tvPalaver: A Surfeit of Jane (plus Mr. Darcy)

It seems we can never get enough of Jane.  Tonight Masterpiece Theatre (or should I say Masterpiece*) begins a ten-week run of film adaptations of Jane Austen's novels, as well as a new biopic of her life.  They will kick off The Complete Jane Austen tonight with a new production of Persuasion.  I loved the 1995 Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds version so much I am hesitant to watch this new one (particularly after watching a clip on PBS's website that shows a ridiculously youthful Captain Wentworth).  I only hope this adaptation uses the line "I'm for Bath!" -- which mysterywriter, L, and I are likely to shout when any random decision must be made.  This is confusing to others.

The good news is that they're sticking with the Jennifer Ehle/Colin Firth version of Pride and Prejudice, which runs February 10, 17 and 24.  (And yes, this post was just an excuse to lead with a photo of Mr. Darcy post-swim.)

Masterpiece runs (at least on most stations) Sundays at 9, and only P&P and Sense and Sensibility run for more than one night.  If you've already missed tonight's film because my post is so tardy, check your local PBS station listings for repeats.  Or better yet, put the Amanda Root/Ciaran Hinds one on your queue.

* Evidently it's not just the name that changed.  From Alistair Cooke, to Russell Baker, to . . . Scully?

In January, 2008, Masterpiece Theatre introduces a new look, new scheduling, and the first of three new hosts for 2008. Gillian Anderson, well known to Masterpiece fans for her Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated performance as Lady Dedlock in Bleak House, makes her debut as the host of The Complete Jane Austen, the highly anticipated showcase of all six of Austen's novels.

* * * *

A new Masterpiece classic host is not the only change coming to the series in 2008. Viewers can look forward to a schedule that breaks the year into three "seasons," each with its own host, stunning graphics, and fresh take on the series' famous theme music. In winter and spring, Masterpiece classic will feature signature period dramas. In summer, Masterpiece mystery! will present the best British mysteries, and in fall, Masterpiece contemporary will show dramas set in modern times.

Comments

[contessa]

Wasn't there a lot of running around the streets of Bath in this version, not to mention people dashing out of the concert hall? I don't recall quite so much vigorous exertion in Jane Austin ... but then I haven't committed the Amanda Root/Ciaran Hinds version to memory (like some people).

[mbpalaver]

I agree there was an unseemly amount of rushing, jogging, and chasing. How about that scene where the camera was chasing Anne and her friend down the street from behind? I found the Root/Hinds version much quieter and intense, and thought the payoff there was much more dramatic (though I can't comment on which was more true to the book, as I haven't read in many years).

[mysterywriter]

It's been about ten years since I read Persuasion, but I remember thinking that the Root/Hinds version was very true to it. That being said, in some editions of the book, Jane gives an alternate ending as well, which--though you still get the ultimate ending you want--is very anti-climatic.