The rebroadcast of episode two of the 2008 mini-series Sense and Sensibility concluded last night on Masterpiece Classic and I am duly satisfied, not only with this production but with Jane Austen’s amazing story. You can catch up on my thoughts on episode one here.
Sense and Sensibility has really grown on me over the years. It is quite amazing to think that Austen wrote the first draft entitled Elinor and Marianne in 1796 at age nineteen. The original draft no longer exists so we will never know how much she changed between the first manuscript and what was revised for publication in 1811. It has been speculated by scholars and Austen enthusiasts that the storyline contrasting the divergence of personalities of two sisters is loosely based on the author and her sister Cassandra; Austen inspiring the emotional and romantic Marianne and her sister Cassandra as the tempered and wise Elinor. Who can say if this is true, but it seems to fit, and makes a pretty story!
Watching this film a second time brought out some new experiences for me as I began to enjoy director John Alexander’s treatment of Austen humor with the minor characters and plot pacing of peaks and valley’s of emotion and resolution with greater sympathy. There were several key moments of surprise and embarrassment that ran through this episode and here are a few of my favorites.
Lucy Steele (Anna Madeley) has just confided in Elinor Dashwood (Hattie Morahan) that she has been secretly engaged to Edward Ferrars (Dan Stevens) these past four years. The look of astonishment on Elinor’s face is priceless. Morahan’s composed underplay really sells this moment.
Marianne Dashwood (Charity Wakefield) has just received a dear John letter from Willoughby (Dominick Cooper) apologizing for any misconception by her as to his feelings for her. As she relays her anguish and despair to her sister Elinor, we come to understand Marianne’s emotional torment and the depth of her profound disappointment in the loss of her love Willoughby. Wakefield really knows how to tie on a good crying jag.
Mrs. Ferrars (Jean Marsh) is as hard a soul as that nut she’s trying to crack. Screenwriter Andrew Davies did take liberties with his interpretation which I was not always in agreement of, but the added scenes and dialogue given to Mrs. Ferrars were an improvement to the plot. Marsh really made Mrs. F. into a scary scheming old bat.
When Anne Steele’s (Daisy Haggard) mouth gets ahead her mind revealing to Mrs. Ferrars her son Edward’s secret engagement to her sister Lucy we are treated to one of the best comedic scenes in the mini-series as Anne realizes her error and tries to back peddle, but does not have the composure and fortitude to pull it off! Haggard’s performance as Anne was perfection.
As Edward arrives for an unannounced visit to Elinor, the jaw dropping moment as he walks into the room is classic. Here he is faced with Lucy his secret finance talking with Elinor the woman that he truly loves and he did not even know that they knew each other. You never saw three people so uncomfortable and want to leave a room so quickly before.
Elinor is beside herself with joy upon Edward’s declaration of love and his proposal of marriage. After waiting, waiting, waiting, her patience is rewarded by the man she loves.
Another happily-ever-after in Austenland!
Read my previous reviews
- Withstanding Sense, or Sensibility: Episode One
- Sense and Sensibility: Conflict of Heart over Head: Episode Two
The Masterpiece Classic season continues with a new adaptation of Charles Dickens Oliver Twist airing on Sundays February 15th and 22nd on PBS.
Laurel Ann (Austenprose)
Virginia Claire
Christina B.
RegencyRomantic
Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
shelleydewees
Br. Paul Byrd, OP
Aia A. Hussein
I have to say I loved watching this series again. I like it so much better than the version with Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson, even though that version was fabulous.
The music for this series was especially beautiful. It fit the movie really well and seemed right for the period.
Amy
Wasn’t it lovely that PBS aired this adaptation again? Such a wonderful treat to see it twice!
I was so glad to see the character of Anne Steele in this production. She is such a wonderfully comic element in the book and I agree that Daisy Haggard did her justice. And seeing Jean Marsh in anything is always a joy!