Laurie Viera Rigler on Masterpiece's Pride & Prejudice

I love Laurie's take on what I call the "Colin Firth Pride & Prejudice" (sorry Jennifer Ehle). It definitely is my standard against which all P&P adaptations are judged, though I will say I found the Keira Knightley movie wonderful. But given that that was a 2-hour adapation as opposed to this longer form, miniseries treatment, I do think they are apples and oranges and one can love each of them without any conflict. I still remember studying P&P religiously for my senior year English major "orals" exam where I was grilled by three professors about three works of my choosing. Choosing Austen made studying all the easier. Part 3 airs on Sunday, February 24th opposite the Oscars, so some tivo'ing may be required.

Comments

[Kiki]

I know it is late to weigh in on this entry--but I just wanted to comment on the two movies. personally, I loved the Keira Knightley version--so realistic with the genteely (is that a word?), impoverished Bennett family, and the rainy, muddy world they might have lived in. I love Colin Firth, but they never get dirty in his version! That isn't how the book is! I also preferred Keira's portrayal of Lizzie--especially the scene where she comes upon Pemberley--she plays it perfectly! Not that Jennfier Ehrle is not wonderful--it is just a totally different kind of movie--and both Mr. Darcy and Lizzies are wonderful and played perfectly--but I loved Donald Sutherland too, as Mr. Bennett, I must admit.

[Jenne]

If there are others out there who just adore both versions but have aa soft spot in your heart for Colin Firth, there is a charity aucion now going on at ebay where you can win a personalized letter
from him amongst other items. Here is the link -
http://cgi3.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=on-the-red-carpet

Also, there are two board games out there based on Pride and Prejudice if you all still cannot get enough of P and P. I have both and the one in the traditional rectangular box is much easier to understand and play than the version that is in a hatbox.

[Book Club Girl]

Jenne,
you are our veritable font of information! Thanks for the link!!

[Book Club Girl]

Just have to say that I've been watching part 2 tonight, and oh my, Mr. Darcy. I had forgotten about some of his and Lizzie's flirty exchanges before she turns him down flat.