Product Description

Hailed as "wonderfully 18th century" and offering equal measures of humor and drama this magnificent BBC production tells the story of two sisters attempting to find happiness in the tightly structured society of 18th century England.Running Time: 226 min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: DRAMA UPC: 794051168320

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #26835 in DVD
• Brand: Warner Brothers
• Released on: 2004-08-24
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, Original recording remastered, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .20 pounds
• Running time: 174 minutes

Features

• Hailed as "wonderfully 18th century" and offering equal measures of humor and drama, this magnificent BBC production tells the story of two sisters attempting to find happiness in the tightly structured society of 18th century England.Running Time: 226 min. Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: DRAMA Rating: NR Age: 794051168320 UPC: 794051168320 Manufacturer No: E1683

Amazon.com
Don't look for Margaret Dashwood in this BBC version of Sense and Sensibility, because you won't find her. For some inexplicable reason, they opted to write her out of this 1985 adaptation of Jane Austen's first published novel. Still, despite the absence of the youngest Dashwood sister, this is an otherwise faithful adaptation of Austen's original. Sense and Sensibility concerns the unfortunate Dashwood family, who, at the death of the patriarch, are forced to move out of their home and into a cottage on the property of relatives. Sensible Elinor falls quietly in love with Edward, her sister-in-law's brother, while impetuous Marianne (Tracey Childs) rejects the respectable courtship of Colonel Brandon (Robert Swann) for the flashy (and ultimately destructive) Willoughby (Peter Woodward).

Those wowed by Emma Thompson's more sumptuous 1995 version may complain that Bosco Hogan (yes, that's his real name) isn't nearly as yummy as Hugh Grant. But they may fail to remember that Edward Ferrars, was, from Jane Austen's plume, a nondescript guy, and yet Elinor (here, Irene Richards) still found something wonderful about him.

Childs is a beautiful, passionate Marianne and her performance, as well as Richards's, and the rest of the cast, is topnotch. Accurate detail is given to settings and costumes (if not the existence of Margaret) and it's easy to get swept away in this BBC version. --N.F. Mendoza

Customer Reviews

A charming, entertaining journey back in time
Having seen the praised American version of this novel I was delighted (especially by Emma Thompson ). Sometimes I had a feeling of too much drama in that film. But I had not read this novel for some years, so I did not know why.

I read the novel again and realized that film was the American way of showing Jane Austen and her time: the men always riding (like cowboys), an education full of freedom even for girls ( Margret and her hut in the tree ...), rain in every turning point or dramatic situation ....

The BBC adaption of this novel tells the story in a more careful, smooth way, true to the novel, few thrilling scenes, but more charming ones. There is time to look at the characters, to feel with them, to see Jane Austen's English humour in some scenes and her feeling for romance. Sometimes I think there are real people on the screen, not heroes. That is one more reason for liking this film as much as the big American movie, or even better. If you want to see Jane Austen brought to life for young people today who need exaggerated feelings to be able to feel and action to find a film worth watching, then switch on the Emma-Thompson-version. If you want to travel back in time and do not want to be rushed into new situations, then watch the BBC production. It is entertaining, touching and teaching in a smooth way. It is holiday for your brain and nerves.

most faithful and thorough production!
despite the unfortunate removal of Margaret this movie is extremely well acted, and develops more the humor of Marianne's sensibilities as oppose to romanticizing them. Which is what Jane Austen wished to develop. Two most important parts of the plot are here, as opposed to Emma Thompson's disappointing removal of the scenes where Edward visits the Dashwoods for a week and where Willoughby attempts to see Marianne in the middle of the night. I loves those parts so very much, and my heart sank upon realizing that wasn't to occurr in the Thompson version.

A Faithful Film Adaptation Which Lacks Pizzazz !
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