Sense and Sensibility (BBC, 1981)
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Actor: Irene Richard, Tracey ChildsBrand: Warner Brothers
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Stereo; English (Subtitled); English (Original Language), Stereo
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC, Original recording remastered, Subtitled
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 226 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2004-08-24
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Model: E1683
Studio: BBC Worldwide
DVD Reviews of Sense and Sensibility (BBC, 1981)
DVD Review: A Faithful Film Adaptation Which Lacks Pizzazz !
Summary: 4 Stars
Rodney Bennett's 1981 BBC adaptation of "Sense and Sensibility," the glorious romance of mores and manners, set during England's Regency Period, lacks verve, pizzazz, vitality. However, except for the mysterious absence of young Margaret Dashwood, it is quite faithful to Jane Austen's brilliant novel.
Comparisons to Ang Lee's Award-winning film version, with screenplay by Emma Thompson, is inevitable - but is like comparing apples and oranges, although both are based on Ms. Austen's first published novel. And "there is the rub." Bennett's film cannot compare in the polished final production, gorgeous locations and beautiful period costumes department - assets which a small budget cannot bestow upon a movie, especially one made for TV. However, many of the performances here are excellent, especially those of the Dashwood sisters, Willoughby, Edward Ferrars and Lucy Steele.
A Lovely Tracey Childs plays Marianne Dashwood to perfection. Marianne is a passionate young woman, with a definite inclination toward the humanities: art, music and literature. Her heart rules her head, more often than not, and she has a very spontaneous nature. Irene Richard gives a strong performance as Elinor Dashwood, the older of the two sisters. She has a more practical, sensible temperament. While Elinor appreciates the music and literature that her sibling so passionately loves, she definitely thinks things through before making decisions, or taking action, and keeps her personal feelings to herself. She feels tremendous responsibility for her family's well-being. Marianne believes that Elinor, whom she loves, is too cold, and subdued - more concerned with propriety than with feelings. Elinor, on the other hand, is concerned about Marianne's open and guileless behavior. She fears her sister will be hurt by indulging in her strong emotions, and that conventional society will condemn her for this attribute. There is much reserve between the sisters, and the obvious mutual affection I have come to expect, from the novel and Mr. Lee's film, is restrained.
The deceased Mr. Dashwood, father of Elinor and Marianne, had pleaded with his son and heir, (Peter Gale), from a previous marriage, to please take care of his wife and daughters after his death. The spineless John Dashwood sincerely promises to do so, and then is persuaded not to by his greedy wife, Fanny, (Amanda Boxer). Before the Dashwood women are forced to leave their home, the Norwood estate, they meet Fanny's brother, the shy and kind Edward Ferrars, (Bosco Hogan - Warning! Superficial comment ahead! Hogan may be closer to Ms. Austen's description of Edward, but he's nowhere near as much fun to look at as Hugh Grant!). Over a period of a few weeks, while the women are packing their belongings, Elinor and Edward grow obviously fond of each other. But Fanny encourages them to expedite their leave taking.
Upon arriving at their new residence, Barton Cottage, near the estate of Mrs. Dashwood's cousin John, the women meet their relatives and some new neighbors. Colonel Brandon, (Robert Swann), is included in the welcome party. It is difficult for me to imagine anyone else in the role of Colonel Brandon except the charismatic Alan Rickman. However, even had I not seen Rickman's performance, I must say there is little chemistry between this Brandon and Marianne. Of course he is drawn at once to the beautiful, musical young woman, who does not reciprocate his affection. Instead she falls madly in love with the dashing, feckless Willoughby, (Peter Woodward).
The family settles in and explores their surroundings. Elinor waits in vain for Edward to visit her at Barton Cottage. Willoughby's expected marriage proposal to Marianne is unexpectedly interrupted. Two unhappy sisters travel to London for the season, hoping to settle their romantic affairs, and instead, find their dreams thwarted.
I won't give the story away, but it is a tale well told, all in all. I do recommend this version, especially to fans of Jane Austen. It is true to the novel and entertaining. Unfortunately it suffers in comparison to Ang Lee's later production - but that does not mean it lacks merit on its own.
JANA
Description of Sense and Sensibility (BBC, 1981)
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