Pride & Prejudice VHS

How can I not give 5 Stars to Robert Z. Leonard's 1940 version of "Pride and Prejudice?" As a child, this film was my first introduction to Jane Austen. My delight in watching it motivated me to read her novel at an earlier age than I would have normally.I know that at least three later versions of this classic have been made, one by BBC in 1980, another by A&E in 1995 and the more recent 2005 release with Keira Knightley. I adore all three adaptations, especially the one with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. However, even with all this particular movie's anachronisms Greer Garson is magnificent here as Elizabeth Bennet, although she is a bit long in the tooth to be playing a debutante. And Laurence Olivier epitomizes Fitzwilliam Darcy, with his overly proud bearing and manner. (He too is a bit old for the part, as written.). Together, though, they illuminate the screen and exude a special magic. Their charisma, the rare chemistry which captures the audience's imagination and enthralls, allows all else to become possible. That is what an outstanding film is all about - creating belief and enchantment. One might get the impression that this is more a Cinderella story than a comedy of manners and social satire - but that still doesn't detract from the movie's strengths, and there are many.Leonard's version is not, by any means, a faithful adaptation of Miss Austen's portrayal of morals, mores, marriages and the class system in Georgian England. Scenes have been added: the archery "lesson" - which I loved, and the carriage race. However, to be fair, various scenes were added to Simon Langton's film, most notably the one where Colin Firth takes a swim, and his sword practice. These scenes enrich rather than detract, to my mind. I am not so much of a purest, that a few variations bother me. It is unfortunate that important scenes and sequences at Pemberley, in London, and at Lambton are omitted. Some of my favorite minor characters, like Mr. and Mrs. Gardner, and Georgiana Darcy are absent too. Charlotte Lucas, (Karen Morley), who is an extremely important personage in the novel, plays a very small part here, as do Sir William Lucas and Col. Fitzwilliam. The costumes are not faithful to the period, overly crinolined and too elaborate. And the dialogue makes little use of the author's brilliant language.So, why am I rating this a top notch film? I already spoke of the brilliance of Garson and Olivier. As for the rest, well, let's look at the story. Word is out, in a small Hertfordshire community, that the empty Netherfield estate has been leased to a new occupant - a wealthy bachelor. Mothers and daughters upset their daily routine, and shatter the local tranquility - buying dress material, sewing, embroidering, planning and fantasizing about balls and marriage. The latest gossip pours from everyone's mouths, at least those of the women, young and older. Nowhere is there more excitement than at the Bennett home, where five very marriageable daughters anticipate news of their neighbor. The Bennett's have a particular reason for wishing their girls settled. Their estate, Longbourn, is entailed. It can only be inherited by a male successor. Since the Bennett's have no son, their entire estate will go to Mr. Bennett's cousin. The girls must be married well and settled, so they will have a secure home when their father dies. If their mother should outlive her spouse, they will have to provide for her also. Marriage is a serious business in this period. The film succeeds in clearly reflecting Ms. Austin's theories on the importance of marriage for women of the period. Most women were not educated, except for the social graces; acquiring, at least, some proficiency in music, needlework and "acceptable" literature, and learning skills essential to running a household. Considerable pressure was placed on women to marry well, to obtain financial security and social position, not just for themselves, but also for their immediate family. Love matches were rare.An Assembly Ball is held to honor Charles Bingley, (Bruce Lester), the new resident at Netherfield, and for the friends who accompany him. Bingley is very taken with Jane Bennett, (Maureen O'Sullivan), the eldest daughter, and a lovely young woman with a sweet disposition. The feelings are reciprocated and the two form an informal attachment. It is at this ball that Elizabeth Bennett (Ms. Garson), the family's second daughter, meets Bingley's friend, the aristocratic Fitzwilliam Darcy, (Olivier). Darcy, is much wealthier than Bingley. He is a handsome, intelligent man, and the Lord of Pemberly, a large, sumptuous estate in Derbyshire. Darcy, however, is the height of haughtiness when he arrives on the scene, and looks down his noble nose at the local gentry. Elizabeth Bennett, is quite different from most young women of the Regency Period. She has a strong intellect and her father has encouraged her to become literate, and to enjoy fine books and literary conversation. She is bright, spirited, with a sharp wit, more independent than her sisters, and very pretty. Darcy is attracted to her immediately, but snubs her unknowingly. She overhears Darcy explain to Mr. Bingley that he is not dancing because: "There isn't another woman in the room who it wouldn't be a punishment to stand up with." That bit of snobbishness makes him odious to Elizabeth. Then he adds, about Elizabeth herself, "Oh, she's tolerable, I suppose, but I'm in no mood to give consequence to the middle classes." Elizabeth responds in kind, thinking him to be boorish and far too proud. Thus she is prejudiced against him from their first meeting. (I would have smacked his face - but that's me, and I'm no lady)!Elizabeth and Darcy's strong mutual attraction, and the conflict between them, which prevents them from forming a potentially rich relationship, provide an interesting tension throughout the film. Darcy's proud arrogance in his social class and position, and Elizabeth's prejudice against such haughtiness, seem to inhibit all promise of romance.The transformation of contempt into mutual friendship, respect and love is a major theme in Ms. Austen's novel, and this is beautifully conveyed here. The aversion, caused by pride and prejudice is later swept away through a series of events, and clear, honest communication between the protagonists, which clears up misunderstandings. Although both Elizabeth and Darcy exhibit both pride and prejudice in the novel, it is clear that Elizabeth is the more prejudiced of the two, and "pride" most especially refers to Darcy. When the they converse at the Netherfield gathering, these correlations are made quite explicit. "You're very puzzling, Mr. Darcy. At this moment it's difficult to believe that you're so...proud. At this moment, it's difficult to believe that you're so prejudiced. Shall we not call quits and start again?"The ensemble cast is truly extraordinary. As I keep writing, Greer Garson, as an exceptionally cheeky Elizabeth, is fabulous. Her expressive face and gestures frequently communicate her feelings without speaking a single line. I think Laurence Olivier is the best Darcy, or at least his performance is the equal of my favorite, Colin Firth. Olivier's range is great, and even as a proud, haughty man, he is a three dimensional figure. Their acting style has a sensibility that suits the more rigid and formal behavior of the period. Ms. O'Sullivan's Jane is perfection. Miss Austen would approve, I am sure. Ann Rutherford, as the flighty Lydia does a fantastic job, as does Marsha Hunt as the plain, bookish, and absolutely tone deaf Mary. Frieda Inescort is the best Caroline Bingley I have ever seen. She manages to out-haughty even Mr. Darcy with her airs of superiority. Mr. Bennet, (Edmund Gwenn), is superb as the father who errs by distancing himself from his wife and daughters, (silly creatures he calls the women affectionately), with the exception of Elizabeth, his intellectual soul mate. Mary Boland is the flighty, high strung Mrs. Bennet, whose loyalties change with the wind, and who causes her husband to suffer silently. The film doesn't delve into the estrangement between the unlikely pair, but there is still a palpable tension at times between these two, who are so mismatched. The charming, handsome, (if somewhat smarmy), officer, stationed at Meryton, George Wickham, (Edward Ashley), does a fine job of playing the bounder and stirring up trouble. And Mr. Collins', (Melville Cooper), the sycophant cousin whose devotion to the very blue-blooded Lady Catherine de Bourgh, (Edna May Oliver), seems to be his raison d'etre, plays his part to the hilt. I love the scene where he pursues Elizabeth at the picnic.The screenplay for this film was written by author Aldous Huxley and Jane Murfin, and was based on a play, not taken directly from the novel. They place the emphasis on romance and farce, not biting satire. And so this is much more a romantic comedy than the more recent adaptations. It is less true to Jane Austen's work, but it is faithful to her storyline, and succeeds in communicating her most important themes. It is also extraordinary entertainment, with wonderful humor, superior acting, and it stands the test of time. The musical score by Herbert Stothart is exceptional, and it is totally integrated into the film.JANA

How can I not give 5 Stars to Robert Z. Leonard's 1940 version of "Pride and Prejudice?" As a child, this film was my first introduction to Jane Austen. My delight in watching it motivated me to read her novel at an earlier age than I would have normally. I know that at least two later versions of this classic have been made, one by BBC in 1980, and another by A&E in 1995. I adore both adaptations, especially the one with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. However, Greer Garson is magnificent here as Elizabeth Bennet, even if she is a bit old to be playing a debutante, recently out in society. And Laurence Olivier epitomizes Fitzwilliam Darcy, with his overly proud bearing and manner. (He too is a little long in the tooth for the part, as written.). However, together, they illuminate the screen and exude a special magic. Their charisma, the rare chemistry which captures the audience's imagination and enthralls, allows all else to become possible. That is what an outstanding film is all about - creating belief and enchantment. One might get the impression that this is more a Cinderella story than a comedy of manners and social satire - but that still doesn't detract from the movie's strengths, and there are many.Leonard's version is not, by any means, a faithful adaptation of Miss Austen's portrayal of morals, mores, marriages and the class system in Georgian England. Scenes have been added: the archery "lesson" - which I loved, and the carriage race. However, to be fair, various scenes were added to Simon Langton's film, most notably the one where Colin Firth takes a swim, and his sword practice. These scenes enrich rather than detract, to my mind. I am not so much of a purest, that a few variations bother me. It is unfortunate that important scenes and sequences at Pemberley, in London, and at Lambton are omitted. Some of my favorite minor characters, like Mr. and Mrs. Gardner, and Georgiana Darcy are absent too. Charlotte Lucas, (Karen Morley), who is an extremely important personage in the novel, plays a very small part here, as do Sir William Lucas and Col. Fitzwilliam. The costumes are not faithful to the period, overly crinolined and too elaborate. And the dialogue makes little use of the author's brilliant language.So, why am I rating this a top notch film? I already spoke of the brilliance of Garson and Olivier. As for the rest, well, let's look at the story. Word is out, in a small Hertfordshire community, that the empty Netherfield estate has been leased to a new occupant - a wealthy bachelor. Mothers and daughters upset their daily routine, and shatter the local tranquility - buying dress material, sewing, embroidering, planning and fantasizing about balls and marriage. The latest gossip pours from everyone's mouths, at least those of the women, young and older. Nowhere is there more excitement than at the Bennett home, where five very marriageable daughters anticipate news of their neighbor. The Bennett's have a particular reason for wishing their girls settled. Their estate, Longbourn, is entailed. It can only be inherited by a male successor. Since the Bennett's have no son, their entire estate will go to Mr. Bennett's cousin. The girls must be married well and settled, so they will have a secure home when their father dies. If their mother should outlive her spouse, they will have to provide for her also. Marriage is a serious business in this period. The film succeeds in clearly reflecting Ms. Austin's theories on the importance of marriage for women of the period. Most women were not educated, except for the social graces; acquiring, at least, some proficiency in music, needlework and "acceptable" literature, and learning skills essential to running a household. Considerable pressure was placed on women to marry well, to obtain financial security and social position, not just for themselves, but also for their immediate family. Love matches were rare.An Assembly Ball is held to honor Charles Bingley, (Bruce Lester), the new resident at Netherfield, and for the friends who accompany him. Bingley is very taken with Jane Bennett, (Maureen O'Sullivan), the eldest daughter, and a lovely young woman with a sweet disposition. The feelings are reciprocated and the two form an informal attachment. It is at this ball that Elizabeth Bennett (Ms. Garson), the family's second daughter, meets Bingley's friend, the aristocratic Fitzwilliam Darcy, (Olivier). Darcy, is much wealthier than Bingley. He is a handsome, intelligent man, and the Lord of Pemberly, a large, sumptuous estate in Derbyshire. Darcy, however, is the height of haughtiness when he arrives on the scene, and looks down his noble nose at the local gentry. Elizabeth Bennett, is quite different from most young women of the Regency Period. She has a strong intellect and her father has encouraged her to become literate, and to enjoy fine books and literary conversation. She is bright, spirited, with a sharp wit, more independent than her sisters, and very pretty. Darcy is attracted to her immediately, but snubs her unknowingly. She overhears Darcy explain to Mr. Bingley that he is not dancing because: "There isn't another woman in the room who it wouldn't be a punishment to stand up with." That bit of snobbishness makes him odious to Elizabeth. Then he adds, about Elizabeth herself, "Oh, she's tolerable, I suppose, but I'm in no mood to give consequence to the middle classes." Elizabeth responds in kind, thinking him to be boorish and far too proud. Thus she is prejudiced against him from their first meeting. (I would have smacked his face - but that's me, and I'm no lady)!Elizabeth and Darcy's strong mutual attraction, and the conflict between them, which prevents them from forming a potentially rich relationship, provide an interesting tension throughout the film. Darcy's proud arrogance in his social class and position, and Elizabeth's prejudice against such haughtiness, seem to inhibit all promise of romance.The transformation of contempt into mutual friendship, respect and love is a major theme in Ms. Austen's novel, and this is beautifully conveyed here. The aversion, caused by pride and prejudice is later swept away through a series of events, and clear, honest communication between the protagonists, which clears up misunderstandings. Although both Elizabeth and Darcy exhibit both pride and prejudice in the novel, it is clear that Elizabeth is the more prejudiced of the two, and "pride" most especially refers to Darcy. When the they converse at the Netherfield gathering, these correlations are made quite explicit. "You're very puzzling, Mr. Darcy. At this moment it's difficult to believe that you're so...proud. At this moment, it's difficult to believe that you're so prejudiced. Shall we not call quits and start again?"The ensemble cast is truly extraordinary. As I keep writing, Greer Garson, as an exceptionally cheeky Elizabeth, is fabulous. Her expressive face and gestures frequently communicate her feelings without speaking a single line. I think Laurence Olivier is the best Darcy, or at least his performance is the equal of my favorite, Colin Firth. Olivier's range is great, and even as a proud, haughty man, he is a three dimensional figure. Their acting style has a sensibility that suits the more rigid and formal behavior of the period. Ms. O'Sullivan's Jane is perfection. Miss Austen would approve, I am sure. Ann Rutherford, as the flighty Lydia does a fantastic job, as does Marsha Hunt as the plain, bookish, and absolutely tone deaf Mary. Frieda Inescort is the best Caroline Bingley I have ever seen. She manages to out-haughty even Mr. Darcy with her airs of superiority. Mr. Bennet, (Edmund Gwenn), is superb as the father who errs by distancing himself from his wife and daughters, (silly creatures he calls the women affectionately), with the exception of Elizabeth, his intellectual soul mate. Mary Boland is the flighty, high strung Mrs. Bennet, whose loyalties change with the wind, and who causes her husband to suffer silently. The film doesn't delve into the estrangement between the unlikely pair, but there is still a palpable tension at times between these two, who are so mismatched. The charming, handsome, (if somewhat smarmy), officer, stationed at Meryton, George Wickham, (Edward Ashley), does a fine job of playing the bounder and stirring up trouble. And Mr. Collins', (Melville Cooper), the sycophant cousin whose devotion to the very blue-blooded Lady Catherine de Bourgh, (Edna May Oliver), seems to be his raison d'etre, plays his part to the hilt. I love the scene where he pursues Elizabeth at the picnic.The screenplay for this film was written by author Aldous Huxley and Jane Murfin, and was based on a play, not taken directly from the novel. They place the emphasis on romance and farce, not biting satire. And so this is much more a romantic comedy than the more recent adaptations. It is less true to Jane Austen's work, but it is faithful to her storyline, and succeeds in communicating her most important themes. It is also extraordinary entertainment, with wonderful humor, superior acting, and it stands the test of time. The musical score by Herbert Stothart is exceptional, and it is totally integrated into the film.JANA

Greer Garson received critical acclaim for her role in this 1940 film version of ‘Pride and Prejudice’. The story is well known and set in the early 19th century in the English village of Meryton. Mr. Darcy (Laurence Olivier) and his friend Mr. Bingley both wealthy bachelors arrive in the village seeking a love interest. The Bennet family have five eligible daughters all of whom they are keen to find suitable rich husbands, including the spirited Elizabeth (Greer Garson). There have subsequently been many versions of this popular book and the purist critics complain that this film is too American and it is not true to the book! The 1995 BBC version is generally considered to be the closest to the book, but it runs for over six hours. The Bennett’s who were according to the book were suppose to be impoverished do not look as if they were in this version, their daughters have fine cloths and their costumes are from the wrong period allegedly borrowed from the set of Gone With The Wind. However reading the reviews on Amazon for this1940’s version most considered despite its faults that it is a very enjoyable film, with outstanding performances from Lawrence Olivier and Greer Garson. My wife and I thought it was a very amusing frivolous film with a lot of situation humour that would not have gone amiss in A Carry on film. My DVD from Dutch Distributor is of very good quality, the slip cover is in mostly Dutch. There are three rather good extras on this disc. A propaganda film ‘Eyes of the Navy’ about the US navy and its training of its aircrew; an amusing WB cartoon called ‘The Fishing Bear’ and a trailer for the film.

Bought as a present for a friend who had seen this film years ago, but still remembered it and talked about itShe was delighted when she opened the gift and insisted that we watch it together, immediately. I loved the film too. I know it says Dutch import on it, but this made no difference to the product, it was as you would expect when you buy a dvd in the shops.The film itself is in black and white, it is light hearted and amusing, the characters are excellent. I am a huge fan of the book Pride and Prejudice and love the movie and the BBC series - this is a welcome addition

this version of the classic tale is by far the most humourous telling.ok greer garson may be a tad too old for her part but who cares she does it well.it really has some laugh out loud moments in it and really brings the inherent wit of the book alive and loses nothing in being b&w.i really cannot rate this movie too highly(nb although this is a zone 1 if you dont have a multi regional player there ARE sites on the internet that show you how to convert very easily.funnily enough the cheaper the dvd player the easier to do )

Terrific version of this Jane Austin classic. Greer Garson and Maureen O Sullivan are in top form and Laurence Olivier WAS Mr Darcy for many until Colin Firth appeared in the role in 1995. Jane Austin purists be aware that there are some deviations from the original: it is set in a different era (mainly because the costumes looked better) and Lady Catherine turns out to be quite likeable! Beautifully photographed - most highly recommended!

I never write reviews but had to in this case. The dvd arrived quickly, I put it on to watch and was disappointed almost immediately because they had cut scenes almost from the beginning of the film. I am an old and have a copy on vhs but wanted a new version on dvd. If you do not mind scenes cut then this is for you, if like me you like a film in its original format do not buy this. If I could send it back I would :-(