Kendall Posted January 15, 2014 Share Posted January 15, 2014 What are your recommendations of DVD versions of the following plays and novels? There are multiple versions of each. The Importance of Being Earnest Persuasion Northanger Abbey Also in the Colin Firth Importance of Being Earnest... imdb says there is some brief nudity. Do you know where in the film that is? I want to decide if I will let the younger kids watch it, but I don't want to watch the whole thing ahead of time. Thank you, Kendall Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lori D. Posted January 15, 2014 Share Posted January 15, 2014 My favorites of these -- all clean, and close to the actual printed originals: The Importance of Being Earnest 1952 movie, with Michael Redgrave As I recall, this is a B&W version. (I like B&W, but some people "don't do B&W".) Performed by British actors who often acted on the stage, and the way it is shot and staged makes it feel like you are watching a performed stage play, which I think is a positive, since that was the original medium. I believe several of the more recent versions diverge somewhat from the original play dialogue and events. Persuasion 1995 movie, with Amanda Root Hands down, the best version. The cast is exceptional, all the way around. Beautiful, quietly understated (which perfectly matches the lead character's personality), most believable version. Northanger Abbey Well, honestly, I love both of these, so watch both! ;) 1. 2007 TV movie, with Felicity Jones Pros: more recent, and will connect better with teens; also quotes the book at times. Cons: a few weakly-cast actors; the end feels rushed. 2. 1987 TV movie, with Katherine Schlessinger Pros: stellar cast -- some VERY fun over-the-top eccentric portrayals; quotes the book at times. Cons: poorer videotape quality image; odd "hard electric guitar" as part of the soundtrack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckymama Posted January 15, 2014 Share Posted January 15, 2014 The 1995 Persuasion is just beautiful :) I watch it annually. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie of KY Posted January 15, 2014 Share Posted January 15, 2014 In the 1952 version of Importance of Being Earnest, it starts off with Jack singing in his bathtub showing his knees and upper body (no nudity of privates, just implied). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebastian (a lady) Posted January 15, 2014 Share Posted January 15, 2014 Another got for the Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds version of Persuassion. I date my love of Austen to seeing this movie, which lead to the book Nd another book and on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted January 15, 2014 Share Posted January 15, 2014 I prefer the older version of Persuasion, though most of the acting is crummy. I think the newer versions are too short. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lori D. Posted January 16, 2014 Share Posted January 16, 2014 ... too short. I agree! More Austen! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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