield Park (Billie Piper)

Thursday 4th December
10.00pm - Emma (Kate Beckinsale)

Friday 5th December
9.00pm - Northanger Abbey (Felicity Jones)
11.00pm Behind the Scenes (making of Mansfield Park, Persuasion, Northanger Abbey)

Thanks for posting that schedule, Merlin. Enjoy! Wish they were doing that in the US.

Masterpiece Classics (PBS) in the US will, however, rerun the latest Sense and Sensibility mini February 1 and 8.

There's also a 5 part series called The Story of the Costume Drama on each day before the Jane Austen at 8.00pm.

The BBC are making a new version of Emma to be shown in the autumn according to this week's Radio Times.

Can't wait to see that one!

From the BBC press office...

BBC Drama Production presents Jane Austen's comic masterpiece Emma for BBC One
Date: 28.01.2009
Category: TV Drama; BBC One
Jane Austen's masterpiece Emma is to be adapted by award-winning writer Sandy Welch (Our Mutual Friend, Jane Eyre, North And South) into a fresh, humorous and perceptive 4 x 60-minute serial for BBC Drama Production, for transmission on BBC One in autumn 2009.

Austen's classic comic novel follows the story of the "handsome, clever and rich" Emma Woodhouse.

Dominating the small provincial world of Highbury, Emma believes she is a skilled matchmaker and repeatedly attempts to pair up her friends and acquaintances.

Brought up sharply against the folly of her own immaturity, the consequent crisis and her bitter regrets are brought to a happy resolution in a sharp and sparkling comedy of self-deceit and self-discovery.

BAFTA-winning Welch will unfold Austen's witty and compassionate story over four hour-long episodes, providing a rich insight into one of the author's most complex characters.

Kate Harwood, Controller Series and Serials, BBC, says: "In Emma, Austen has created an intriguing heroine, and our four-hour canvas allows us to explore this multi-faceted character in detail. Emma was Austen's last novel, written when she was at the height of her craft, and we are delighted that such an esteemed writer as Sandy Welch is bringing her vision to this appealing story."

Ben Stephenson, Controller, Drama Commissioning, explains: "BBC drama is committed to retelling classic stories for a new generation of viewers and this four-part adaptation – the first serial version of Emma since the Seventies – gives Sandy the opportunity to find new detail and added psychological depth in Austen's characters.

"2009 will also see Desperate Romantics and Small Island burst onto the screen and we believe that this offers viewers a real range of stories about our heritage."

Emma was first published in 1815. Set in Regency England it was the last Jane Austen novel to be published before the author's death in 1817, and is one of her most popular and best-loved books.

The 4 x 60-minute serial is produced by BBC Drama Production and will be filmed late spring/early summer 2009. Full casting will be announced at a later date.

Phillippa Giles (Jane Eyre, The Alan Clark Diaries, North And South) is Executive Producer with George Ormond (Silent Witness, EastEnders) producing the serialisation.

Emma was commissioned by Ben Stephenson, Controller, Drama Commissioning ,and Jay Hunt, Controller, BBC One.

Notes to Editors
Austen's Emma was last adapted for television in the 1996 ITV single drama, starring Kate Beckinsale and Mark Strong. Gwyneth Paltrow starred as Emma in an Oscar-nominated film version by Miramax in the same year.

Oooh! This is so exciting!!

Hi there,

I thought I'd join in on the discussion, specifically regardiong Lost In Austen.

I read the reviews (the rejections) on other blogs and went in search of the program. I was able to locate and watch it online and found it quite humorous. One must realize, going in, that it is fantasy and give in to the fantasy. I particularly enjoyed the scene (ep. 3?) where Amanda, standing in front of a fountain with Darcy, asks him to do her a favor. I'm sure you can guess what that favor was. :)

The region 1 DVD is available now for pre-order on Amazon and being released April 14th. Perfect timing--do my taxes, order Lost In Austen!

Laurie- I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed your book! I was at a Jane Austen weekend at a local inn and another guest was reading it and recommended. I just finished reading it today and can't wait to read of Jane's adventures in the 21st century. Talk about culture shock! At least Courtney had hindsight to her benefit. I was excessively diverted :)

Hi, mkay--welcome to the forum! Sorry about the late reply; I was out of town and just catching up now. So happy you enjoyed the book. Would LOVE to hear about the Jane Austen weekend at an inn. What was that like?

I have not seen LOST IN AUSTEN, but it does sound like my kind of story.

Laurie

WOW! I feel way behind with all thing Austen, concerning movies. I have only seen Pride& Prejudice ( w/ Kiera Knightly) and Then Jane Asuten Book Club. Recomendations anyone?

Glad you asked, MCK. :) Here's my list:
Bride and Prejudice, a Bollywood-meets-Hollywood, hugely fun adaptation of P&P.
Clueless, a contemporary, set-in-Beverly-Hills-High-School adaptation of Emma
Emma, starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Jeremy Northam and Ewan McGregor (1995)
Persuasion, starring Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds (1995)
Sense and Sensibility, starring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet (1995)
Pride and Prejudice 5-hour miniseries, 1995, starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle.
That will be a good way to get started. More to come... :)))

I totally agree with your list, Laurie. Persuasion being top of the list..Ciaran Hinds voice over of "you pierce my soul" melt, melt, melt!
Loved Bride and Prejudice! I think I would prefer Mr. Collins (P&P '95) over Mr. Coli. Hmm, maybe I should watch that this week.

I'm with you, mkay. Love that Persuasion film. Love Ciaran Hinds.

I'd like to see Mr. Collins and Mr. Kholli in the same room. Dueling Mr. C's. What fun. :)

Laurie, Thanks for your suggestions. Hopefully i will have time to watch some of them. Ive been freaking out over AP tests lately. Oh,I finally finished Persuasion and LOVED it! It is now at the top of my list next to P&P. But now Im a little upset I have nothing new to read!

My pleasure, MCK. Good luck on your tests! And I'm really happy that you loved Persuasion. Perhaps I can recommend another book for you if you tell me what you're looking for.

Well, honestly I don't really know. Im open to anything!

Have you read Bridget Jones's Diary and the sequel, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason? The first is a contemporary adaptation of Pride and Prejudice; the second an adaptation of Persuasion. I love these books. Also another author high on my list of favorites is Nick Hornby. He wrote About a Boy, High Fidelity, and A Long Way Down.

No, I haven't read any of those. Thanks for your reccomendations. Ive been kind of selective on what Ive been reading lately, so reading some new authors will be good.

By the way I love the Pride&Prejudice Stalker Version video you have!

Yes, my wife and I have enjoyed several Jane Austen movie adaptations. However, there is nothing....I repeat, NOTHING like the pleasure of reading her divine prose! Movies are a distant second place as far as entertainment value. "I dare say" the BBC seems to have an advantage when it comes to authenticity.

I've recently watched Lost in Austen. It was so much fun to watch. The actress that played the main character who ended up in the Regency era was a fine actress indeed! Highly recommended if you are in the mood for laughs, romance and *ladies* a handsome man in white wet shirt stepping out of the pool....

My wife and I watched "Emma" with Glyneth Paltrow and thoroughly enjoyed it. However Miss Jane, in the opening lines of her novel, declares Emma to be "handsome" which to me indicates she could be the most beautiful of all the heroines. Ms Paltrow, while attractive, is not the "handsome" lady I was expecting . Emma should be depicted as stunning "eye candy" to the gentleman don't you think?

I agree with you , sort of. Glyneth Paltrow , in my opinion is very beautiful. But, at the same time, I feel they could have chosen someone better. Its not that she isn't "handsome" enough , but she just didn't fit what I believed Emma to look like. But, I am with you and think they could have casted someone else for the role.

I think Gwyneth Paltrow is absolutely stunning, and she is one of my favorite actresses. I thought she did a fine job as Emma. Very rarely does the director cast someone who actually looks exactly like the character in the book. I no longer expect it to be otherwise, or else I'd be disappointed by most films. For example, Emma Thompson playing Elinor Dashwood, who was 19 years old in the book. But I didn't mind that either. Emma Thompson can be reading the newspaper on camera, and I'd go to see the movie. :))

Yes I know what you mean. And I aggree with you that sometimes it is better that they did not go with somone just because they look like the character. But, I guess Im a little wierd but, when I like a book a lot I have an image of what that character should look like. Then when I find out they look different, sometimes Im a little disapointed. Maybe thats just me, but I know it doesn't always work that way in the film industry.

Another oddity: The mis-casting of Anne Hathaway as Jane Austen in the movie "Becoming Jane." (Don't get me wrong, I'm in love with Anne Hathaway) Laurie, I think your description of Jane Austen in Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict is very accurate and faithful. Upon reading Jane Eyre, I may be way off-base, but I think the descriptions of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre and Jane Austen (by her contemporaries) are quite similar, wouldn't you think?

We've had a little Jane weekend here in the UK. Persuasion 2007 (not one of my favourites but nice to see Bath) was on on Saturday, last night, Becoming Jane - I like Anne as Jane but thought the film itself is a bit too 'Pride and Prejudice' and tonight The Jane Austen Bookclub which is nice too.

Hi, Merlin. And you must admit it's nice to see Rupert Penry-Jone's in Persuasion 2007. :) Sounds like a fun weekend. You must tell us all about the new Emma, which will be airing on your side of the pond first!

Hi Laurie, I quite liked Rupert and the extra scenes with himself and Granville but I didn't like the way they chopped the dialogue up and moved it around to different people and in different times - for example part of the conversation Anne had with Benwick was the one she had with Granville in Bath - I find it distracting. I love to see Bath though - although the part with Anne running backwards and forwards around the town looking for Wentworth was a bit silly. My favourite Wentworth is Ciaran Hinds but my favourite Anne is Ann Firbank.

Yes, Emma should be on soon Hip Hip Hurrah!

I agree, Merlin! I think they were trying to creatively squeeze an entire novel into 90 minutes--practically impossible. I didn't mind the running so much as I minded the changing of the letter scene, which is one of the best scenes in English literature, in my opinion. The whole conversation with Harville is a key turning point because it inspires Wentworth to grab the paper and pour out his heart. So I don't know what they were thinking when they changed that.

Don't know Ann Firbank; must be an adaptation I haven't seen. The BBC one from the 80s perhaps?

Looking forward to your thoughts on the new EMMA!

P.S. AND they cut a couple of minutes out of PERSUASION for the American broadcast, to make matters worse. Luckily I have it on DVD, so I was able to see it in its entirety, and those two minutes do make a big difference, in my opinion.

Ann's version was even older (like me) LOL - 1971! A nice Wentworth too -Bryan Marshall.

I absolutely love the letter scene - when she's reading it aaaahhh. I also love the scene when she is in the tea shop (now a trendy boutique!) and she sees him before he sees her and she gets taken away by Mr Eliot. How jealous Wentworth must have been!

I love those scenes as well! And I've seen that same trendy boutique and tried to imagine Mollands there. Did you have fun on your latest trip to Bath?

Yes, I did thank you Laurie - I went on the 2 hour !! Jane Austen walk which was interesting but a bit tiring - I perked up though by having a cup of tea in the Jane Austen Centre sitting right opposite Mr Darcy (on the wall!). I can never understand why town planners demolish lovely old buildings - surely there's room for old and modern - there was a programme on Bath last week and it's shocking how many Georgian Terraces they destroyed (more than during the war!). Even here where I live, we used to have a castle and they demolished it - anywhere I go if they've got a castle even a ruined one - I love to go see it.

Have you visited Edinburgh Laurie - no Jane Austen connection but I was there just the last few days and it is very similar to Bath building wise but much bigger and very hilly and steppy for someone like me with a wonky knee!

Your trip sounds lovely. I have never thought of Bath as a town where old buildings were destroyed by anything but the war! I thought preservation was a high priority there. But perhaps you are speaking of an earlier period, before the Bath Preservation Trust and before the city was designated as a national heritage city, or whatever they call it (I forgot)?

I have not been to Edinburgh but would love to do so. It's too bad you couldn't order a chair! Oh how times have changed...

It wasn't until after the war the Government sent chaps out to 'list' buildings to be protected and preserved (hence Listed Buildings!) they started in Bath and the 'big' terraces like the Crescent and expensive houses were listed but the ordinary people terraced houses and shops were not considered worth spending money on to preserve them so the town planners were free to demolish them - and replace them with concrete blocks. That went on till about the 60's I think then people started protesting about it and eventually the city planners and the Government saw the light! Thank goodness.

A sedan chair would have been just the thing - but the men carrying me would have to have been very strong LOL.

Here's the 'blurb' from the TV programme.....

http://www.open2.net/savingbritainspast/the_city.html

Tom Dyckhoff goes to Bath to meet some key players in the debate about the listing system, including original listers and developers, to find out if listed building status really has saved this historic town, and at what cost.__In 1942 Hitler carried out a series of attacks on historic British cities that became known as the Baedeker Raids. These raids focused on targets chosen because of their beauty and architectural significance. The attacks provoked a national outcry and fuelled demand for a coherent approach to the preservation of Britain’s historic buildings. The result was the listings system. Ironically, with the listers’ veneration for Georgian set pieces they created an open invitation for a new breed – the town planners – to start wielding their power and by the early 1970s 1,000 Georgian buildings in Bath had been demolished.__It would take the passion of a local resident and architectural critic to kick-start a nationwide campaign to save Bath. The result was a radical overhaul of the listings system and, by 1975, a revised list of buildings in Bath was published. It was double the length of the original and many buildings were reclassified and became protected.__In recent years the listing system has evolved to allow anyone to lobby for a building to be listed. The result in Bath has not been met by universal approval. Designers like James Dyson feel thwarted by the system and critics like Stephen Bayley deride it for turning Bath into a museum.

That is really fascinating. Thank you!

Emma starts this Sunday at 9.00 pm BBC1 for UK viewers.

Thanks, Merlin. Please let us know what you think. Looking forward to hearing about it!

Well as usual you can't beat the good old Beeb when it comes to lovely costumes, gorgeous houses and gardens! Everyone who adapts Jane always seems to like to add their own little bit extra - which I don't mind as long as they don't leave any of Jane's words/action out and in this one there is a prequel about Emma, Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill when they were small children and a little extra scene with Mr Knightley and Mrs Weston talking about Emma. I like Jonny Lee Miller but I don't think he looks old enough to be 16 years old than Emma and Emma herself is a little bit too 'stroppy teenager type' but other than that it was good I quite enjoyed it.

Stroppy teenager type--very funny! Thanks for keeping us posted, Merlin. I am certainly looking forward to the new Emma making her appearance this side of the pond.

I'm sure Jonny Lee Miller would be pleased to hear your remark about his youthfulness. :))

Howdy!

Okay, this is really sad. :) I finally viewed Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightley. I have to agree with some of you that the 1995 adaptation was the best by far--I think.

Warmly,
Kim

Yes, but the music is gorgeous. And so is Matthew MacFadyen. :))

Is it bad that I still havent seen the 1995 movie? Everyone seems to think it is so much better. Is it really that good?

MCK, I think people tend to get attached to the version they see first. So you may indeed like the 2005 version better. It may also be a generational thing, Keira Knightley appealing more to a younger audience than Jennifer Ehle, perhaps?

The 1995 version is more faithful to the book than the 2005 version, but then again, they had five hours to be faithful to the book. I think it is an extremely entertaining miniseries and really worth seeing, and Jennifer Ehle is so perfect that she even has Lizzie's fine eyes. Colin Firth as Darcy is just as attractive as Matthew MacFadyen, in my opinion, and he is an astonishingly subtle actor, conveying volumes in just a look.

I agree with Laurie. I only saw the 95 version after I had seen the newer version. I love them both for different reasons. And I love Matthew MacFadyen's portrayel of Mr. Darcy...so MCK no it's not bad that you haven't seen the 95 version. :-) However, if you do decide to watch it, like, say on a rainy weekend, I think you will find that it's just lovely...

I'm quite excited this month - I've never seen a 'live' Jane Austen production but this month I'm going to see Pride and Prejudice on Birmingham Rep Theatre and then a week later a production called Austen's Women which sounds interesting....

Austen's Women
Presented by Theatre Tours International
Co-written & performed by Rebecca Vaughan
Co-written & directed by Guy Masterson

A selection of most rewarding and exciting moments in the works of Jane Austen, Austen's Women brings to the stage the many beautifully observed women and heroines throughout her canon. From scenes of high comedy to moments of pathos and lonliness, Austen's creations are painted with unnerving accuracy.
A journey into the "Two inches of ivory" with Lizzie Bennet, Emma Woodhouse, Anne Elliot, The Dashwood Sisters and many more as they fall in and out of love, make friends and alienate others, commit notorious improprieties and learn important life lessons.
One for every Jane Austen fan.

Date: Friday 13 November, 7.30pm
Venue: Crosby Civic Hall, Main Hall
Tickets: £10 (£8 concessions) / Schools: £6 pupils & teachers
Online Booking: Austens Women Tickets

That sounds like something I'd love to see. Enjoy, and please let us know what you thought of it!

Thanks!

Laurie

P& P was very good, the actors were great Lizzie was pretty and lively and Darcy was handsome and arrogant. I did miss seeing the lovely big houses though - I'm a bit spoilt I suppose with the tv and film adaptations.

Austen's Women was excellent - it was a one woman show in which she used Jane's words but 'told us (the audience)' the situation - for example Lizzie turning down Darcy's proposal - she talked to us instead of him. She was not only the heroines she was also Fanny Dashwood, Mrs Norris, Mrs Elton and Mary (Anne's sister).

Thanks for the report, Merlin. The one-woman show sounds amazing. And yes, I agree; it's always an adjustment to go from the nothing-left-to-the-imagination world of movies and tv to live theatre. The writing and the actors have to be excellent enough to allow us modern audiences to suspend disbelief and forget that we are sitting in a theatre looking at a set. And perhaps we have to do our part and surrender to the experience, too. I am of course speaking for myself! I'm an avid movie watcher and a sometimes theatre goer. Really fascinating to contemplate. I think theatre actors really have to work harder than ever before--I feel for them. Thanks again for the report.

I love to go and see this - are you anywhere near New York Laurie?....


http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/arts_and_culture/8340749.stm

Rare Austen letters cause excitement

A major Jane Austen exhibition, which has opened in New York, is creating a huge stir among fans and cultural commentators.

Only a small number of the author’s personal letters survive.

More than 100 items, including rare manuscripts and letters written by the British author to her family, have gone on display at the Morgan Library and Museum in Manhattan.
"You can really get up close to the letters - get your nose in," says Morgan curator Declan Kiely.
"You feel you are getting to know Austen even though she is unknowable in some respects."
The letters - which is the largest collection in the world - are full of the author's famous stinging wit and her spirited sense of humour.
In one, written to her niece for her eighth birthday, Austen wrote each word backwards, creating a puzzle for the young recipient.
Only a small number of the author's personal letters have survived, and opportunities to see them in public are rare.
"There have been so many Jane Austen adaptations over the last 20 or 30 years. It seemed like a timely moment to show this collection," says Mr Kiely.
'Thoroughly modern'
Nearly two centuries after her death, Austen is more popular than ever, thanks in part to numerous book, TV and film adaptations of her work.
These have starred a host of Hollywood actors including Colin Firth, Anne Hathaway and Kate Winslet.
In October, BBC One screened a new version of Emma, starring Jonny Lee Miller and Romola Garai.
A highlight of the exhibition is the only surviving and complete handwritten manuscript of one of Austen's novels, Lady Susan.
Composed in 1794-95, the story is a dark, satirical novel about a widow, determined to find a husband for herself and her shy daughter at any cost.
"We are very excited about Lady Susan. It hasn't been shown in public for many years," said Marsha Huff, President of the Jane Austen Society of North America.
"Austen's themes are universal, her characters are believable and her heroines are thoroughly modern.
"There's no doubt people will still be reading her 200 years from now."
An unfinished manuscript of The Watsons is annotated with detailed revisions.
It is the only surviving Austen manuscript which shows her work in progress.
Poignant letter
Other exhibits include a note in which Austen lists the amount of money she has made on each of her novels.
In another, she has written down her expenses, which included clothes, stamps and meat from the butcher.
But, perhaps the most poignant is a letter dated 20 July 1817, written by Cassandra to Fanny Knight - Austen's beloved niece - reporting the author's death.
"I have lost a treasure, such a sister, such a friend as never can have been surpassed," it read.
Some of the letters on display have pieces cut out of them, most likely to be passages relating to health and other personal matters.
The Morgan's curators speculate that they might also have included criticisms of people the author knew.
"Jane Austen was like a guided missile of social satire. She was very frank which is why so many of her letters were destroyed or excised [by Austen's family]," explains Mr Kiely.
"She writes in one about people's fat necks and about people she's seen at parties.
"In one, she writes about women she's seen out in Bath wearing these elaborate hats topped with grapes and strawberries," he added.
Written at a time when paper and postage were expensive, the letters are also remarkable for their economy, with Austen cramming as many words as she could into each page.
In some letters, she used cross-hatching, whereby people at the time wrote both horizontally and vertically on the same side of one page to save money on paper and postage.
The organisers of the exhibition have also commissioned a documentary film about Austen's continuing influence, which features interviews with Fran Lebowitz, Colm Toibin and Cornel West.

A Woman's Wit: Jane Austen's Life and Legacy opens at The Morgan Library and Museum in New York on 6 November and runs until 14 March.

So sorry you got caught in the spam filter, Merlin! Whenever anyone posts a link on this forum, it automatically gets flagged as suspected spam until I rescue it. But I don't get any alerts that it's there until I update my website and happen to spot it. So I'm very sorry about the delay in posting this. Please email me and give me a heads up next time you post a link, and I'll un-flag it immediately! Thanks. laurie@janeaustenaddict.com.

Anyway--I am in Southern California, and I wish I could go to that exhibit. Perhaps I will be lucky and find an excuse to go to New York before the exhibit closes in March... hmmmm....thanks for posting this info, Merlin!

Aahh - you're a bit closer than me! I hope it comes to the UK - surely it should come to Bath.

Just a bit! I hope that exhibit travels to you, too. Have a lovely Monday!

Merlin, thank you so much for posting this!!!!! I am going to try to make it! WOW.

You're welcome! Come back and let us know all about it DKDC.