Pride & Prejudice (1940) - First Proposal

These days, I watched again Pride & Prejudice, taking particular attention to the 1980's (not 1979, as I wrote in the opening) version. The first proposal is, for me, the part that defines if you're a good Darcy/Elizabeth. For that reason, I'm putting the three sequences (1980/1995/2005) for a better comparison. But, It would not be complete without the 1940's version... Well, I do not like it much, Pride & Prejudice was turned into a comedy, but it's not bad at all. Greer Garson is a great actress, but just an ordinary Lizzie (*I don't like to see her crying in this sequence, sounds fake*), and I love Laurence Olivier but he is too dandy like as Darcy... But in this scene he's OK, but he touches Lizzie... Well, you can judge by yourself. ^_^
Esses dias, eu assisti novamente Orgulho & Preconceito, tendo especial atenção à versão de 1980. A primeira proposta é, para mim, a parte que define se você é um bom Darcy ou uma boa Elizabeth. Por esse motivo, estou colocando as três seqüências (1980/1995/2005), para uma melhor comparação. Mas, essa amostragem não seria completa sem a versão de 1940 ... Bem, eu não gosto muito dela, Orgulho e Preconceito foi transformado em uma comédia, mas não é ruim de forma alguma. Greer Garson é uma grande atriz, mas apenas uma comum Lizzie (*não gosto de vê-la chorar nessa cena, parece fingimento*), e eu amo Laurence Olivier, mas ele é muito dandy, muito afetado como o Darcy. Estranhamente, nesta seqüência ele está muito bem, mas ele toca em Elizabeth... Bem, você pode julgar por si mesmo. ^ _ ^

[@ingridaguero6460]

I can watch Mr. Darcy get rejected 10 million times and I still wouldn’t get enough of it

[@beansprout_apg886]

Ikr😂😂 did you watch the 1980 version? It was a good contender for the 1995 version..

[@justinesorel6325]

@@beansprout_apg886Agrred!

[@blancamgv]

and when he says "My darling", that was too fast LOL

[@willow9912]

Mr Darcy in 2005: Kiss her-No I can't Mr Darcy in 1940: mY dArlinG * leans forward*

[@elizabethdouglas3417]

I know this is so far from a faithful adaptation, but my god I love it, even with all its inaccuracies and bad dialogue. Greer Garson is utterly beautiful and playful as Elizabeth (the bow and arrow scene is incredibly cute). Olivier does play Darcy as far more obviously in love with Elizabeth than any other adaption I’ve seen, but it just works for me. I usually just forget that it’s P&P when I watch it and enjoy the madness.

[@echosei]

Now that I've read the book (5 times!), watched all the versions(1940,1995,2005): 1940 - Costumes are way off, and the actors are a bit over-dramatic. I don't see the Jane that I see when I read the book. 1995 - Followed the book very closely(story-wisw), love the cast, Lizzie was ON-POINT! 2005 - Didn't closely stick to the book, but considering they only had 2 hours to present the whole story, it's forgiven. GREAT CAST, and love their version of Darcy.

[@tea7748]

There is a 1980 version also.

[@xEllesirKx]

The 1980 version is good too! I love discovering new versions of things, it’s like watching a story unfold for the first time all over again.

[@JamieRobles1]

1940 version is in competition with Gone With The Wind which, itself, a Melodrama of a movie in its own right. Still . . . I rather watch this version than 2005 any day.

[@mssmssmssmss]

@@JamieRobles1 I adore Laurence Olivier, his melodious voice, his sensitive, expressive face ...

[@LilFaith90]

@@JamieRobles1 Totally Agree!

[@geebuttersnaps6680]

I thought his passionate and tender "I love you" seemed too warm for Darcy at this point in his life. He is almost exasperated and annoyed with his love and I don't think would know how to express it this way. In the second proposal perhaps, after he has suffered and thought about it for awhile. Now I need to go watch all the Pride and Prejudices I can get :)

[@felicity1802]

Sorry, cannot picture this lady as Lizzie Bennet; she seems just too upperclass for Lizzie Bennet. Can't convince myself she isn't in the same class as Darcy, and can't picture her talking and laughing with Jane like Lizzie did in 1995's version.

[@zazabluefire9185]

Elizabeth is in the SAME CLASS as Mr. Darcy. They are both part of the Gentry. Mr. Darcy is just particulary rich, also Elizabeths Family isn‘t actually poor, not even for the Gentry, she just won‘t inherit much money, because Mr. Collins get’s it. It is also true that her mother is from a lower background and they don‘t have that many Society relations, but her class is determined by her father’s position, therefore she is born into the same class as Mr. Darcy wich is the Gentry. ( untitled landowners)

[@jacaranda2bloom]

Yes, and no one so gorgeous as Colin Firth or so angry as the wonderful Jennifer Ehle, who was awarded a BAFTA for her marvellous role!

[@ifunanya24]

their accent drift between welsh and indian, then meets in the middle.

[@marygoodson4920]

This was the first version of Pride and Prejudice that I ever saw ehen I was a little girl. I think it is pretty faithful to the book, I love Olivier and Garson, even though they are a bit too old. The costumes are the wrong era. But so what? They are beautiful. They do not interfere with the story. Great supporting cast, (LOVE Lady Catherine!) Love Lizzie's parents and Mr. Collins. The version I grew up on. I don't even know how many dozens of times I've watched it. Know it by heart! My mother worked at MGM for the costume designer Adrian at this time and designed some gowns for Greer Garson and Joan Crawford. My favorite era for films was the 1930's and 1940's!

[@JoseOliveira-rk3ed]

Interesting! This version makes Darcy much more naive and actually quite likeable! Elisabeth is Austen-strong and Darcy quite childish!

[@rockmom62]

The style of the women's dresses are inaccurate. Of course Hollywood back then was a little pretentious.

[@bernicerogers2383]

I couldn't refuse this Mr Darcy!

[@fkhang9223]

Laurence Olivier is such a legendary actor :)

[@gwynn2165]

I loved watching this version. Some people say it was too dramatic but that was what it was at the time. I’m playing Elizabeth in our upcoming play, and I did a good ammount of research so I would do the character justice. I really enjoyed this version because I love older movies and the way people moved and acted is more similar to theatre acting. I worked really hard on this and I’m preforming this scene on Wednesday.

[@ItsMe..]

I hope you enjoyed your performance! How did it go? :)

[@marygoodson4920]

Break a leg!

[@joaogabrieldiasdeabreu3623]

was it recorded?

[@aria6850]

This version makes me laugh a lot.🤣

[@lupita17able]

I think the version did pretty good for the time period. No adaptation is ever perfect and I agree with Lelablue that if you forget that it's supposed to be Pride and Prejudice, you might guininely ejoy the film a little better. I think the film is very whimsical and fun and even if the characters and script are a bit off, I enjoyed the film

[@aquariuspower7138]

I disagree with you on one thing: Pride and Prejudice wasn't turned into a comedy in this movie, because the book had a big satirical and comical side already. Austen wrote subtle comedy but it's here, definitely, that's why I wouldn't say the movie 'turned' the story into a comedy.

[@andjelatatarovic8309]

I love this! thank you for putting it up! seeing all the different interpretations enriches my understanding of the story so much!! thank you thank you thank you!

[@21inspired]

A little too theatrical and unbelievable, although Olivier is as always suave and passionate. The recent productions reveal true emotion that involve the audience.

[@floraposteschild4184]

Lawrence Olivier is pretty much the ideal Darcy. The others could be read as either "romantic", or "cold", but Olivier could be thought to be both, depending on the prejudice of the viewer. Which is the point of the story. I love his random steps and gestures 0:12 to 0:26. Although I don't think he would sit down without being asked, let along grab Elizabeth's hand and kiss it. ;)

[@marilynbinay8880]

I love this movie!!! :)

[@raebucket5688]

The horror on her face is priceless

[@littlelostnell]

i find myself sympathising with Darcy in this scene....normally i find that at this point lizzy makes more sense...weird but i would def like to see the rest

[@stephanieb663]

same

[@Gerry1of1]

Love the movie. Love the book. Costumes aren't accurate to the era, but still a cracking good film.

[@felicity1802]

1980's proposal and Lizzie & Darcy seem a bit closer to the ideal, but still feel 1995's Pride & Prejudice is the best. Also like Lizzie & Darcy in Death Comes To Pemberley. I know they're a little bit altered, but they would be after a few years of marriage and a child.

[@veronicavickery6518]

Didn't at all like the portrayal of Lizzie in "Death comes to Pemberly". Compared to the voluptuous and mischievous, Jennifer Ehle in the 1990 tv production, this actress looked washed out, thin and insipid and her costumes were so drab and dowdy they made her look like a serving maid rather than the "lady of the manor". If marriage to Darcy had reduced her to this shadow of her former self it would have been better to have stayed single. Maybe Fanny Price would have been a better choice of an Austen heroine for this particular actress.

[@stargirlsusan]

agreed with you. Keira acted so modern one can hardly think of it as Jane Austenish. The script horrendous.

[@dudanunesbleff]

In this scene, Elizabeth is being a flirt, at a point... It's a fun scene to watch, and my feelings were with 'poor Mr. Darcy' here.

[@SerpentinaSolis]

Am I the only one who thinks Laurence Olivier was a total fox? :D

[@MsMargaretMusic]

2:54 he's like ohhhh, no no no no!

[@blancamgv]

Hahahahaha this version looks like a mix of "Gone with the wind" and "Pride and Prejudice" xD I do love 40s' films and I've read Pride and Prejudice before watching any film version, and this has nothing to do with my expectations.

[@jerseypooh4664]

I love this version and the 1995 the best for various reasons. Costumes in this one are off key along with a lot of other things but this film is just so much fun. Can’t help but like it. As for the 1995 version, that is just the best adaptation in my opinion.

[@limerence8365]

This is a great example of how something can be a great movie (character plot holes aside) but an atrocious adaption.

[@emmystein]

this version is very strange to me...they both act and speak so innocently im used to brutality and strength in the dialouge

[@equusquaggaquagga536]

That time Laurence Olivier was in a romcom

[@JasperKenneth06]

wow. he looks like ewan mcgregor and kenneth branagh.

[@Dragonlady66]

This version isn't very 'english' is it. But I enjoyed watching it anyway even if I don't always appreciate the adaptations.

[@noreenhallett7366]

Shades of gone with the wind

[@joystixxify]

it's interesting how different mr darcy is in all the versions i've seen. here he is quite romantic and apologetic, in the 1995 version he very sure of himself and matter-of-fact and in the 2005 version he's seemingly trying to remain proud and dignified and is surprised by his feeling for her almost falling out of his mouth. i think this 1940 version was way off. he seems like a common man and she like a spoiled brat. it's all a bit melodramatic and not at all jane austen

[@Hipmister3000]

I understand this was made in the forties, but is it also set in the forties or 1813?

[@veronicavickery6518]

In this version the costumes and hairstyles are Victorian with a pinched in waist and full, flouncing skirts, curls and ribbons. Imo, Greer Garson is too mature and "majestic" a woman for this role. Lizzie was just 20 in P&P. Austen's period was Georgian/Napoleonic, with dresses based on Empire styles, ie low cut and high waisted dropping to a slim fitting skirt and no flounces. They also wore neat fitting straw bonnets and hair drawn up into a bun with loose tendrils on each side. Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle are by far the best Darcy and Lizzie to date.

[@diamondtiara84]

The movie updated the time from Regency to Victorian; the clothes styles are from the 1830's.

[@Littlemisshavoc]

Those sideburns are unflattering but Laurence Olivier was decent as Darcy.

[@bellatrixevans]

well the 1995 version will be a classic.

[@Shoujofan]

Well, old movies are not bad movies. Gone with the Wind is a good example.

[@chickflickaddict91]

@susannah193 The 1995 version is the one closest to the book! I remember watching the movie think wow this is just like the book! Almost word for word! (well close to it anyway!)

[@Smithpolly]

You can be strong and still cry.

[@Ubusensei]

@susannah193 The 1995 version is the closest version. The dialogue is almost word-perfect. =D

[@mizofan]

1995 version far above the rest.

[@gwynn2165]

This version was a product of its time. I love old movies for how animated they are and there’s a great deal of art in the way they moved.

[@2020Antzku]

Wau 🤩 It was great to saw this :)

[@whatis68]

The first is a great movie.

[@elizabethdarley8646]

They've cut out "And God bless you" from Mr D as he departs...

[@moomoo41]

@susannah193 Yep 1995 one is easily the best and closest to the book!

[@nadiagrenadine372]

je ne parle pas anglais y aurait il une version en francais

[@bluewren2]

I do so agree and can understand Hollywood opting for this mode of dress as the Jane Austen period looked like maternity clothes. Not a good look for a young girl in a romantic novel I think. As for the dialogue who knows for sure how any character would act given the circumstances of the novel. So not too bad I think ,but she had to be a very strong character to resist Lawrence Olivier looking so damned adorable ..and being hugely rich with a magnificent mansion as well.? Unbelievable

[@farahnoreen4771]

2005 made dresses look cute on the 5 Bennet girls. Mrs. Bennet wears the fitted waist as an older style.

[@susannah193]

Hi, does anyone happen to know which of the versions is nearest to the book' s original dialog? I have not read the book yet but I would really like to know :) Btw, I as well do not like this version at all! Actually, I think that the version of 1995 is the most authentic one (but perhaps that is just because I saw the 95' version first and have a slight crush on Colin Firth^^)

[@gayebrittle5675]

No, you're quite right. That is the best version (the 1995 one with Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth} and the closest to the book! My favourite too!

[@didiclaco65]

The 1980 TV version with David Rintoul and Elizabeth Garvie

[@bluewren2]

Only a slight crush?? He took that character and made it his own for life.Yes I expect I have to agree that English version was the most authentic( did you know Colin Firth and the film's Elizabeth were an item for a while).?Sorry Laurence Olivier Firth took it away from you completely.MMnnnn.

[@IcarusLhooq-bc7uq]

my Elizabeth Bennet was composed through this encounter

[@cathipalmer8217]

Maybe if he hadn't chosen the short chair, she would have been able to look up to him.

[@hcwcars1]

Bette still rocks my world

[@user-ue2xz5bh1d]

I love this movie 😂

[@crazylegz8292]

Her dress though... 😂😂😂

[@nanya7]

i feel thre actress here is quite arrogant not like lovely lizzy

[@girlysword]

this movie is very amusing in and of itself. i would enjoy it very much if it wasn't connected to the book. thinking about the innaccuracies causes me pain, however.

[@mcarmenl4874]

Quiero verla en español.

[@PreetyRatoo]

the funniest Mr.darcy ever!!!!!!!!

[@yasminemekhlouf7333]

this version goes against both their characters

[@bluewren2]

I actually think Greer Garson showed at least a little more emotional sensability than Jennifer Ehle who came across as unremittingly charmeless and aggressive.

[@echosei]

lol they didn't even follow the right costume for the austen period... or did they do this on purpose?

[@nelliedean7088]

I think it is common in the theatre isn’t it to put plays in different time periods. I just love Georgian and pre Georgian costumes but Hollywood loved flowing dresses and wide necklines at that time.

[@littlebitbritish]

Oh I was actually laughing out loud at this scene. Its like a scene from a British Gone with the Wind. Truly truly terrible. Laurence Olivier would have made a perfect Mr Collins rather than a Darcy. The minute he said "my Darling" I had to stop

[@sharo8760]

Their clothing is the right era... But the wrong country. Did they use spare costumes from Gone with the Wind?

[@DarkSakuraVII]

I know this reply is late...but I actually didn't like Olivier's Heathcliff. I thought he was too romantic and not savage or mysterious enough. Maybe we just have different perceptions on these stuff.

[@farahnoreen4771]

It seems Olivier went on the premise that he was the romantic hero and plays that from the start. Here more reserve was needed.

[@giaa6539]

wow this version is so different from the book..I think the 1995 BBC version is the best!

[@bluewren2]

Better these beautiful dresses than the maternity gowns of the Jane Austin period I mean how romantic is that!

[@whatis68]

The first is a great movie. I hate it when they remake a truly great film. They use to have great actors like Olivier and Garson and today very weak actors. Movies then had to have great dialogue, truly be artistic and have great actors.

[@Viiryen]

The costume for Elizabeth Bennet is way off in terms of period accuracy, either in terms of what she could likely afford or would wear in that era. The actress herself does well save for the crying, which comes off as both fake and uncharacteristic. But Darcy is... UGH. He comes off as something from a comedy as opposed to a serious drama. It's almost painful to watch. The scene screams "40s", which makes me wonder what people will say 70 years from now about the 2005 version. XD

[@katiedowns7868]

The costumes are so wrong, it's amazing.

[@Shoujofan]

Now, I understand. But I consider this version, even in the 1940's a little bit limited and distorted. For exemplo, wuthering Heights (1939) is changes many things, even the period, but Laurence Olivier do a great job as Heathcliff. He is not as successful as Darcy and the script does not help him. His acting is bellow his standard, I think. And Catherine De Bourgh in the end... Well, but I like this movie when I forget it's supposed to be Pride & Prejudice.

[@anneyoung2310]

Pretty much Lizzie Bennet.

[@emmaduncan2991]

Olivier does a nice job with a rather bad script, but Garson is miscast.

[@oceansdream84]

I have it on vhs.

[@GingerGilligan]

Greer is the only "Elizabeth" I actually like. I think she really shows Lizzie's sharp wit and sarcasm. Olivier is ok as "Mr. Darcy". For whatever reason this version was *supposed* to take place in the 1830's so that's why the dresses are a little bigger. This was supposed to be an awkward, bad proposal and doesn't Elizabeth break down and cry in the book after he leaves and she's alone?

[@stefanigarcia1]

Concordo com você. Pra falar verdade, acho que essa Elizabeth está "metida". Mas ainda prefiro a Lizzy de 2005.

[@minniemouse1869]

I like 1940 the best.

[@bluewren2]

Absolute rubbish what you say Lelablue the whole story is barely believable as the product of a repressed English spinsters's avid imagination So every version has been beautifully entertaining Greer Garson's character is most believable as a female with sufficient beauty charm and intelligence plus sensitivity to stand out sufficiently fron her vulgar family so as to capture the heart of the hugely wealthy Mr Darcy( whatever version of him is played).re the costumes merely poetic licence.

[@8billitsa]

what;s that???Darcy so emotional??He doesn't show his feelings easily!I mean the true Mr. Darcy is the one in the 1995 version with Colin Firth!He gives the character perfectly!But what's that??And the costums and Lizzy's part, awful!!!

[@abc525]

What the hell? Who are these people? He is SO not Mr. Darcy and SHE is no Elizabeth Bennet. I still can't believe they dared try to make P&P a comedy!

[@Galina100500]

This girl is affected and mannered. She isn't Lizzy..

[@nathenewendzel7806]

My guy. That was a pretty poor proposal.

[@34RiverStone]

the dresses are from the wrong time period. Wow Hollywood is ridiculous! They really couldn't bother to take the time to do some research?

[@staffanlindstrom576]

No, no,no! It´s all wrong!

[@macgillacuddy]

I have watched every adaptation more times than I am willing to admit & can say that none meet my very high expectations. I can take pieces from each & maybe compile something acceptable but it's still not perfect. All are adaptations & movies rarely do exact honor to books but with every disappointment I take heart - there will always be another adaptation on the horizon & I will always be ready to watch & more than likely disappointed - but then will just wait for the next! It's an illness!

[@mishalmalik9628]

this Elizabeth looks so oldddd & proud of herself here

[@hedwigkiesler]

from any point of view, this version remains the best one. as the history of cinema shows, good books don't necessarily make good movies - aldous huxley changed almost everything to make it suitable for a film of just two hours running time, and succeeded ultimately. as much as the bbc production is admirable, it is less an interpretation than a strict retelling of the complete book. the film version of 2003 on the other hand is so badly cast, acted and executed, it should be forgotten soon.

[@louisalit]

How interesting to see this old film of my favourite novel! I think they both played this proposal scene very well (better than Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth who I thought exxagerated). Lovely! :-)

[@TempestinBlue]

Worst version of P&P I have yet seen, including the play put on by a group of high schoolers at the local Jane Austen festival!

[@hcwcars1]

Jezebel is much better

[@cedricbarrey3537]

We don't see anywhere the Violence that Lizzy has to endure in the present situation ...Compare with the 1995 version with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle ..

[@stargirlsusan]

This version makes me laugh so much i swear they were trying so hard(LOL), yet it does not infuriate me as much as the 2005 HW version. That was just an insult to Austen! As always Hollywood will continue to disappoint and piss all book/manga/comic/ fans. What a nuisance

[@anniseta96]

esta es la versión mas fea de la novela... esa Elizabeth sobreactuada y fingida.. horrible, deberían desaparecer esa cinta..

[@psilvix]

so LONG and difficult lines!! poor actors!