Don’t miss the encore presentation of Persuasion (2007) on Masterpiece Classic PBS Sunday, February 21st 9:00 – 10:30 PM (check your local listings). This adaptation by screenwriter Simone Burke stars Sally Hawkins as Jane Austen’s steadfast and long suffering heroine Anne Elliot and Rupert Penry-Jones as the dashing naval hero Captain Wentworth.
Persuasion was Jane Austen’s last completed novel before she died at age 41 in 1817. It reflects her mature style and deeper introspective narrative. Here is a description of the adaptation from PBS:
Unhappily unmarried at age 27, and dealing with family financial peril, hope is fading from Anne Elliot’s (Sally Hawkins, Little Britain) life. Circumstances bring Captain Frederick Wentworth (Rupert Penry-Jones, Casanova), a dashing naval officer she once deeply loved, back into her life eight years after Anne was persuaded by her family to reject his marriage proposal. Having returned from sea with a new fortune, Wentworth is surrounded by swooning women while Anne broods at the periphery, longing to be in Wentworth’s favor. Now Anne comes face-to-face with the deep regret of her old decision, and her abiding love for Wentworth, as she wonders if a long ago love can be rekindled.
This adaptation has its charms, namely excellent performances by Anthony Head as the vain Sir Walter Elliot and Rupert Penry-Jones as Captain Wentworth, the best letter writer of Austen’s canon (you pierce my soul), but the ending will more than surprise Austen purists. Despite having poor Anne run through the streets of Bath like a madwoman, it is beautifully filmed and is eye candy for any Janeite.
- Read my review of Persuasion (2007)
- You may perhaps like the heroine: Jane Austen on Persuasion
- Visit the Persuasion page at Masterpiece Classic
Austenprose 
I do admit this was one of the most visually tempting adaptations, especially those moody seaside scenes, but I was disappointed in Sally Hawkins’ constantly-on-the-verge-of-miserable-tears thing. I will have to give it another chance since I seem to recall that Rupert Penry-Jones is yummy. ;)
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Hmm, yes Erin we are in complete agreement on being dissappointed in how the screenwriter and director interpreted Anne in this adaptation. The woeful looks into the camera were overkill. Anne is not pathetic, she is stoic and regretful. Big difference. Now Rupert – if he had been allowed more of Cpt Wentworth’s great lines would have been perfection. Thanks for visiting Erin.
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This is one of the adaptations I’ve never seen and I’m looking forward to it !
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It makes me sad to know that this will be the last of the Jane Austen films this season. I am looking forward to this presentation. Even Sally’s run through Bath will not spoil my enjoyment.
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This is my favorite novel too. Just have to get past Mrs. Smith running after Ann and Ann herself running after Captain Wentworth! ha ha
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Lots of running in this version Janeen! It was very disconserting to have Anne Elliot running through Bath, but Mrs. Smith who is an invalid was a really poor choice. It totally changes the emphasis of her character and her pitiable situation. Unpardonable really and disrespectful to Austen.
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Does anyone know if I can view this online? PBS had Emma viewable online… but I can’t find a link to watch Persuasion :(
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Not sure about watching it online Rose. Since Persuasion and Northanger Abbey were encore presentations from the 2008 season, they did not offer online streaming video after the airing. You can purchase both adaptations through the PBS shop online, Amazon or B&N though. Hope you see it.
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Disappointed in the recent adaptation. The Amanda Root portrayal of Anne was poignant; Hawkins came off as alternately pitiful and pathetic. Penry-Jones was cute, but didn’t have the substance of Ciaran Hinds. The running at the end was, I presume, supposed to be a substitute for what in a modern setting would have been a car chase…
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Hi J L Cornwell, all the points you present as flaws of the 2007 Persuasion are on my list too. The 1995 Persuasion is hard to beat. It might just be the most accurate and enjoyable Austen adaptation ever.
Thanks for visiting today. Cheers, Laurel Ann
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My problem with “PERSUASION” has more to do with Jane Austen’s original novel – namely her handling of the William Elliot character. It’s a pity that none of the adaptations have ever been able to overcome this.
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