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1 January 2007

Vicar of Dibley Christmas episode features Austen references

Filed under: Screen — Mags @ 5:13 pm

Alert Janeite Patty wrote to tell us that Part I of the Christmas episode of The Vicar of Dibley (which we understand is also the series finale) contained some Jane Austen references. From Patty’s e-mail:

Sense and Sensibility (both the book and the Ang Lee film) were mentioned in the first episode of the Christmas special of The Vicar of Dibley.

Vicar Geraldine Granger says it is her favourite book and then there’s a scene with a parody of Emma Thompson’s reaction to the news that Edward is not married. I think I’ll never see that scene in the same way anymore.

We decided to poke around a bit on YouTube and wouldn’t you know, some kind soul has enabled the Janeites. And it’s hysterical. AND it features the absolutely delicious Richard Armitage kicking Hugh Grant to the curb in the Charming Handsome Hero category.

We believe Part 2 is to be broadcast today…the YouTube watch has begun.

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Austen Season begins in March

It looks like ITV is beginning their “Austen Season” in March with the broadcast of MANSFIELD PARK.

In one of four dramas commissioned for a Jane Austen season Billie Piper stars as Fanny Price, for the latest adaptation of the classic Mansfield Park.

Taken from her poverty stricken home to live with her rich aunt and uncle (Jemma Redgrave and Douglas Hodge) Fanny is never allowed to forget her humble background. When a glamorous socialite arrives at the house she fears she may lose the only person she really loves, her cousin Edmund.

Before anyone gets all excited…only three films were commissioned; the fourth is a repeat of the adaptation of EMMA starring Kate Beckinsale.

We are very amused by the phrase “glamorous socialite” for some reason. (Almost as good as the cover copy for Persuasion 1995, in which Lady Russell is referred to as a “scheming socialite.”)

As a reminder for those who haven’t seen it, these films will be broadcast in the U.S. on PBS’ Masterpiece Theatre beginning in November 2007.

ETA: Masterpiece Theatre will broadcast the films starting in January 2008.

Thanks to Alert Janeite Amo for the link!

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