“Classic” Jane Austen Adaptations on BBC Four
Alert Janeite Liz wrote to tell us that BBC Four is broadcasting Saturday Night Classics each week at around 6 p.m. Last week was the 80s Northanger Abbey, and this week they are showing parts 1 and 2 of the 1972 Emma (presumably the rest will follow). Keep an eye out for these oldies but goodies–who knows what might turn up? (We wait in vain for Auntie Beeb to pull the 1952 P&P with Peter Cushing as Darcy and Prunella Scales as Lydia out of her vaults…)
March 4th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
I caught a bit of Northanger Abbey *shudders* Not sure what I hated most Peter Firth’s Henry Tilney or Robert Hardy’s overacting. Though Hardy’s been overacting for years and is more of an institution
March 5th, 2008 at 11:28 am
I picked up the 1972 Emma at a car boot sale last year, and still haven’t watched it. I managed to get as far as the introduction of Mr Elton and Harriet at Hartfield, but it was just painful to watch. A very antiquated style of acting might be the reason, perhaps. Everyone seemed too posh for words.
Can anyone tell me if it gets any better?
March 5th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Peter Cushing as Darcy?? I MUST see this!
March 5th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Thank you for the information- I’ve been curious about the 70s and 80s versions (having only seen P&P and MP), but have been hesitant about buying the DVDs due to the mixed comments.
March 5th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
I saw Emma years ago and hated it as it was so static, so obviously just shot in the studio. Plus I didn’t like the actress playing Emma. The 80s version of Mansfield Park is ok, but not outstanding though. I confess I am intrigued at the thought of seeing Peter Cushing also!
March 5th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
This is my favourite version of Emma.
The antiquated style adds to the atmosphere of a bygone age. It adds to the overall charm.
This is *pure* JA without the aid of modern film techniques boosting atmosphere - the atmosphere sets in by itself because of the sheer volume of dialogue from the book.
And the actors deliver these dialogues with such beautiful diction, bringing out the beauty of the words.
The *best* Mrs Elton (love her tongue in the cheek)
Harriet just as described in the book.
Emma with *hazel* eyes and her interaction with Mr. Knightley beats all other Emma adaptations. There is this friendly and easy relationship between them which is breath taking - don’t miss the **scissors’ scene**
Mr Knightley disappointing at first because he looks old, but goes on to impress me tremendously with his superb acting.
Frank Churchill - just the right mixture of an irresponsible mischievious youthful character, not creepy as in KB’s adaptation.
And last but not least The best Mr. Woodhouse
What is there to not like!!!!!
These adaptations of the 70s and 80s (including NA)
stick to the book They do justice to them.
What more can one ask!!!!!