Comments on: Sense and Sensibility (1971) – Movie Review

By: Sense and Sensibility 1981 – A Review « Austenprose – A Jane Austen Blog

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 05:07:34 +0000

[...] was really moving. Tracey Child as Marianne happily did not play the melodrama over the top like Ciaran Madden did in the earlier 1971 production. I was amazed at the similarity of her interpretation to that of Kate Winslet’s 1995 version. [...]

By: Laurel Ann (Austenprose)

Laurel Ann (Austenprose) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 20:46:49 +0000

Hi Lady Lavinia, I must agree that a novel can never be adapted word for word. Movies are a different medium. There are Austen adaptations that are more successful than others. The 1995 Persuasion is a great example in my opinion.

Thanks for your insights. Laurel Ann

By: ladylavinia1932

ladylavinia1932 — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 17:06:32 +0000

["In conclusion, this Sense and Sensibility does show us how far historical drama has evolved in forty years, but sadly reminds us how far we have to go in perfecting interpretations of Austen’s prose on screen."]

It’ll never happen. No screenwriter is going to use the dialogue of a famous novel verbatim. It just won’t work. Not even a play would use the exact same dialogue in a stage adaptation of any novel. There are some aspects of any novel – whether it is the plot, characterization or dialogue – that simply DO NOT translate well to the screen or the stage.

By: Mandy N

Mandy N — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:16:02 +0000

As soon as I found out S&S (1971) was available, I couldn’t resist buying it, if only for abit of BBC nostalgia (being a fan of the JA’s classic ‘Ones’ or to see Joanna David or maybe Patricia Routlege.
I enjoy all four S&S adaptations. LA, I agree with nearly all your interesting review…good point on the script not retaining much of JA’s own words. ( I think script for S&S 1981 better, with more JA dialogue.)
I really enjoyed Joanna as kindly, sensible Elinor. However, Ciarian Maden gave the weakest portrayal of Marianne- she deserved a SUTH !
Loved Patricia Routlege as Mrs Jennings; a delightful contrast for sour Mrs Ferras.
I believe this S&S is sometimes reffered to as ‘Poldark S&S’. lol !
Admittedly, I had a hard time seeing Robin Ellis as Edward Ferras; but if I had Fanny D. for my sister, I’d stutter too !
I found this Lucy Steele a real toughie; too ill-mannered to believe shy guy Edward could ever like her. I also didn’t find Clive Francis”s Willoughby a believable villian.
Maybe he and Robin Ellis ought to have switched roles in S&S ? ;)
Thanks for S&S 1971 photos; your Mrs Jennings photos really show her joviality. Yeah, and many of the costumes were hilarious !
Ooh, and Happy New Year !

By: Laurel Ann

Laurel Ann — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 21:09:50 +0000

Hi Blarneygirl – so great to see your comments again. Don’t want to discourage you from viewing this version, just forewarn you that it is not up to snuff compared with recent versions. There are some excellent permformances, and it is Jane Austen no matter what has been done to it, so take the risk. In your eyes, I might be completely off base, which I have been known to be frequently. Have a great new year.

By: blarneygirl

blarneygirl — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 20:09:14 +0000

Three months?? :D I love NetFlix and no late fees!

Thank you for the review. I’m usually up for watching just about any period piece, but I think I’ll pass on this one.

By: Laurel Ann

Laurel Ann — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 22:11:04 +0000

Hi Becky – oh YES, I have seen the 1980 P&P. It was my introduction to Austen adaptations and I still love it. Elizabth Garvie as Lizzie Bennet still reigns supreme with me as the best interpretation. I will further add that I do like David Rintoul’s Mr. Darcy – though I know that many others do not. He played it as Jane wrote it. I like Colin Firth’s Mr. D also, but not sure that Austen would.

Happy New Year, LA