The following morning, Ross decided it would be better if Demelza no longer work at Nampara, so that he would not be tempted to have sex with her again. They showed it in the Soviet Union back in the early 90s. This has always been my favorite, ever since I saw the episodes after school every day for a week back in the 80s.

Forget Ciaran Hinds in the 1997 one! The screenwriter and director understood Brontë’s purposeful intent to compare this to the fairy tale. I have seen actor Robin Ellis in other movie and television productions, including 1971’s “SENSE AND SENSIBILITY” and 1981’s “THE GOOD SOLDIER”. Not even the faded photography can hide the beauty of the Cornish landscape. In fact, I purchased the DVD because of him. Anyone familiar with Graham’s novels know that the 1975 adaptation is not accurate. It’s still my favorite adaptation.. although Zelah Clarke looks more than 18 and Dalton sometimes appears to be too handsome for the role.
These first four episodes also set up a conflict between Demelza and Elizabeth. But since Demelza and Elizabeth were probably doomed not to be friends, I see that screenwriter Jack Pulman decided to immediately go for the jugular and set up hostilities between the pair. I had no problems with the production starting with Ross’ stage journey to his home in Cornwall, considering that the novel started with a meeting between Ross’ dying father and his Uncle Charles. Seen many many times since in Russian and English. I agree with you about William Hurt in the 1996 version, he was mostly emotionless and stiff-I was very disappointed. And yes, I believe she earned that praise . By the way, fans of the 1983 miniseries, “JANE EYRE” should be able to spot Zelah Clarke (a future Jane Eyre) in a small role as one of the stagecoach passengers in the opening scene of Episode One. Period Drama Reviews: A Collection Sorted by Time Period. Brooding.. occasional outbursts, the belief that he is above the fray… with contempt for his gentry class and the entail laws of the times. . In Episode Three, a jealous Demelza had maliciously blamed Elizabeth for Francis’ infidelity, even though she had yet to meet the pair. Fortunately, she stopped him from committing such a stupid act. It does follow closely the novel, but more than that.. it is possibly the very best representation of the Rochester Byronic Hero in characterization–thanks to Dalton & his director. The scenes, too, at Ferndean, which I don’t think has been mentioned – there is more in this one than in most of the others. He sizzles on screen and shows the authentic rage of a Byronic struggling with inner demons. What does that mean exactly? Timothy Dalton stars in the underrated 1983 Jane Eyre adaptation. I have always liked the Charles Poldark character – not because he was likable. You can also buy it on DVD. Timothy Dalton and Zelah Clarke’s performances, they captured Rochester and Jane’s personalities very very well.

These newer versions are more shallow, though visually very appealing in parts. She has a Humanities and Film Degree from BYU, co-created The Silver Petticoat Review, has contributed as a writer to various magazines, and is currently earning her Masters in Publishing from Pace University. I also found John Bloomfield’s costume designs very attractive, but not exactly mind blowing. There is a touch of melodrama at times, particularly in the first episode, and no doubt, some will find it old-fashioned, but when you look at it as a whole, it’s quite fantastic. My biggest problem with these first four episodes of “POLDARK” centered on the circumstances that led Ross to marry his kitchen maid, Demelza Carne. More likely than not, you will get to see some of your favorite scenes from the book.
If you haven’t checked out the 1973 version of Jane Eyre with Sorcha Cusack and Michael Jayston, it is also fantastic. And her portrayal of a Demelza in early-to-mid adolescence struck me as loud and over-the-top. Despite expressing Verity’s emotions in a fervent manner, Streader still managed to maintain control of her performance. If you had to pick the best adaptation of Jane Eyre, which one would you choose? With Zelah Clarke, Timothy Dalton, Carol Gillies, James Marcus. I like all the scenes they included, like others have mentioned (gypsy, charades, the begging, the extra stuff at Lowood, etc), and that they included so much of what happened at Moor House and her teaching etc. I saw the Timothy Dalton version many years ago, it was the first movie version I saw. Both actors obviously knew the text and understood characterization!

I do love the one with Toby Stephens & Ruth Wilson, as well as the one with Mia Wasikowska & Michael Fassbender (though in that one it bugs me to no end that they didn’t give Jane her blood family; it’s such a huge theme in the book!

Two sisters of opposing temperaments find love and some heartbreak in Jane Austen's 18th century classic. She understands how to portray an introvert. But I just didn’t like Zelah Clarke’s performance. . “You pierce my soul. But to me the crowning bit of the whole thing is, they *actually* refer to NEGUS! It’s like he walked out of the pages of the book. And that is just my 2 cents. Actually, I’d go further and say that St. John shows what an actual villain is compared to Rochester. My viewing of the first four episodes of this series made me finally appreciate why it was so highly regarded. I do agree, Timothy Dalton IS Rochester to a T. Thanks for your comment!

I say all that to say that after seeing the excellent 1983 version, I never expect to like new ones, yet I like almost every one. Because of the long-running time of the series, there was plenty of time to explore Jane’s experiences at Lowood School. The director chose to film it in the dark, which is a fascinating choice. . Best Darn Limited TV Series Ever! As a Brontë fan from the age of 16 on… I ended up being a British Victorian Literature major in college and later became an educator. Episodes One to Four seemed to be an adaptation of the first novel. When Jane reunites with Rochester in the end, archetypal themes of Beauty and the Beast appear.