Please welcome author and admitted Jane Austen addict Laurie Viera Rigler who joins us today to chat about one of her favorite obsessions, P&P 95 and the paperback release of her book, Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict. (Don’t ya just luv the cover?)
How many of us will resist buying the newly remastered BBC Pride and Prejudice DVD from A&E Home Video, with its color-perfect English countryside and the ability to see, as Laurel Ann led us to envision in her post that individual droplets of water running down Colin Firth’s chest as he emerges from his famous dip in the lake?
***pauses to fan self***
I don’t know about you, but I’ve already ordered my copy.
How do I love the BBC P&P? Let me count the ways. I love it for its dearest, loveliest Elizabeth Bennet and her fine eyes. I love it for its faithfulness to Jane Austen’s beloved novel. And I love it for its deviations therefrom in the form of the dishiest Darcy ever to fence and swim and smolder his way into my heart.
Certainly the unprecedented popularity of this BBC miniseries has had a phenomenal effect on popular culture. Many have credited it with contributing greatly to the wave of “Austen euphoria” that, according to the authors of Jane Austen in Hollywood, increased membership in the Jane Austen Society of North America by fifty percent during the single year following its release. Not to mention giving rise to the dozens of Austen-inspired books, films, blogs like this one, and other entertainments that populate the Janeiverse.
For me the BBC P&P has special significance beyond its function as video wallpaper in my home. For it found its way into the very first chapter of my second novel, Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict. There, it served as my heroine’s first close encounter with twenty-first-century technology. She, being a gentleman’s daughter from 1813 England who inexplicably finds herself inhabiting the body and life of a woman in 21st-century Los Angeles, assumes that the tiny figures acting out her favorite novel inside the shiny glass box are real people. And that the box is some sort of window. Strange that the figures inside the box cannot hear her when she talks to them. And that they are so small yet so distinct to the eye…
Imagine my delight when I read, right here on Austenprose that the remastered edition of the BBC P&P is out on April 27th. The very same day that Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict is out in paperback.
In honor of this serendipity, I am giving away two personally inscribed copies of Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict. For a chance to win a copy, all you have to do is post a comment that tells us how you’d include a reference to the BBC P&P in a book or other form of art or entertainment. Let your imagination run wild, “give a loose to your fancy, indulge your imagination in every possible flight which the subject will afford.”
Have fun, good luck, and see you at Pemberley!
Giveaway Contest
To sweeten the deal I will throw in a copy of Laurie’s first novel in the series, Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict. So, that 2 personally inscribed copies of Rude Awakenings of a JA Addict and one copy of Confessions of a JA Addict to three lucky winners. Contest ends at midnight Pacific time on May 3rd, 2010. Shipment to continental US addresses only. Good luck!
The perfect pairing: Pride and Prejudice 1995 &
Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict
- Read my review of Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict
- Read my review of Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict
- Order your very own copy of the restored edition of P&P 1995
Austenprose 
Hi Laurel Ann,
Now I’m tortured. Another “must” purchase for my own Jane Austen addiction. Thanks a lot!
In my own story I’m imagining my heroine consoling herself by reading her tattered copy of P & P after her own blockhead hero irritates her into a frenzy. Wine and P & P are the only possibilities that will soothe her.
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Have you seen Lost in Austen? If not rent it postehaste. Modern day Austen fan finds herself in Lizzy Bennett’s time, while Lizzy discovers the current century.
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I have seen Lost in Austen and loved it!! I actually went out to buy it the next day and told my grams to watch it. She loved it! She’s a 75 year old woman who passed on her love of Jane Asuten to me. If you haven’t seen Lost in Austen then you should rent or buy it today. You won’t be disappointed.
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Hi Lauren, yes I have seen Lost in Austen and enjoyed it very much. Thanks for the recommendation. Glad your grams liked it too!
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Thank you. I’d love to enter the contest.
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Cool book cover design. Lizzy in bonnet driving a convertible!
Steamy Darcy
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What a wonderful contest! Thank you for the chance to enter. :)
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This is a wonderful contest. I have read both of the books but from the library, I would love my very own copies! Plus a remaster if P&P 95!
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Ugh…I thought I was going to be able to resist buying the new edition of P&P 1995 on DVD. This post is gonna make me cave!! ;)
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If I were to include a reference to the BBC P&P in a book, I would probably mention the transformation which occurs each time I see it: I begin to speak in a manner which resembles the characters. Pray, do not you understand my meaning?
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This has to be one of the best contest yet! Count me in!
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I would use a memorable quote from the movie such as, “You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”
I’m so glad to hear that the newly re-mastered version of P&P is color perfect!
Thank you for the great contest. :)
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Why resist? Such a perfect giveaway.
For the record, now that my bookshelves are finished, I’m thinking about asking my husband and son to build shelves in my closet for Mother’s Day, and then I will submit their plans for said shelves to Sunset magazine along with a pitch on a story on entitled “Lady Catherine’s Tips and Tricks for Making a Parsonage a Home.”
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LOL Jane, I feel that this is an ideal article for JASNA Newsletter! Too funny!
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I think I’d slip in a few subtle character references – maybe avoiding the usual Darcy references for something more like “He’s such a Mr. Collins!” or “Darling, he’s clearly the Bingley to your Jane.”
Thanks for the giveaway!
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I would happily slip quotes and copious references to the movie {and book, no doubt} into the speaking segments I will be conducting during the conference I’m hosting in October…the attendees will love that!!!! :)
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Thanks for the opportunity, the book looks like a lot of fun! I think in a film a reference to the actors from P&P would be cute, as in Girl 1: “he’s cute but he’s no Colin Firth.” Girl 2 “Yeah, not sure I’d want to see him pop out of the Pemberly pond.”
It’s probably too early to attempt creativity this morning. Thanks for putting up with me ;)
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What a fantastic giveaway!
I think I’d try and keep references fairly subtle, maybe some slight nods to costuming used in the series.
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If I had written a novel, the reference would go something like this:
“Angrily she thought of his words as they repeated in her head.
Jennifer Ehle as Lizzy Bennet would have pursed her lips, balled up her fists, gasped in frustration, and finally, she would have gone on a walk.
While the first actions were easily done, the three feet of snow on the ground from the Minnesota storms weren’t really conducive for long walks. She would have to distract herself in another fashion.”
From your Twin Cities #1 fan! Love your novels Laurie!
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Eagerly anticipating the remastered release of the BBC DVD and the release of Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict — would love to participate in the giveaway.
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I’m totally looking forward in reading Rude Awakings. I love the A&E Production of Pride and Prejudice. Currently, I’m reading Pride and Prejudice once again.
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I am no longer astonished at you knowing only *six* accomplished women, Mr Darcy, I rather wonder at your knowing *any*.
I find when I think or read anything when it comes to P&P, I feel Very Happy . It makes me feel like I just met a old friend again that I loved very dearly …
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I’d love to be included in this giveaway. Please count me in.
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I have in the past, and will again, use images and quotes in my needlework keepsakes.
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Great post and giveaway!
My protagonist in my current WIP is named Bennet, her mother explained that she was conceived after watching Darcy emerge from the pond. *swoon*
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My friends are HUGE Twilight fans. I am a HUGE P&P fan. When we go to their movies, I come up with Jane-ish outfits. Last fall at the premier of “Eclipse”, I wore a lovely ribboned headpiece (with an apple to honor their Twilight) and a co-conspirator of mine wore a t-shirt that said, “Mr. Darcy could kick Edward Cullen’s arse.”
I think for the next Twilight movie, out in June, I’ll embroider a t-shirt with something like “You can have Sparkle-boy, I’ll take Pemberley”.
Not exactly a work of art, but my own personal ode nonetheless!
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The protagonist in my current fiction WIP is named Bennet. Her mother explained she was conceived after watching the pond scene & Colin Firth. *eyebrow waggle*
Great post and giveaway! :)
Stace
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A reference to BBC P&P in ANY kind of chick lit or chick-flick is easy. Any girl that has seen that movie, whether they like Jane Austen’s writing or not, will always talk about Colin Firth.. the pond scene? Hello? I think that version is iconic, that’s why it pops up everywhere. He may not seem like he oozes charm, but when gets going.. that man can woo you.
I also think it would be easy to make a reference to the amazing Mrs. Bennet and her relentless pursuit to marry off her daughters. What single adult woman hasn’t heard that buzzing, annoying voice in their ear every day after they turn 25 and remain single.
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What an accomplished group of ladies–even Mr. Darcy would be satisfied! Thank you for all the creative, fun, imaginative answers. I can’t wait to read more!
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Fabulous giveaway….please include my name!!
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My copy of the BBC P&P is a copy of a tape and the sound is ghastly so I could use the upgrade! Thnx for the info, now for my submission…
I think I would reference my favorite part of the movie (and novel too) when Elizabeth acknowledges how ashamed she is of what she one said and thought and admits to now feeling quite different. “She certainly did not hate him” and feeling gratitude that he loved her enough to forgive her.
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If I were to put a P&P 95 reference into a novel, I think it would go something like this:
” In the aftermath of the accident, long after the various refuse of the party had been cleared away, Jane would still be reduced to breathless felicity when she remembered the way {guy character} had emerged from the pool in soaking wet splendor; a work of art, as it were, titled ‘Male Perfection Ascending from Pond’.”
Gotta love the pond scene. ;)
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The protagonist in my fiction WIP is named Bennet. Her mother explained that she was conceived after watching Firth emerge from the pond. *eyebrow waggle*
Great post and great giveaway!
Stace
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I’ve seen it and it looks great – I bought a Region 2 copy in the UK. It looks like a different film, MUCH better… to see Col. Fitzwilliam!!
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I absolutely love pride and prejudice! It is my FAVORITE story of ALL times! I used to rent the video of the mini-series at blockbuster (when my blockbuster was around!). I would loved a beautifully remastered version of the film.
Mr. Darcy is the best!
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So….how would I include a reference to the BBC P&P in a book or other form of art or entertainment?
My form of entertainment would be a ladies’ sleepover! We would wear anachronistic Regency bedclothes and watch P&P ’95 while sipping tea! And of course, subtitles would be on at all times, and out-loud quoting would be allowed. Gasping at any Darcy sighting would also be allowed. Throwing tomatoes at Mr. Collins would not.
Thanks for the contest! Count me in!
Laura Hartness
The Calico Critic
CalicoCritic at gmail dot com
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LOL Laura! Don’t forget the top hat alert! You could a spritz yourselves when Darcy jumps in the lake! Wave lace hankies when Mrs. Bennet goes into her nervous flutterings. Oh I could go on and on.
LA ;-)
P.S. Blow an airhorn when Mary sings.
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LOVE IT! I once had a BBC P&P sleepover, and it was so much fun. But we didn’t wear Regency sleepwear, nor did we do the live commentary you and Laurel Ann suggested. Probably because it was the first time my friends saw the miniseries. Yours sounds like a SOUND OF MUSIC or ROCK HORROR PICTURE SHOW extravaganza! :))
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Laurel:
Or hit the “mute” button when Mary sings!
Laurie:
Yes, I was thinking of the Sound of Music thing, too. Either that or Mystery Science Theater 3000….?
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Were I to write a P&P spin-off, I’d include my heroine’s recurring fantasy of greeting Colin Firth/Mr. Darcy as he walks dripping out of the pond.
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I’d reference by definitely adding a quote from the movie.
I’m nuts about this giveaway- Please enter me- I love this author:)
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My husband likes how they used to talk about the weather and condition of the roads. When my teens have to go someplace where they’ll have to make conversation with someone, he always gives them these two topics. The kids do it, and it’s become quite the family joke. In my book, I’m imagining a young couple out on their first date. The conversation dries up, and the young man starts to talk about the condition of the roads. The young lady’s eyes light up and they realize they share a common love for all things Austen.
Thanks for the great giveaway!!
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Oh yes ~ I pre-ordered it at the smokin’ sale price when you shared the original post! Funny, that just before I came to visit you that I got my email saying it was shipped and on it’s way to me! Sweeeet!
Okay – how would I reference the movie is by living it! I’d have Afternoon Tea with my girlfriends and send invitations inviting them to a P&P themed tea par-tay, complete with menu as close as I could get to the era. I’d have the DVD playing on the tv in the background for it’s music and infusion of accent. Then I’d incorporate all the ladies of the novel as individually crafted character party favors!
As always you have the best give-aways LA!
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Thanks Janeen, I am also anxiously awaiting the arrival of my copy of the restored edition of P&P95. They say it will arrive on May 3rd. Three more days. Hey folks, I preordered that weeks ago. What’s the deal? Ack!
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One time we had a girl’s day and did each other’s hair P &P style (it was time consuming), but the end result was so cute, and then we took pictures.
Another P&P inspired one that I did: write a letter by candelight at night (it’ll take at least four candles to be able to see by candlelight), use a fountain pen, and if you wear an old sweeping nightgown and a shawl and braid your hair- the scratch of the pen on the paper and the dim glow – it is just transporting! Is that going too far?! ;)
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The included featurette P&P “Lasting Impressions” can be watched on YouTube in 6 Parts:
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I’m truly surprised to find that there are many Jane Austen addicts out there. Very cool. Thanks for the giveaway!
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Yes Amy – there is a whole nation of us! Thanks for visiting.
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If I were to write a novel, I would include a scene where either the heroine flatlines for a couple minutes or dies and heaven IS Pemberley.
Please include me in your giveaway. I recently discovered that Laurie and I are alumni of the same school: the University of Buffalo! So, I am eager to read her novels…
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LOL Susan. Pemberley heaven is definetley a reward worth dieing over, even if it is only temporarily.
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I would love a one mile walk from Longbourn to Meryton to get ribbons for the ball and town “news”. :D
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Does naming your kids after JA and her characters count as referencing her in a work of art?
Jane Elizabeth and John Darcy think so!
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