Pride and Prejudice (1980) Miniseries Review

[@ahjingteo7497]

This is MY favourite P&P version - to date, the best Lizzie Bennett and Darcy both. In particular, I feel that David Rintoul nailed Darcy down exactly. Darcy is that starchy, that stiff, deadpan , arrogant (in first half of the book), and Rintoul portrays it exactly. But he also cleverly betrays Darcy’s emotions through subtle changes in expressions, looks, hands and body stance. This results in electrifying chemistry between him and Elizabeth!! By the end of the show, Darcy warms visibly as a man in love with his love reciprocated, yet not too much, which is just as it should be. (It took me several re-watching to catch these subtleties though. I am still seeing new things when I watch this version today. But that is what makes this version so classic!!) Don’t forget this was the Regency period, and showing one’s emotions were considered bad taste among aristocrats. Every gesture and word was guided by rules. (Although Darcy is not an aristocrat himself, but he lives in that circle. Being connected to Lady Catherine etc) Firth’s Darcy is good in engaging the audience but too emotive. Falls short of the starchiness of Darcy. When I first saw the 1995 version, I keep thinking why is Darcy going around looking so dishevelled, so ‘lax and loose’ all the time. (Not to mention the pond and the bathing scenes, which I thought were a little cheesy, some Hollywood-like gambit to introduce ‘sexiness’ into the show. totally uncalled for. But this is no fault of Firth.) Elizabeth Garlie’s Lizzie is also the best. She flirts and smiles while roasting others (such that the other party doesn’t realise it, or cannot take offence visibly), is witty, intelligent and introspective, has a light and pleasing figure, just as in the book. The 1995 Lizzie is good too, successfully conveying her unspoken emotions through facial expressions too, but I was not entirely satisfied and I didn’t know why until I read another viewer’s comment that “she smirks, not smiles”. The rest of the cast in this version is also the best interpretation to date, including Mr and Mrs Bennet (except for Jane Bennet but only because she is not a blonde. Given the definition of beauty in regency times, for Jane to be so acclaimed as a beauty, I think it is more logical that she should be a blonde. The acting is still very good though.) the 1995 Mr and Mrs Bennet may be more likeable to the audience but less true to the novel, and Mrs B’s portrayal is a little too over the top but still good nonetheless. My only regret regarding this version is that it ends after the second proposal, and the second proposal itself was a little over summarised. I would have loved to see more of Rintoul’s ‘humanised’ Darcy,

[@noneofyourbusiness4209]

This is by far the best version on video of that book. It is calm and Darcy is the best rendering of this cold character

[@annnee6818]

It took me two watches to appreciate the subtle softness that Rintoul used in his face to convey he was falling for Elizabeth. The first time I saw it I didn't like it that much but now it's almost on par with the 1995 version. I just detest the cartoony versions of Lydia and hysterically screeching Mrs Bennet. 1980 Mrs Bennet is PERFECT. The oblivious way she stares about, kind of vapid with just one goal in mind. I think it's pretty much spot on.

[@HeathsHarleyQuinn]

I really really loved Darcy, actually. I saw this when I was quite young, after reading the book, and I felt he was perfection. The subtleties are perfect to me. Other Darcy's are overdone in terms of the kindnesses. With them, I wonder why she didn't fall in love with him sooner. This to me, is the best tension.

[@ahjingteo7497]

@The Road to Perdition, my sentiments exactly!

[@inhisimage0457]

I agree!

[@karenlorentz5048]

This version has THE BEST supporting cast. The most officious Lady C., a Mr. Collins who fits Austen's description and is just toady but not creepy and greasy, a really class Mrs. Gardiner, and a Bingley who actually teases Darcy. This version also preserves Lizzy's POV in two key scenes. We are surprised along with Lizzy to find Darcy at Pemberley (no awful ponds) and we are surprised to learn that Darcy was at Lydia's wedding. It is as close to the book (except for Lizzy's weird run to Pemberley) as you can get.

[@hanng1242]

I agree. Buffoonish Mr. Collins is *much* better than needs-to-be-on-a-registry Mr. Collins. Mrs. Bennet is also much better in this version. The Mrs. Bennet in the 1995 version was so shrill it was annoying; Priscilla Morgan plays the part in a way that she is silly when she needs to be, but has enough charm to show why Mr. Bennet could have been taken with her in the first place. I also prefer Elizabeth Garvie to Jennifer Ehle; I cannot quite put my finger on it, but the latter feels a bit too modern, too American or both. Finally, I get a kick out of how Julia from the Hellraiser franchise got her start in this production; who knew that Kitty would grow up to be a creepy murderess?

[@ajvanmarle]

At least this Darcy doesn't jump randomly into lakes.

[@annnee6818]

Lol. It did achieve what it meant to, though 😂

[@endtimestraveller7716]

I really like this version. When I first watched it I was taken aback at it's seeming woodeness and David Rintoul seemed like a sort of zombie. But when I watched it again I could see it was quite subtle and it really grew on me.

[@22moonpie]

I didn’t like this version as much the first time I watched it but each time I watch it I like it more and more ! I especially like Elizabeth Garvey .

[@rosezingleman5007]

Moray Watson (Mr Bennet) was in a very funny Cary Grant/Deborah Kerr movie, “The Grass is Greener,” set in a manor house. Watson played the butler with terrific comic flair. Garvie is delightful in this but it does have pacing problems which don’t exist in the novel of course. I always thought it kind of inexcusable because of course, they couldn’t have been doing last minute script revisions, right?? But maybe they were. If someone tasked me with fitting it all in, there would be arguments for sure. Too bad there isn’t a “making of” video floating around for this version.

[@katplewis1685]

I just watched the 1980 version. And I like it very much. :) thanks for the review.

[@GoGreen1977]

I agree with your assessment of the Darcy in this version. I can understand that Elizabeth would be grateful and think a little more warmly about him for Darcy's efforts to find Lydia and Wickham, but that would be it if I were she. I wouldn't be falling in love with him without more work on his part.

[@jmwillilams023]

I just watched it. While Eliza was decent, Darcy was absolutely painful and you are right......their relationship never seemed to develop. It went from disdain to "love" with no emotion. It was painful and I had to force myself to watch all five episodes.

[@sadiedavenport]

I watched this straight through when I was in 8th grade. I was originally skeptical, knowing it was one of those '70s/80s adaptations, and the '80s permed curls and regency style but pie crust-esque collars we're not lost on me, even back then (it's rather fun to see the effect of past aesthetics on historical costume interpretation, really). But I'd say this is easily my second favorite adaptation of the book. It's not the '95 version, but what is?

[@amybishop1666]

This is the version I grew up with (early years) before the 1995 version came out. It stills holds a special place in my heart. David Rantoul always seemed wooden to me, but I love Elizabeth Garvey's performance. The 2005 version will probably always be the gold standard for me, but I like to watch this version once in a while.

[@glendodds3824]

Although the 1995 adaptation with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle is my favourite, I also love this version and bought it on DVD. Most of the dialogue is taken directly from the book and the standard of acting is generally good. However, I think that they should have chosen a larger house for the Bennet family home for Mr Bennet had an annual income of £2,000 a year, more than some of Jane Austen's other country gentlemen. Incidentally, Marsha Fitzalan, the actress who plays Caroline Bingley, is the daughter of the 17th Duke of Norfolk.

[@supergran1000]

I know several "Janeites" who love this version and believe it to be definitive. Personally, I'm loathe to call any adaptation "definitive" for the reasons that you state - it would require a level of perfection that's hard to attain. As much as I enjoy P&P95, it made some HUGE blunders that quite adversely changed the subtle structure of Austen's story. So to compare any other version to '95, as though it were the yardstick, is a mistake (in my opinion). To return to P&P80, I agree with you about Garvie. I, too, think she gives a fine performance. I'd go so far as to say she's the best Elizabeth Bennet I've seen. Her maturation is so evident, and that's what P&P is all about. In fact, most of the characterisations in '80 are very good. Rintoul, however, is just much too stiff. Darcy is a VERY difficult character to play and to screen write. Andrew Davies ('95) went too far in revealing Darcy's "good" side earlier than Elizabeth herself discovers it. That "reveal" upset the balance that the book creates. But, of course, that "good" side has always been there as explained by Darcy's housekeeper and his sister. He undergoes a process of maturation, as we know, but he is an essentially principled and decent man. How to convey all that? I know I wouldn't like to try! Lol. Anyway, thank you SO much for this review. Your insight and perception always delights me.

[@rachelport3723]

Yes, I agree about Garvie's performance - and she got the part just out of acting school, which perhaps makes it even more remarkable, though it adds to the freshness and youth of her performance. Darcy is difficult to play because we don't get his inner life other than the beginnings of his love for Elizabeth. That's what Davies tried to develop, and got right in a few places and quite wrong in others. But Colin Firth went further to show who Darcy is than anyone else (he is NOT shy and awkward as Matthew McFadden plays him). And showing him in real time finding Lydia and Wickham, it should be done in flashback when Elizabeth gets Mrs. Gardiner's letter. And yes, he is, as Elizabeth tells Wickham before the regiment leaves, as he ever was, but she has come to understand him better. I read an introduction to some edition of the book that pointed out that Elizabeth had to travel increasing physical distances to understand him, away from her world and ever closer to his, which readies her to leave home in marriage. It's one of those things that we respond to unconsciously in the book that makes it so satisfying - kind of like the Joseph Campbell mapping of the hero's journey. Other Austen heroines travel, but with their families. Lizzie gains knowledge from her travels which contrasts with the unchanging perceptions of her family.

[@supergran1000]

Thanks for responding, Rachel. :) I think Davies' intentions were good, but it was an arrogance to reveal Darcy's actions in bringing about Lydia's marriage before Elizabeth received that letter. Flashbacks would have been a brilliant idea! I know we've talked about this before, but I love how Firth "gets" Darcy. I've got the BBC book "The Making of Pride and Prejudice", and in it Firth relates at great length how he approached the part. He concludes that Darcy's failing is "foolish, superficial social snobbery, and that's the bitter lesson he has to learn....when he falls in love with one of those 'barbarians' and realises that she is at least his equal, if not his superior, in terms of wit, intellectual agility and sense of personal dignity. He is so profoundly challenged by her that his old prejudices cannot be upheld". What perception. Take note other actors!

[@xyzsame4081]

@@rachelport3723 Rintoul must be a well known (stage) actor. Maybe it was good that Garvie did not have a lot of professional experience, so her performance was fresh and playful and lively. The lines are delivered flawlessly (also by Lizzy). That's the stage training, Shakespearian lingo and all. He reveals it all by his voice. (I could forgive him for his stiff posture that may be authentic). Dude has gone through some major struggles and the proposal scenes (both) are way too stiff. Even if you factor in the restrictions of the time, some emotion, joy should come through. It upends both their life (her part is not too plausible either). Accoriding to training he uses his voice - but that is not enough. It is as if he has only haughty mode. He does not use his face, here. At. All. Which would make sense for a stage actor. They have to convey emotion differently than in the close ups of film.

[@rul4522]

My problem with this adaptation is that I miss the chemistry between the actors! In particular between Elisabeth and Darcy, like you mentioned.

[@debbeborders5762]

I will checkit out. My current favorite is the miniseries from 1980 with Colin Firth and Jennifer ehle.

[@bartolomeuomacduibheamhnad6855]

I've seen this series some time ago and never noticed Mr Collins sublime dancing at all, It's amazing lol. I felt the series overall was solid, I liked it but thought it lacked a little something, magic or soul or whatever you'd call that thing which connects you and draws you to a character and the situations they find themselves in, making it possible to feel with them and for them. I would say it's very much better than the 2005 film version lol. The point you made is also very true about the later BBC version, it has cast a large shadow over it whether it be fairly or not. From this point forward I will think of this Darcy as RoboDarcy🤖 lol. ~ thank you Ms Weiselberry ~

[@WolfGratz]

The thing with David Bamber is that I vividly remember his Moley in Alan Bennett's adaptation of The Wind in the Willows when he was just so sweet and lovable that one just wanted to give him a hug. He was so very unlike Mr Collins, so warm hearted and giving. And yet there is something of the same vulnerability in Mr Collins but used to totally different effect.

[@rolandrothwell4840]

I loved this Pride and prejudiced adaptation. This was my first introduction to Jane Austin as a kid in 1980 on its release on the BBC. i think it's quite close to the book. I loved Mrs Bennet and Elizabeth.

[@cjpreach]

JW - your reviews are very insightful. Well done.

[@ashleywetherall]

This was my first exposure to Jane Austen. Its actually pretty good if a little stilted. But that was the way the BBC produced Sunday afternoon drama in the 70's and early 80's. I did have a crush of Jane which is why I probably stayed the course with this series.. I was at the time 9 years old..

[@sageantone7291]

Yes! This is the homework distraction I needed.

[@rachelport3723]

I have friends who like this one best. I remember all the excitement when it was first aired, and what I remember most is being disappointed by the ending, which I still don't like. I like Elizabeth Garvie a lot, don't like David Rintoul (Darcy should not be forgettable). I read a review a few years ago that really likes Garvie and the actress who plays Mrs. Bennet, saying that, unlike Alison Steadman's broad comedy approach, she could see hints of what Mr. Bennet fell for. It struck me because I'd never thought of that before either in adaptations or in reading the book. Colin Firth is still my Darcy and Benjamin Whitrow is my Mr. Bennet, too. There are a couple of bits from the book I love seeing here - Elizabeth at the Lucas' party, when Charlotte asks her to play and sing, which she does quite believably in character - and the walk in the woods at Pemberley. I always miss that scene. I can't imagine, however, how Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner would be at Pemberley without Elizabeth when Jane's letters come, so Elizabeth has to run to Pemberley to get them - that just seems so wrong to me, to have her walk in on Darcy rather than the other way around. As always, thanks.

[@Weiselberry]

Yes, I completely agree about that scene where Elizabeth receives Jane's letters! Why on earth would the Gardiners be at Darcy's house without her? And, wow, did she really run the whole way from the inn to Pemberley like that? No wonder Darcy acts so strangely. It would be shocking to be sitting there alone with a book and suddenly have a young woman come bursting in unannounced looking so disheveled and upset.

[@supergran1000]

Hi Rachel! Great comment, as always. Very good point about Mrs Bennet. There does, indeed, need to be some surviving hint of what attracted Mr Bennet to her in the first place. The Bennet marriage needs to be portrayed very carefully, in my opinion. 2005 got it completely wrong, but so did 1995 to a limited extent. I would love your opinions on my comment above. :)

[@WolfGratz]

Priscilla Morgan was a much softer, but equally silly, Mrs Bennet. She never got the credit she deserved IMHO but she did a lot of TV work in less than showy supporting roles, perhaps most notably here and earlier as one gentler and most sympathetic character in the notorious gangster series Big Breadwinner Hogg which was nearly pulled for violence and had to be re-scheduled to some unearthly hour after a relatively huge initial launch. Her character. in common with nealy everybody else, didn't fare well but she made an impression.

[@rachelport3723]

​@@WolfGratz Mrs. Bennet would have to be silly in any case, but being pretty and gentle as a young woman could captivate a young man - even the silliness could be seen as charming.

[@WolfGratz]

@@rachelport3723 Well not to me - and I have always supposed Mr Bennet to value wit above good humour. After all his favourite daughter is plainly Lizzie rather than the sweet natured and supposedly more beautiful Jane. So I think it must come down to an aesthetic choice founded on physical attraction and perhaps sparkiness. That's often a personal choice - and personally I often find Ali Steadman's characters quite attractive - appalling but attractive.

[@rogerdriscoll7145]

The actress who played Mary Bennett in this adaptation went on to be Raquel in Only Fools and Horses 😀

[@mariacristinafigueiredo5801]

Hi Jerome! Do you know how I can get this 1980 version of Pride and Prejudice? It is possible to find the 2005 film version on KZbin and also the 1995 miniseries, but I cannot find more than two or three scenes of this 1980 miniseries, and I suspect that it is really lovely!

[@Weiselberry]

I was able to watch it on Amazon Prime where it's streaming for free with membership. It appears to also be available on BritBox. You have to have an account for that too, but there is a free 7-day trial option. Here's a link to the miniseries: www.britbox.com/us/show/Pride_and_Prejudice_(1980)_61738

[@tipsygirldistraction]

It is in a playlist here kzbin.info/aero/PL_TiVerzDKn3Ba_bhUvzkdQjXReCSRZtl Lots of small clips but it’s all there 😀

[@jaydas8976]

I enjoy this version but some of the acting is a bit wooden and robotic at times, which is why it’s not a favorite of mine. I prefer the 1995 adaptation. I think the 1980’s version is still great and is definitely the most accurate to the book, but some of the acting (at times) was a bit painful for me, I also wasn’t the hugest fan as David as Mr. Darcy, he wasn’t bad but he was a bit stiff and robotic at times. I think the lead actress Elizabeth Garvie was excellent though and some of the side actors were great too.

[@benedictcowell6547]

I think this review to be in general a fair review, and I share the reservations about Darcy [he does not smile enough. Those people that saw an earlier adaptat ion with Alan Badel saw Mr Darcy as far less censorious and witty] but Elizabeth Garvey is for me the definitive Elizabeth, but well as Sabina played her part of Jane, like most readers it tends to under estimate Jane, but Kitty was accurate within the limitations of the script if not the novel. I agree with the review in respect to some of the scenes which are generally faithful to the spirit if not the basic text. Mr. Bennet is well done but I agree with the review that he tends to be rather too starchy even with Elizabeth, and I thought Miss Bingley tends to be rather too much of a caricature, as with Mary. Mr Wickham did not persuade me nor did Mr Collins although in some respects rather better than any other Mr. Collins. The music irritated me the more I saw it, and often is intrusive when Music is not required at all, as in the Pemberley scenes. Mr Hurst was not given sensible dialogue and there was not enough of Miss Darcy. If she the adaptation is to convey the ending of the novel she should have been given some more sensible dialogue. Mr Gardiner was another whose lines were not sufficient to explain why the two older Miss Bennet's eventually have greater trust and respect for him than for their father. However for Elizabeth Garvey I have nothing but praise, not only for herself and her performance but also for the very sympathetic camera work. Charlotte Lucas was convincing although I suspect that in this adaptation we share Elizabeth's surprise that she could be prevailed upon to marry this Mr Collins. I thought the presentation of the great scenes of Elizabeth confronting Lady Catherine were well done, and l thought that Elizabeth showing Lady Catherine the door revealed the measure of Elizabeth's victory and the presumption and arrogance of a disappointed mother and dynast.

[@kaylanash3588]

I haven't read any Pride and Prejudice, but my birthday was a few weeks ago, and my dad gave me this bookmark with a Pride and Prejudice quote. "I must learn to be content with being happier than I deserve." I'm not sure who said it or what the context of the quote is. By the way, which do you like best Pride and Prejudice or Jane Eyre? I can't wait for your next Jane Eyre review.

[@Weiselberry]

Hm, that's kind of tough because I've read both books multiple times and enjoy watching adaptations of both. But on the whole I think I prefer Jane Eyre. I get more excited talking about it, you know?

[@rachelport3723]

The quote is actually from Persuasion, not Pride and Prejudice, and Wentworth says it near the end. I think what he says is actually "I must learn to brook being happier than I deserve."

[@cd3694]

David Rintoul is the best Darcy and definitely the most handsome

[@xyzsame4081]

I have the version, I found Mr. Darcy so hard to watch that I stopped it, and shelved it for a while. I knew the 2nd proposal scene from youtube (another big disappointment). - it is a shame because the actor likely was caught up in the instruction to be "restrained" and haughty. He might be good in other roles or on stage.

[@xyzsame4081]

In the book Darcy says: I do not have the talent like others to make friends (and conversation) easily. I think in Rosings. During the visit in spring when Lizzy stays with the now married Charlotte. And they are invited over to the formidable aunt. The cousin of Darcy clicks with her, and they like to converse. He asks Lizzy jokingly how Darcy is in other company. She says: It pains me to tell you - but be prepared to be shocked. Ladies were forced to sit down for want of partner and he would not dance. Darcy then defends himself. He did not know anyone in the room. She: Yes, and no one has ever been introduced to anybody in a ballroom. He then "defends" himself that he is not good in making new aquaintances. (I think something like that also comes up during the dance with Lizzy at the ball in Netherfield - this time her refers to Wickham, who is better in the charm and wit division). I think that is a window of insight in his characters. Yes, his wealth and status has gotten to him, he is conceited and a snob: objectively speaking his aunt is as ridiculous and tasteless as Mrs. Bennett. But he holds it only against this impossible vulgar woman - the vulgarity of his aunt gets a pass, because she is rich and has status. but part of his perceived haughtyness may be shyness and not being able to connect easily with strangers. And he also cannot hold himself easily in a witty and fast conversation. he hides behind an armour of social prestige. His cousin or Lizzy have quick wit, Bingley has good humour and easy manners, Wickham has charisma, and wit. Darcy had it easy because he is never forced to deal with that weakness - his wealth and high rank usually means he does not have to charm people he would like to impress. There is also the scene in the first ball where Darcy and Bingley, his 2 sisters and his brother in law show up at a dance. Bingley is a good chap and friends with everyone right away, and finds everything charming - and makes a very good impression. He is like a happy and friendly Golden Retriever. And in the middle of the evening Bingley addresses his friend to not stand around (frankly to be a bore) and offers to introduce him to somone, so he can have a dance partner. Now friend or not, that rubs Darcy a little bit the wrong way. Technically speaking he has the higher rank in society and is richer. But Bingley is enjoying himself and tries to give his socially awkward friend, that stands in his own way (part conceit, part socially shy) some leg up to get him established in this circle. It is all with good intentions, he is too good hearted to think a lot in terms of rank, it is not to subtly put down Darcy, he wants everyone to enjoy themselves and certainly Darcy. Like: the one socially not very skilfull kid is new in school and another kid that is also new but already popular, graciously tries to include him ... Did not sit well with Darcy. Maybe a hint of jealousy about this talent of his friend Bingley. Not that Darcy _wanted_ to charm these country folks. But still - could he, IF he wanted to ? Or if there was one woman that interested him almost against his will - would could he muster. - and it must have been boring to just stand around proudly all evening. And since he is a snob he also could not be friendly with these country folks. Asking someone to introduce him is also kind of asking for a favor. Did he really want to take favors from these people .... (I think typically there was a master of ceremony, think the public balls in Bath. Darcy and his entourage were new in town and guests of honor. I guess one would have asked the lady or master of the house to be introduced on such occasions. ..... so he was caught between two worlds.

[@xyzsame4081]

The 2005 film covers the passion of Darcy better and his shyness (although a quite modern interpretation). The character of Darcy not only stiff. He was able to fall in love, and madly. Sure he is weighed down with the knowledge of his own importance. - he was also the kind, good natured boy the housekeeper described. He can be dashing like when he decides on the spot to search for Wickham after Lizzy tells him of the elopement. The 1995 Darcy is more self assured, but you believe he cannot make friends easily. and you believe he is madly in love.

[@TeleNikon]

Hey Hey Jerome! I was brought to your channel because of your monster movie reviews which I am enjoying immensely. When scanning your channel's video roster I noticed a number of videos reviewing Pride and Prejudice in book form and screen adaptations. Now I'm curious. MORE than curious - intrigued. I've never read the book or saw any of the movies, shows, series, etc. I'm going to (finally) pick up a copy of the book. A read that's long overdue. Thanks for the inspiration. My question is: which of the screen adaptations would you suggest I see first after reading the book? An is there a book version that you'd recommend that may, perhaps, include a forward or intro that would benefit my experience? Thank you!

[@Weiselberry]

Hi! I'm so glad you're liking the monster movie videos! My personal favorite adaptation of Pride and Prejudice is the 1995 miniseries, which I prefer for a variety of reasons that I rambled on about in my review of it. :) As for a specific edition of the book, I don't really have one to recommend. Some other readers might have a copy they especially like, but I confess I often don't read more than the first paragraph of an introduction. :o I hope you enjoy your first foray into Pride and Prejudice!

[@johncy11]

1995 version is really good, but 1980 version does some special things

[@GoGreen1977]

I don't like the scene when Elizabeth runs to Pemberley after she gets the letters from Jane. Darcy going to see Elizabeth in Lambton, as described in the book and certainly in the 1995 version, indicates his intention to propose again or at least woo her and ascertain to a greater degree if she is more favorably inclined towards him. Instead, Elizabeth finds him calmly reading a book in his library, seemingly unconcerned about her and not doing much at all when his lady-love is nearby.

[@jorettadrive9439]

I struggle with the changes made in this version, which didn't seem necessary. And the lead actress doesn't convey Elizabeth's humor and intelligence or her slow falling in love with Darcy--the lines are said, but the feelings don't come across.

[@debbeborders5762]

Oops. I meant 1995.

[@josephmayo3253]

While I believe the 95 version is better, i love this version, and some of the characters are my favorite renditions, Jane, the Gardiners, Anne DeBurgh, and even Mr. Collins. But Darcy and Mr. Bennet are definite weak points in the casting.

[@winterburden]

Oh my, that Darcy just stays so disagreeable, thanks for sharing!!

[@taanbrown4275]

bbc can do no wrong do u like terry brooks ? i think u would dig the elfstones of shannara. how many books / movies are on your "next" list ?

[@Weiselberry]

Still haven't read any Terry Brooks. As for how many things are on my to watch/to read list, uh... it's a big number.

[@taanbrown4275]

@@Weiselberry haha! thanks for getting back to me! your soothing voice and calmness got me an 83 in soc201;)

[@erickaslov]

Have you seen Pride and Prejudice: A Latter-Day Comedy? It's set in morden times well 2003

[@Weiselberry]

I think I saw a couple minutes of it. It didn't grab me...

[@erickaslov]

@@Weiselberry yeah it's not great but I like the thought of the Bennett sisters being sorority sisters

[@kevint5451]

Hey Jerome! David Rintoul used to be a werewolf.... but he's alright nowooooooooo! Sorry :P Nice review :) If like me you regard the 1995 BBC version as definitive it is hard to watch other versions of Pride and Prejudice on their own merits. I have not heard of this version. I liked the illustrations that mark the episodes. The trouble is that it is set in my mind now who Darcy and Elizabeth are. I quite liked the 2005 movie because it was beautiful to look at. If you are moving on from Pride and Prejudice for now at least, may I suggest some fantasy movies? Gorgo - 1961(yes I know keep suggesting that) The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms. Jason and the Argonauts. The Golden Voyage of Sinbad (1973) Thanks Jerome :)

[@annnee6818]

I don't mind watching other adaptations of whatever despite having a definitive version I like best. But we're all different.

[@WolfGratz]

Although I have fond, if fading memories of the 1967 production and in particular Michael Gough's Mr Bennet who I think felt the responsibilities of his inadequacy as a father rather more than dear old Ben Whitrow this is easily my favourite P and P - better than than effort or the in many ways admirable 1980 BBC series in which David Rintoul's Darcy though very dashing lacked gravitas - the young Rintoul would have made a better Wickham. The casting here is almost perfect - perhaps Sabrina Franklin looks more like my idea of Jane than Susannah Harker but it is traditionally hard for casting directors to resist making Lizzie not just livelier but more beautiful. Still Harker is a much better actress. I think Ali Steadman just about gets away with her Mrs Bennet with David Bamber being on top form and Barbara Leigh-Hunt is up there with Judy Parfitt as a wonderfully unpleasant Lady Catherine. I'm so pleased you mentioned the Gardiners cos they are wonderful - especially Johanna David (I have to preserve some loyalty for Hugh Cross from 67 who I used to know). Also the photography, direction and production values are delightful. The only thing I will say is that I am not so sure as Davies that Lizzie is entirely joking when she tells Darcy she fell in love with him when she saw Pemberley. In many ways the ordering of Pemberley and its status within both locality and society are a tribute to the qualities and reflection of the personality of Darcy. It isn't just his natural environment - he is Pemberley.

[@WolfGratz]

And I totally forgot to say how much I enjoyed the video! How rude of me. It was extremely good and I look forward to watching more of them.

[@WolfGratz]

PS On the subject of Mr Bennet - I have never understood why, apart from his neglect of the social and moral aspects of being head of the household with all that implies in early C18th England, he has so conspicuously failed to provide a decent investment income out of his income. Although not as wealthy as many of the most financially affluent blokes in Austen the loveable old geezer has a very, very healthy living. His income is well nigh as high for that Willoughby sells his happiness in Sense and Sensibility and in modern terms might well be pushing seven figures! Unlike some authors Austen was always at pains to get this stuff right and I suspect we shouldn't be quite so tolerant of Mr Bennet as a father, much as we love him.

[@WolfGratz]

PS It wouldn't be a discussion of P and P adaptations without a brief(?) mention of the Olivier/Garson movie which presents Austen as if it were written by Dickens and sinks poor Edna May Oliver's Lady Catherine below the waterline with one of the worst character volte faces ever. I prefer the Keira Knighley effort.

[@rachelport3723]

@@WolfGratz I saw a lecture which said that the income needed for adequate provision at the time was around 250 pounds a year, so this is true. In response to your original comment, I would say that Joanna David is wasted in Davies' version - she's a wonderful Mrs. Gardiner, and more of her interactions with Lizzie and Jane would have been welcome, including a voice-over of her letter to Lizzie, with the flashback of Darcy's efforts at that time rather than earlier. And David Bamber, as well as Jennifer Ehle, also appears in The Kin's Speech, though it took me a few minutes to place him, he looks so different. Lizzie's travels take her closer and closer to Darcy, first with his relatives in Kent, and finally in her "seeing his house and grounds at Pemberley." So for her, Pemberley is Darcy in its stateliness and order - and responsibility. That may be part of it, too, the idea that he does take his responsibilities seriously, unlike either of her parents.

[@WolfGratz]

@@rachelport3723 Very well put Rachel

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Greetings from Tokyo. I really enjoy your discussions on films and books, and I have been a subscriber to your channel ever since I discovered your great discussion of the films of Godzilla. I am also a great fan of this adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, as I have watched it many many times, and it was great fun to watch this video where you present your thoughts really well and very clearly. I really enjoyed your engagement with the work here, regarding the style and performances. I have my own KZbin channel, and I think that many viewers of my channel would really enjoy watching your videos. Would you mind if I mention your channel on my own channel? That way, I can recommend to viewers of my channel to watch your videos because I think they would really enjoy the wide range and depth of content. (It is totally OK if you prefer no! I don't mind at all.) In any event, please keep up the very excellent work. Best regards. Daisuke Beppu

[@Weiselberry]

Hello, and thank you for the encouragement! I'm so happy you're enjoying all the varied content I put out. And I would be honored if you'd mention me on your channel! Thank you very much!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Jerome Weiselberry, great! Thank you very much! Have a nice rest of your day!

[@brianas6906]

❤️

[@rlabarbera]

I saw this version when I was 14 in 1982 as well as the bcc Anna Karenina with Nicola Paget. Because of my age at the time, those actresses made a huge impression on me.

[@zengalileo]

Nothing to do with Pride and Prejudice but you should do a review of Dean Stockwell's career. 70 years of movies. Lots of underground rarities. Lots of hidden gems. Think about it.

[@mellifergold]

Elizabeth Garvie IS Lizzy to me..She has a special unique beauty and the subtle facial expressions are simply perfect ( when I first saw 1995 I could not accept JE as Lizzy at all : such a round and empty face and matron- like appearance - she could have been Mrs Gardiner or one of the auntie- type ladies, but Lizzy? - No way ! Of course CF is much warmer and more likeable than this Darcy here - but the character wasn' t meant to be a dish..And the pond and sex scenes are so totally off ( historically) that this version here is so much more the real thing, -no question.

[@Auntypatti]

This is my favorite version. I can’t get through the 1995 version. The 95 version is badly casted. And the acting is sooo bad.

[@kabardinka1]

Honestly, I just. don't. like. Fay. Weldon's. writing. I didn't like her books, I didn't like the episodes of Upstair/Downstairs she wrote, and I don't like how she adapted P&P. In general, she's a very overrated writer. Sorry, but I just don't find David Rintoul attactive... either visually or how he plays Darcy. Yes, the character is supposed to be arrogant, dismissive and introverted, but he also has other qualities which (ahem) an unnamed actor in the 1995 version nails compared to which Rintoul just seems like a block of wood. Elizabeth Garvie is fine as Lizzy, but not terribly interesting or sassy enough. And the smaller roles just aren't as memorably played (or written) as certain later versions. This version is okay but bland and, unfortunately, that 1980s use of video makes it visually flat and lacking any vibrancy. I feel as if some people just get off being contrarians and prefer this version because "we're more Austen-authentic than thou." You do you, but I'll enjoy watching the 1995 version over and over again.

[@Robert_Howcroft]

❤