Customer Reviews

Emma (BBC, 1972)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

I've seen all three film productions of Jane Austen's "Emma," and while all of them have merit, I appreciate that this version is the one that's closest to the book. I'll have to reread my copy of "Emma," but it seems to me as if this movie is taken verbatim from the book. Unlike the Gyneth Paltrow and Kate Beckinsale Emmas, this movie takes a while to draw you in, but once you are drawn in--about the time Mrs. Elton (Ellen Dryden) appears--you're hooked. Dryden's portrayal of the hilariously vulgar Mrs. Elton is practically perfect. Doran Godwin, as Emma, sometimes seems a bit too prim, but she grows on you as the movie progresses. Debbie Bowen, as Harriet Smith, is certainly the best Harriet Smith of the three films. I also enjoyed Ellen Dryden's portrayal of Mrs. Weston, and the actor who plays Mr. Weston gives life to what is a very minor character in the other two movies. Also totally charming, and just as I imagined him is Donald Eccles' portrayal of Mr. Woodhouse. To sum up: you may feel impatient with this movie at first, but watching it to the end is worth the wait.

I recently watched this series. I must admit that at first I wasn't sure whether I would like it -- it doesn't have the lush production values of some Austen adaptations - such as the A&E version of Pride and Prejudice or the Roger Michell film, Persuasion. However, the acting is superb and quite faithful to the book. I especially enjoyed Ms. Goodwin's portrayal of Emma - she manages to convey the complex nature of Emma's character. I also enjoyed the A&E version of Emma (even though it takes certain liberties with the story) - however, I really believe this version to be superior.

This is the one for you if you love Jane Austen as much as I do. It is very faithful to the book. The acting is superb all around. Espcially in Emma and her father, Mr. Woodhouse. Basil Dingham does a terrific job playing the anxious and worrying Woodhouse.

This Emma is not "flashy" like Paltrow's, but then that one took several major liberties. This one may take a little time to get into. But stick with it! It is definitely rewarding and fulfilling to watch Jane Austen's characters come to live as she intended. You feel like you have traveled back in time to the Regency Era.

A faithful screen adaptation of the last novel published during Jane Austen's lifetime, this BBC production contains all the wit, irony, and social commentary of the original and sets a new standard for accuracy. Originally presented as a serialized version of the novel, it is as fully developed and as leisurely as the novel itself, granting viewers ample time (about four hours) to watch the characters unfold, the subtle complexities of the story to be revealed, and this genteel period to come fully alive. Director John Glenister takes full advantage of the early nineteenth century setting, depicting the elegance of Hartfield, the Woodhouse estate in Highbury, the highly refined and elaborate furnishings of the period, and appropriate costuming. In varying his settings from room to room at Hartfield, he is able to frame the interactions among characters dramatically, and in showing other houses and buildings within the town, he provides a glimpse of the wider world beyond Highbury.

Emma Woodhouse, the spoiled and somewhat bored twenty-one-year-old daughter of Highbury's leading citizen, amuses herself through her hobby of matchmaking. Taking Harriet Smith, a young woman of "questionable birth," under her wing, she convinces Harriet to reject a farmer who loves her while Emma tries to find her a groom of higher social standing. A comedy of errors unfolds as the chosen "groom" thinks Emma herself is attracted to him, and when rebuffed, marries an abrasive and social-climbing woman who upsets the predictable social life of Highbury. Emma's other attempts at matchmaking are also misinterpreted, leaving her mystified by the failure of her plans and heartily resented by some of her victims. As those around her manage to find spouses without her determined help, Emma herself must come to a final understanding of who she is and where she belongs.

Doran Godwin, as Emma, reflects Emma's sense of entitlement, sacrificing warmth in favor of purposefulness. Debbie Bowen, as Harriet, is pliable, grateful, and suitably dependent. Coming to Highbury as the new Mrs. Elton, Fiona Walker provides comic relief as a woman who has, through marriage, entered a level of society to which she is not entitled by birth. Mr. Knightley, a friend of Emma's father, is a stuffy 37-year-old, one of the few in Highbury able and willing to tell Emma that she is wrong. Only Ania Marson as Jane Fairfax fails to charm. Gorgeous, impeccably produced, accurate in reflecting class divisions and social conventions, true to the novel, and brilliantly cast, this production will make a Jane Austen fan of anyone with the patience to appreciate its length and level of detail. Mary Whipple

I bought this version about 6 years ago and have just about worn it out. I think the extra length allows the film to follow the book, if not exactly, as closely as we are ever likely to see. The characters are outstanding. I wish that it were available on DVD. I would be first in line to purchase it in that medium.

The production values of this early 1970's BBC adaptation are interesting to see regardless of the show itself. The style and differences between its production and what a modern day version would be like is striking. Almost entirely shot in a studio with very little accompanying music make this version almost a stage adaptation. Emma's father is quite brilliantly portrayed and is very amusing. The first episode is rather dull if truth be told but the remaining five episodes more than make up for this opening. In fact I would have given this five stars if the first episode was as good as the rest. Well worth spending the money to enjoy this classic adaptation of Emma.

Great Adaptation. I think that in some ways I liked the way Jane Fairfax was played better in this version than the one Gwyneth Paltrow was in. I think that the interfering Mrs Elton was also played very well.

I really don't get why people hate this version of Emma and I don't agree with the age comments. I watched this BBC version of Emma and I don't think Doran Godwin who played Emma looked anywhere near as old as two previous reviewers have made her out to be and I think that they musn't have actually seen the movie but only seen the cover of the video and DVD that had a bad picture of her that was an extreme close-up and made the actress look older then she was. I'm not an expert in judging peoples ages but I think Doran looked to be somewhere from maybe 25 years old to 33 years old and not over 40 or 50 as those reviewers have claimed and I think she did some great acting and really sparkled as Emma and I was also impressed with the acting by the guy who played Knightley who I agree was a little old for the part but I think his good acting makes up for that and he and Doran Godwin had good on-screen chemistry.

Detailed and faithful adaptation that is cleverly done. Characters are built (slowly) in the first videotape, but the real payoffs come in the second tape, which is hilarious. This follows the book very well; I found the first half slow, dry and barely made it through, but loved the second half and was glad I finished. Same with this video.

EMMA, Jane Austen's most lighthearted novel, is given a lovely treatment by Denis Constanduros. Doran Godwin gives a delightful performance in the title role and the 6-part series rolls along very well with a faithful eye to the original intent of Austen.

As the story opens, Emma is jubilant over her latest matchmaking effort, having catapulted her beloved governess (Ellen Dryden) down the aisle. However, her next protege, Harriet Smith (Debbie Bowen) proves to be a little more tricky. Ever the optimist, Emma seems content in remaining steadfastly single, until her own unlikely love-match makes himself known...

Doran Godwin is the perfect embodiment of Austen's heroine. The production values are very lavish and the generous running-time (six 45-minute installments) allows the entire story, with all it's delightful characters and intrigues, to chart it's full course. The support cast includes John Carson, Constance Chapman, Fiona Walker, Donald Eccles, Robert East and Mollie Sugden.