Sunday evening Masterpiece Theatre aired part 1 of a new version of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility. I wasn't sure if I'd like it since I so loved the film version starring Emma Thompson, Kate Winslett, Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman. I saw the film at the theater, then bought the CD of the soundtrack and played it while I was writing my Regency romance, Lady Elinor's Escape. (The photo to the right shows the entrance to the Jane Austen Centre in Bath, England, taken by yours truly in 2003.)But I'm happy to report the new version hooked me immediately, opening as it did with a rather steamy scene of the dashing but rakish Willoughby seducing a young lady before a roaring fireplace. You can bet that got my attention!
As with all Masterpiece Theatre presentations, the acting is impeccable and the details seem authentic. Watching, I was reminded of the fact that Europe was still in the Little Ice Age 200 years ago. Though the cottage the ladies move to is in a lovely spot, it looked terribly chilly to this pampered Californian.
I was also reminded how powerless women were at the time and how the method of primogeniture disinherited all but the eldest son (or closest male relative). A young lady without a decent-sized dowry stood little chance of making a good match. Fortunately, Jane's young ladies always come about in the end.
I love Jane Austen's works. She was ahead of her time in many ways and she was a master of characterization. My three favorites are Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Persuasion.
Are you a Jane Austen fan? Which is your favorite book / movie?
Linda
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