I've read the book, it's so good. I've seen the Ehle/Firth version, it's so dreary. And that even if it accords the book every comma and paragraph. This film from 1940 contains a lively wit, charm and spirit.
The comic performances by all the character actors-Boland, Oliver,Gwenn--but especially the more unsung Inescort and Cooper are buoyant and clever. Theatrical, but real as if the characters were enjoying or reveling in their own ideas of theatricality and society manners.
Olivier is capable of showing disdain with the flicker of Mr. Darcy's eyelash and yet reveals his vulnerability with a dignity that makes this performance live.
But best of all is Greer Garson as Elizabeth. Her grace of face and language are of the highest level committed to film. The way she turns aside the shame of leaving the village and says,lightly, "Besides what does it matter where we go-as long as we go together?" or wistfully about Mr. Darcy, "That chapter is definitely closed.." With a light touch, she makes Lizzie witty, clever, stubborn and full of life.
This is the fun version without any of the loss of feeling and empathy one should have for Austen's characters. No, the time setting and telescoping of events are different. But for a cinematic version that captures the smart observations of the story in the most entertaining way, this has to be the one.
The comic performances by all the character actors-Boland, Oliver,Gwenn--but especially the more unsung Inescort and Cooper are buoyant and clever. Theatrical, but real as if the characters were enjoying or reveling in their own ideas of theatricality and society manners.
Olivier is capable of showing disdain with the flicker of Mr. Darcy's eyelash and yet reveals his vulnerability with a dignity that makes this performance live.
But best of all is Greer Garson as Elizabeth. Her grace of face and language are of the highest level committed to film. The way she turns aside the shame of leaving the village and says,lightly, "Besides what does it matter where we go-as long as we go together?" or wistfully about Mr. Darcy, "That chapter is definitely closed.." With a light touch, she makes Lizzie witty, clever, stubborn and full of life.
This is the fun version without any of the loss of feeling and empathy one should have for Austen's characters. No, the time setting and telescoping of events are different. But for a cinematic version that captures the smart observations of the story in the most entertaining way, this has to be the one.