"Jane Eyre" (1983) TV mini-series

User Rating:

8.2/10   

Director:

Julian Amyes

Writers:

Charlotte Brontë (novel) and
Alexander Baron (dramatisation)

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

9 October 1983 (UK)

Genre:

Romance

Plot:

The story of Jane Eyre, the plain quakerish governess is told from her childhood until she arrives at Thornfield Hall to tutor the young Adele...

Plot Keywords:

TV Mini-Series | Based On Novel

Awards:

2 nominations

Cast

Zelah Clarke	...	Jane Eyre (10 episodes, 1983)
Timothy Dalton	...	Edward Fairfax Rochester (9 episodes, 1983)
Carol Gillies	...	Grace Poole (6 episodes, 1983)
James Marcus	...	John (5 episodes, 1983)

Runtime:

UK:30 min (11 episodes) | USA:239 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

UK:U

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Trivia:

A huge chunk of Mary Tamm's role was removed during post-production.

Goofs:

Continuity: Mr. Rochester is seated with a sprained ankle on the sofa as he attempts to draw Jane out. At first, Mr. Rochester's left leg is stretched out and his right is bent upright. When he tells Jane to play the piano in the next room, he is shown with his right leg stretched out and his left leg is bent. When Jane re-enters the room, his leg is switched again.

Quotes:

Edward Fairfax Rochester: I wish at times I were a trifle better adapted to match with her, externally. Tell me now, fairy that you are, you couldn't give a charm or a filter or something of the sort?
Jane Eyre: I would be past the power of magic, sir.

Movie Connections:

Version of "Jane Eyre" (1963)

Soundtrack:

Xerxes: Largo

An Amazing Work of Genius

I had no idea what Jane Eyre was before I saw this miniseries. I had read and watched many classics before, and I believed that most classics were boring, over-worded, and overrated stories with moderately interesting plots at best. This Jane Eyre miniseries completely changed my conceptions.

Zelah Clarke is a fabulous actress, and she gives a wonderful portrayal of Jane Eyre. Her accent is delightful and her quiet, yet firm nature matches the young governess' character exactly. Timothy Dalton is an amazing Rochester. His passion and energy in the film makes me believe that he was born to play the brooding master of Thornfield Hall. I couldn't sleep at all the night after I had watched this miniseries. The plot is both haunting and inspiring. The characters are masterfully performed, and the story is incredible. This is the best version of Jane Eyre to ever appear on film.

I read the book later and was amazed at how closely this miniseries followed Charolette Bronte's writing. Jane Eyre is now my favorite film and book. If you want to see a masterpiece that will change your life, watch the 1983 BBC version of Jane Eyre.