urbisoler Review of The Brontës of Haworth

The Brontës of Haworth (1973– )

If you know the story, then this is THE dramatization!!!

[10/10 · 30 December 2001]

I look at this film in two ways. First, by comparing it to the real life story of the Bronte family. As a member of the Bronte Society, I think I qualify as a Bronte family partisan. This British production is remarkable in every respect. It is television at its very best. It follows the story as well as it possibly can without over-dramatization or sentimentality. The acting, sets, costuming, photography, etc are all professional done. A slight drawback might be the musical accompaniment which is rather insignificant. Secondly, there is the comparison to the 1946 Hollywood version of the Bronte story, "Devotion". Don't think the pretty ladies, Olivia de Haviland, Ida Lupino, and Nancy Coleman, add an iota of class to this insipid, silly, ridiculous bit of fiction. It is a travesty on the Bronte name. If it is ever shown in television reruns, it should carry an apology and a warning that what you are about to see in no way is representative of one of the most remarkable literary families in our history.