David Rintoul’s Performance Costs this 1980 BBC Production
This is an excellent version of Pride and Prejudice second only to the lauded and beloved 1995 production. Elizabeth Garvie’s “fine eyes” and bright performance are a standout. She is lovely and likable. I would put it on par with Jennifer Ehle’s interpretation. Unfortunately, David Rintoul’s performance is a real hindrance. He is as stiff and expressionless as a two by four. He moves through the film like a Zombie. This would have been fine for most of the production, but he almost never unbends to show us his true colors at the end. He only smiles when he is inviting Mr. Gardiner to go fishing, and even then he looks like his face would crack from the effort. Darcy must be shown to have evolved into someone Elizabeth could love and like. Colin Firth revealed Darcy to be shy as well as proud and it was a charming portrayal. Mathew McFayden was almost heartbreaking in the 2005 version. For much of his portrayal, I was looking forward to the change when Darcy finally melts. I was very disappointed. What a lost opportunity! It was very vexing! All of the other actors stand up quite well to the classic, especially Jane, and Mr. Collins. Jane is, in this version, much more the beauty she is described to be. Susanna Harker in the 1995 version is attractive and interesting looking but she is not really a beauty, in my opinion. I do prefer the more comedic performance of Alison Steadman as Mrs. Bennet. The wonderful Julia Salwaha killed as Lydia, and unfortunately, Natalie Ogle’s performance was not up to snuff by comparison.
I have watched this multiple times and it stacks up against every version of this classic of the Austen genre, which is unusual as it was made in the days of stage-like production values. It would have taken just an extra 5 seconds to make this almost perfect. If only…. **8 out of 10 stars**
August 4, 2017
I wanted to sneak this in where nobody else had been so it wouldn’t get lost. A year ago if I stumbled upon this video I’d have thought oh for crying out loud and rapidly moved on. Today I was enthralled and enraptured and wished the three of us could sit down to tea in the Regency Tea Room in Bath and then take her home to play with. I really owe you so much. I went on and ordered Tomalin’s book even though I’d already read Lucy’s because I can’t help myself. What’s your opinion because if you don’t like her then I’ll have to reconsider. 🙂
It’s enriched my life to know I’ve enriched your life 😊
I’m so glad! <3 Here's you an Easter gift:
One more incidental thing, but it’s a big thing to me, when people watch videos like this one I’m sure they’re thinking lilacs and lavender but when I was a little kid I remember being in country homes warmed by fires in coal grates and lit by kerosene lamps and I know exactly what Jane’s home smelled liked to Jane.
I bet this version is one you were thinking about when you asked about 1980s TV stuff. I’m definitely going to watch it then. It’ll be interesting. I just watched this little video and the reason I’m sending it with delight is the amazing job the little girl does!!!! I couldn’t believe it. It’s also clever. 🙂
You might have to buy it unless your library has it. They also do Sense and Sensibility proud as well. The others have some good things about them, but the Casting of the female leads in Persuasion and Emma is cringe, IMO. I looked at the little girl part for a minute but I really couldn’t understand her. She was charming though. I do appreciate the videos you send me, but I just can’t find the time quite yet. Sorry!
Here’s one I’d love to see you review. And I wish you’d call up Hallmark and tell them see, it’s easy to make a really good movie………just eliminate the stupid ****. I can sooooo see you giving them good advice. How many of those movies could have been so much better with a little tweaking!? Hang out your
Script Doctor shingle; the future of the industry is in your hands. 😉
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13055752/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_4_wr
I have the same problem sometimes with understanding. I found the 1980 BBC video here:
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x80lf1z
I just watched it and was so glad to see it. First of all the outdoors scenery was the best ever. I’ve always imagined the English countryside to be the inspiration for the Garden of Eden. <3 And Mr Collins was satisfyingly bumptious. And I can certainly imagine Jane Austen fans loving it since it had been 40 years since they'd been thrown any red meat and the dialog often seemed stilted enough to have been verbatim from the book. But after seeing the 1995 and 2005 productions this seems almost like a parody. I am going to watch the 1940 film. And I've had it up to here with the bonnets. I think often the head coverings, especially the doilied napkin types, inadvertently rob the wearer of gravitas.
“since it had been 40 years since they’d been thrown any red meat” Funny. I’m glad you watched it.I thought the casting of Elizabeth and Jane was excellent. Rintoul had the look, but he misplayed the character. I don’t recommend the Garson/Olivier version, Although both of those actors were fine.
I forgot to remark on Mr. Darcy being 9/10ths twit.