"Jane Eyre" (1983) TV mini-series

User Rating:

8.3/10   

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:

Timothy Dalton considers this movie to be one of his best.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Jane saves Mr. Rochester from his burning bed, he lends her his coat (with a fur collar) to wear because she is cold. When she finally leaves his room, she is still wearing the coat, but the next morning when Jane runs after Mr. Rochester to tell him that Grace Pool is in his room, he is wearing the coat for his morning ride to a house party.

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 Woman and Wife (1918)

Soundtrack:

Xerxes: Largo

Brilliant.

There's not much left to say. This is definitely the best adaptation of Bronte's novel with brilliant performances from Timothy Dalton and Zelah Clarke. The pairing of the two in the roles of Jane Eyre and Rochester was a very good move. They both create realistic, believable and equally worth characters. Dalton's charismatic and inspired (but not overacted) acting is beautifully smoothed by Clarke's "light" beauty and the hidden powers of her character. It's impossible not to enjoy all the scenes where both Dalton and Clarke are in. They have created a rare ability of a mutual understanding between the actors - a real chemistry, I may say. A beautiful and touching adaptation even if a bit too severe.