Pride and Prejudice

How can I not give 5 Stars to Robert Z. Leonard's 1940 version of "Pride and Prejudice?" As a child, this film was my first introduction to Jane Austen. My delight in watching it motivated me to read her novel at an earlier age than I would have normally. I know that at least two later versions of this classic have been made, one by BBC in 1980, and another by A&E in 1995. I adore both adaptations, especially the one with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. However, Greer Garson is magnificent here as Elizabeth Bennet, even if she is a bit old to be playing a debutante, recently out in society. And Laurence Olivier epitomizes Fitzwilliam Darcy, with his overly proud bearing and manner. (He too is a little long in the tooth for the part, as written.). However, together, they illuminate the screen and exude a special magic. Their charisma, the rare chemistry which captures the audience's imagination and enthralls, allows all else to become possible. That is what an outstanding film is all about - creating belief and enchantment. One might get the impression that this is more a Cinderella story than a comedy of manners and social satire - but that still doesn't detract from the movie's strengths, and there are many.Leonard's version is not, by any means, a faithful adaptation of Miss Austen's portrayal of morals, mores, marriages and the class system in Georgian England. Scenes have been added: the archery "lesson" - which I loved, and the carriage race. However, to be fair, various scenes were added to Simon Langton's film, most notably the one where Colin Firth takes a swim, and his sword practice. These scenes enrich rather than detract, to my mind. I am not so much of a purest, that a few variations bother me. It is unfortunate that important scenes and sequences at Pemberley, in London, and at Lambton are omitted. Some of my favorite minor characters, like Mr. and Mrs. Gardner, and Georgiana Darcy are absent too. Charlotte Lucas, (Karen Morley), who is an extremely important personage in the novel, plays a very small part here, as do Sir William Lucas and Col. Fitzwilliam. The costumes are not faithful to the period, overly crinolined and too elaborate. And the dialogue makes little use of the author's brilliant language.So, why am I rating this a top notch film? I already spoke of the brilliance of Garson and Olivier. As for the rest, well, let's look at the story. Word is out, in a small Hertfordshire community, that the empty Netherfield estate has been leased to a new occupant - a wealthy bachelor. Mothers and daughters upset their daily routine, and shatter the local tranquility - buying dress material, sewing, embroidering, planning and fantasizing about balls and marriage. The latest gossip pours from everyone's mouths, at least those of the women, young and older. Nowhere is there more excitement than at the Bennett home, where five very marriageable daughters anticipate news of their neighbor. The Bennett's have a particular reason for wishing their girls settled. Their estate, Longbourn, is entailed. It can only be inherited by a male successor. Since the Bennett's have no son, their entire estate will go to Mr. Bennett's cousin. The girls must be married well and settled, so they will have a secure home when their father dies. If their mother should outlive her spouse, they will have to provide for her also. Marriage is a serious business in this period. The film succeeds in clearly reflecting Ms. Austin's theories on the importance of marriage for women of the period. Most women were not educated, except for the social graces; acquiring, at least, some proficiency in music, needlework and "acceptable" literature, and learning skills essential to running a household. Considerable pressure was placed on women to marry well, to obtain financial security and social position, not just for themselves, but also for their immediate family. Love matches were rare.An Assembly Ball is held to honor Charles Bingley, (Bruce Lester), the new resident at Netherfield, and for the friends who accompany him. Bingley is very taken with Jane Bennett, (Maureen O'Sullivan), the eldest daughter, and a lovely young woman with a sweet disposition. The feelings are reciprocated and the two form an informal attachment. It is at this ball that Elizabeth Bennett (Ms. Garson), the family's second daughter, meets Bingley's friend, the aristocratic Fitzwilliam Darcy, (Olivier). Darcy, is much wealthier than Bingley. He is a handsome, intelligent man, and the Lord of Pemberly, a large, sumptuous estate in Derbyshire. Darcy, however, is the height of haughtiness when he arrives on the scene, and looks down his noble nose at the local gentry. Elizabeth Bennett, is quite different from most young women of the Regency Period. She has a strong intellect and her father has encouraged her to become literate, and to enjoy fine books and literary conversation. She is bright, spirited, with a sharp wit, more independent than her sisters, and very pretty. Darcy is attracted to her immediately, but snubs her unknowingly. She overhears Darcy explain to Mr. Bingley that he is not dancing because: "There isn't another woman in the room who it wouldn't be a punishment to stand up with." That bit of snobbishness makes him odious to Elizabeth. Then he adds, about Elizabeth herself, "Oh, she's tolerable, I suppose, but I'm in no mood to give consequence to the middle classes." Elizabeth responds in kind, thinking him to be boorish and far too proud. Thus she is prejudiced against him from their first meeting. (I would have smacked his face - but that's me, and I'm no lady)!Elizabeth and Darcy's strong mutual attraction, and the conflict between them, which prevents them from forming a potentially rich relationship, provide an interesting tension throughout the film. Darcy's proud arrogance in his social class and position, and Elizabeth's prejudice against such haughtiness, seem to inhibit all promise of romance.The transformation of contempt into mutual friendship, respect and love is a major theme in Ms. Austen's novel, and this is beautifully conveyed here. The aversion, caused by pride and prejudice is later swept away through a series of events, and clear, honest communication between the protagonists, which clears up misunderstandings. Although both Elizabeth and Darcy exhibit both pride and prejudice in the novel, it is clear that Elizabeth is the more prejudiced of the two, and "pride" most especially refers to Darcy. When the they converse at the Netherfield gathering, these correlations are made quite explicit. "You're very puzzling, Mr. Darcy. At this moment it's difficult to believe that you're so...proud. At this moment, it's difficult to believe that you're so prejudiced. Shall we not call quits and start again?"The ensemble cast is truly extraordinary. As I keep writing, Greer Garson, as an exceptionally cheeky Elizabeth, is fabulous. Her expressive face and gestures frequently communicate her feelings without speaking a single line. I think Laurence Olivier is the best Darcy, or at least his performance is the equal of my favorite, Colin Firth. Olivier's range is great, and even as a proud, haughty man, he is a three dimensional figure. Their acting style has a sensibility that suits the more rigid and formal behavior of the period. Ms. O'Sullivan's Jane is perfection. Miss Austen would approve, I am sure. Ann Rutherford, as the flighty Lydia does a fantastic job, as does Marsha Hunt as the plain, bookish, and absolutely tone deaf Mary. Frieda Inescort is the best Caroline Bingley I have ever seen. She manages to out-haughty even Mr. Darcy with her airs of superiority. Mr. Bennet, (Edmund Gwenn), is superb as the father who errs by distancing himself from his wife and daughters, (silly creatures he calls the women affectionately), with the exception of Elizabeth, his intellectual soul mate. Mary Boland is the flighty, high strung Mrs. Bennet, whose loyalties change with the wind, and who causes her husband to suffer silently. The film doesn't delve into the estrangement between the unlikely pair, but there is still a palpable tension at times between these two, who are so mismatched. The charming, handsome, (if somewhat smarmy), officer, stationed at Meryton, George Wickham, (Edward Ashley), does a fine job of playing the bounder and stirring up trouble. And Mr. Collins', (Melville Cooper), the sycophant cousin whose devotion to the very blue-blooded Lady Catherine de Bourgh, (Edna May Oliver), seems to be his raison d'etre, plays his part to the hilt. I love the scene where he pursues Elizabeth at the picnic.The screenplay for this film was written by author Aldous Huxley and Jane Murfin, and was based on a play, not taken directly from the novel. They place the emphasis on romance and farce, not biting satire. And so this is much more a romantic comedy than the more recent adaptations. It is less true to Jane Austen's work, but it is faithful to her storyline, and succeeds in communicating her most important themes. It is also extraordinary entertainment, with wonderful humor, superior acting, and it stands the test of time. The musical score by Herbert Stothart is exceptional, and it is totally integrated into the film.JANA

Poor Mrs. Bennet, (Mary Boland) this fluttering chatterbox of a matron has five daughters she must marry off, and what's worse nary a son which is a potentially disastrous turn of events! For her husband's estate Longbourn is entailed, meaning only male issue can inherit it and when the amiable Mr. Bennet (Edmund Gwenn) goes to his eternal reward his distant cousin the pompous Mr. Collins (Melville Cooper) will take possession. One small consolation is that her five girls with the exception of her middle child the bespectacled bookworm Mary (Marsha Hunt) are comely and vivacious young women; gentle, sweet natured Jane (Maureen O'Sullivan), the bright, spirited Elizabeth (Greer Garson), and the giddy, coquettish twosome Kitty (Heather Angel) and Lydia (Ann Rutherford). Then, two well born young gentlemen of property and social position are heaven sent to their village of Meryton, the affable Mr. Bingley (Bruce Lester) who has taken a lease on the nearby estate of Netherfield, accompanied by his haughty sister Caroline (Frieda Inescort), and his best friend the supercilious Mr. Darcy (Laurence Olivier). At the next assembly ball Jane makes a conquest of the smitten Mr. Bingley, but Elizabeth is infuriated by Mr. Darcy's arrogant dismissal of Meryton and it's inhabitants as provincial, socially and intellectually beneath his notice, she included. Despite this pride on his part, and her prejudice towards him, Elizabeth and Darcy do have an attraction of opposites, and Darcy himself is more intrigued than he would like by the quick-witted, entrancing Elizabeth. However, their nascent romance suffers many a setback by both circumstance and individuals such as the dashing Mr. Wickham (Edward Ashley Cooper), the malicious Caroline Bingley and Darcy's aunt, the redoubtable Lady Catherine de Bourgh (Edna May Oliver).This first film version of "Pride and Prejudice" is not a totally faithful adaption of the Jane Austen classic and might be dismissed by sticklers as such, but nonetheless exerts it's own lively charm, and the discerning viewer will find much to appreciate and enjoy. Aldous Huxley and Jane Murfin based the screenplay on a stage adaption by Helen Jerome; it crackles with wit, and captures the essence if not the scope of the novel. The whole production design is a sumptuous one, with superb sets that were so handsomely executed that an Oscar was awarded to Cedric Gibbons and Paul Groesse for Best Art Direction for a black and white film. Celebrated designer Adrian created elaborate costumes in the styles of the 1830's, that at times are exaggerated in their design and size. Although the time frame of the novel is the beginning to the second decade of the nineteenth century, the gowns women wore in that era were apparently too simple for Adrian. Since, he wanted more of a challenge the time frame was conveniently shifted to a later decade where the fashions had become more ornate and decorative, huge, towering bonnets bedecked with ribbons and plumes, puffed balloon sleeves, wide sweeping skirts belled out by crinolines. Still, Adrian did get to exercise his creativity, and most of the times his designs are flattering to the Misses Garson, O'Sullivan, Rutherford et al.For me, Greer Garson's Elizabeth Bennet is her best performance. Starting with "Blossoms in the Dust" the next year, and solidified by her famous Oscar winning "Mrs. Miniver" her characters would be by and large noble, sanctimonious "ladies", which eventually became tiresome. Her Elizabeth is unmistakably a lady, but one of decided character and mettle that is rare for a young woman of her social station and era. She is forthright with a nimble sense of humor yet still retains her charm and femininity in her verbal jousts with Mr. Darcy, Miss Bingham and Lady Catherine. Some of this of course is due to Jane Austen's development of Elizabeth Bennet who is one of the most delightful heroines in literature, but Garson puts her own stamp on her, bringing her to vivid life.Laurence Olivier has a difficult task in making the puffed up Darcy likeable, but he pulls it off admirably. One aspect I liked was that Olivier's Darcy isn't a strutting peacock, a fop, he's possesses a strong masculinity and strength to make him an ideal candidate to court Elizabeth. He also melts the icy Darcy by degrees, becoming less a paragon of perfection, and a fully realized flawed human being, so the audience is on his side in the last quarter of the film. It doesn't hurt in either instance that both Garson and Olivier are both at the peak of their youthful magnetism and attractiveness.A first rate cast supports them led by the matchless, poker faced Edna May Oliver as Lady Catherine, who comes daringly close to stealing every scene she's in, her final scene with Elizabeth is razor sharp. Thelma Ritter and she are my two favorite supporting actresses from Hollywood's classic era, both worth their weight in gold. Running a close second place is Mary Boland's high strung, prattling Mrs. Bennet, she brings out the character's comic silliness without being annoying, and losing the audience's sympathy. All the actresses playing the Bennet sisters get their own individual moments to sparkle, Maureen O' Sullivan, Ann Rutherford, Marsha Hunt, and Heather Angel. As the lone male living with a bevy of female Bennets, Edmund Gwenn as Mr. Bennet has a droll twinkle in his playing that makes him an ideal choice. Lastly nods of approval to Bruce Lester, Frieda Inescort, Melville Cooper, Edward Ashley Cooper and Karen Morley, who are winners all.A brief word on the special features, an Oscar nominated short from 1940, the same year this was released about the training of the US Navy Air Pilots called "Crime Doesn't Pay: Short Eyes of the Navy." This I found interesting from an historical point of view, as America was one year away from entry in the raging World War II, I thought it was a not so subtle piece of propaganda. The second is a cartoon called "The Fishing Bear", that is mildly amusing, but not up to the standards of the classic Chuck Jones cartoons from Warner Brothers starring Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Company. Finally, there is the usual theatrical trailer for the film, always a good curiosity piece to see how a film is first promoted to its potential audience.Much as I enjoy this film, which is one of the more splendid Hollywood adaptations of a literary classic, I wish what I feel could have been the dream version had been made. Initially "Pride and Prejudice" was to be the first Hollywood vehicle to star the soon to be wed Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier, fresh off their red hot successes in "Gone with the Wind" and "Wuthering Heights", directed by the master of sophisticated comedy George Cukor. Yet when the cameras rolled, Robert Z. Leonard was directing and Vivien Leigh was cast in "Waterloo Bridge". While I wouldn't want to lose Leigh's magnificent performance in that, I wish she could have played both, her Elizabeth Bennet would have been a piece of screen magic. It's a damned pity that Olivier and she lost an opportunity to play two renowned characters in a sparkling comedy of manners that end up in love and living happily ever after at that point in time when personally and professionally their lives were at their most joyous and radiant.

I saw this movie many years ago and was tickled to come across it on sale. An all-star cast from back in those days and a script that leaned heavier on the comedy than the drama side. It's light and fun and the storyline is 'based on' rather than 'is' like the book. That said, its a lilting and amusing variation that I would recommend to those who want a light classic feel.The quality of the film is good and I enjoyed the extra cartoon and newsreel type story that came with it just like it would have been shown in the theater back then.

This movie is a classic and an excellent one to add to your movie collection.

It is a 1940 version, it is not the 1995 gold standard but it is a fun easy watch. It has a different flavour, watch it for itself not to see if it sticks to the book. Accept that it is based on the novel, not a faithful retelling. It is the only version where I find Mrs. Bennett funny, in the 1995 & 2005 versions I want to punch her, here she is funny. Actually I find it a bit of a romantic comedy. You can also watch it to stare at a young Sir Larry.

Questo film è stato la mia porta d'ingresso per il mondo di Jane Austen, quindi lo guardo con gli occhi dell'amore. Non troppo fedele al libro, che viene sforbiciato senza pietà, il Darcy di Olivier è apertamente spocchioso quindi irresistibile, Garson bamboleggia un po' come usava allora e la sua interpretazione è invecchiata male. I costumi spostano avanti l'azione di una ventina d'anni, sono estremamente sontuosi e risaltano grazie a un bianco e nero sfolgorante.Dato che all'epoca faceva brutto parlare male dei religiosi mr. Collins diventa un bibliotecario. Extra al minimo, l'ho guardato in lingua originale (finalmente!) Quindi non ho verificato se il doppiaggio è quello originale

Película en blanco y negro. Versión bastante libre de la novela de Jane Austen, pero bien resuelto el argumento. Muy bien imagen y sonido

Greer Garson received critical acclaim for her role in this 1940 film version of ‘Pride and Prejudice’. The story is well known and set in the early 19th century in the English village of Meryton. Mr. Darcy (Laurence Olivier) and his friend Mr. Bingley both wealthy bachelors arrive in the village seeking a love interest. The Bennet family have five eligible daughters all of whom they are keen to find suitable rich husbands, including the spirited Elizabeth (Greer Garson). There have subsequently been many versions of this popular book and the purist critics complain that this film is too American and it is not true to the book! The 1995 BBC version is generally considered to be the closest to the book, but it runs for over six hours. The Bennett’s who were according to the book were suppose to be impoverished do not look as if they were in this version, their daughters have fine cloths and their costumes are from the wrong period allegedly borrowed from the set of Gone With The Wind. However reading the reviews on Amazon for this1940’s version most considered despite its faults that it is a very enjoyable film, with outstanding performances from Lawrence Olivier and Greer Garson. My wife and I thought it was a very amusing frivolous film with a lot of situation humour that would not have gone amiss in A Carry on film. My DVD from Dutch Distributor is of very good quality, the slip cover is in mostly Dutch. There are three rather good extras on this disc. A propaganda film ‘Eyes of the Navy’ about the US navy and its training of its aircrew; an amusing WB cartoon called ‘The Fishing Bear’ and a trailer for the film.

Great Jane Austen Classic.