P&P Olivier Style

"Mr. Darcy, Mr. Darcy!" The last, and earliest, of the main* adaptations of Pride and Prejudice is coming out on DVD (Region 1) on October 10 of this year. I say last because all the other main versions are already on DVD, yet I say earliest because it was made before the others. Studio release information here.

Released in 1940, this big screen adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, stars Laurence Olivier and Greer Garson as Darcy and Elizabeth. Like its 2005 big-screen cousin, this version of P&P is not a faithful adaptation. For example, neither version is placed in or near 1813 when the book was published. While the 2005 version claimed** it placed the story in the 1790s, the 1940 version jumped several decades into the Victorian period...all because those Empire waistlines aren't consider picturesque! Both versions also condense the story and modify major storylines. This 1940 version adds an archery scene (eyebrows raised) and converts Lady Catherine into a matchmaker for Darcy and Elizabeth (eyebrows falling off!).

Olivier and Garson were both too old for their parts, but Olivier, in particular, is good as Darcy. He winningly portrays Darcy's pride, but we also see him falling in love with Elizabeth and how this love changes him. Wouldn't it have been something to see Olivier in an adaptation as faithful to the book as the later BBC mini-series?

It's been several years since I've seen this adaptation, but while inaccurate, I do remember it having a certain charm. I'll probably be checking the prices once the release date is closer.

(NOTE: I checked Amazon.co.uk, but do not see this version listed. Perhaps they are not interested in it because, unlike other versions, it is purely a Hollywood production. ;-) It's stars are British, but not the production. Or, perhaps, there will be a Region 2 release later.)

*I say main because there are other BBC TV adaptations, but I don't know anyone that has seen them and don't know if any film versions of them still exist. Certainly no DVDs exist of them.

**I say claimed because their costumes must have covered at least the 1790s into 1810s. ;-(

DVD image borrowed from Amazon.com. (What did they do to Greer Garson's eyes?)

Comments

[Laura]

I'm really looking forward to this release! The entire family loves it, despite its lack of authenticity. Olivier is wonderful, as are Garson and O'Sullivan. And Edmund Gwenn. I willingly forgive it its flaws (including Garson being too old) just because it's so darn entertaining. :)

Thanks for the post!! Laura

[Missy]

I think O'Sullivan is the prettiest of all the Janes. And there's a real sweetness to her performance. Garson's good, but Olivier takes the movie. ;-)

[Laura]

There's a scene around the middle of the movie where Darcy is leaving a room and looks back at Elizabeth...what he accomplishes just with his eyes is amazing. Swoon!

Laura :)

[Missy]

She's in the library and he's holding the door, right? Very special scene!

[Laura]

That's the one!

[Missy]

:-D