Daniel Deronda (2002) (TV)

Director:

Tom Hooper

Writers:

Andrew Davies (writer)
George Eliot (novel)

Release Date:

24 November 2002 (UK)

Genre:

Drama | History | Romance

Plot:

Plot Keywords:

Jew | Bookstore | Necklace | Sephardic | Cigar

Awards:

4 wins & 4 nominations

Cast

Hugh Dancy	...	Daniel Deronda
Romola Garai	...	Gwendolen Harleth
Hugh Bonneville	...	Henleigh Grandcourt
Jodhi May	...	Mirah Lapidoth
Edward Fox	...	Sir Hugo Mallinger
Amanda Root	...	Mrs. Davilow
David Bamber	...	Lush
Greta Scacchi	...	Lydia Glasher
Barbara Hershey	...	Contessa Maria Alcharisi
Celia Imrie	...	Mrs. Meyrick
Jamie Bamber	...	Hans Meyrick
Allan Corduner	...	Herr Klesmer
Michael Attwell	...	Rev. Gascoigne
Jordan Frieda	...	Rex Gascoigne
Anna Steel	...	Catherine Arrowpoint

Runtime:

210 min (3 parts) | Finland:210 min (4 parts)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Argentina:Atp | Netherlands:AL

Filming Locations:

Avington Park, Winchester, Hampshire, England, UK

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Trivia:

The novel is set at the same time as the U.S. Civil War, whereas the adaptation moves the action ahead ten years to 1874 - the year George Eliot actually began writing the novel.

Goofs:

Continuity: At Ezra Cohen's store, the baby's left shoe and sock disappear then reappear.

Movie Connections:

Version of Daniel Deronda (1921)

Soundtrack:

Cavatina (from The Marriage of Figaro)

brilliant production

The title gave me no clue to the absorbing romantic Victorian drama that was to follow. Said to be George Eliot's last great novel, it exposes in no uncertain manner the pitiful life of the Victorian woman, hardly more than an obedient slave and forced to respond to her husband's demands.

Hugh Bonneville stands out among the excellent cast as the nasty Henleigh Grandcourt who revels in watching women squirm under his aristocratic power and Romola Garai is perfect as Gwendolen who marries him, not for love, but to save her family from economic ruin.

Hugh Dancy in the title role of Daniel has immediate appeal with his handsome good looks touched with both shyness and sadness as he ponders over his past life and the unsolved mystery of his mother's identity.

After Daniel saves a woman from drowning in a river, the story takes an unexpected turn and concentrates on the Jewish problem of a permanent homeland. Daniel is much attracted to the woman he has saved and through his efforts to help her some mysteries of his own life are revealed to him.

The sets, costumes and photography capture exquisitely life in England in the Victorian era. Quite apart from the romantic drama, there is much to ponder over in this story. Thankfully to-day women have gained a degree of independence, though not entirely, and the Jews are still uncertain about the boundaries of their homeland.

I can recommend this film which is in 4 parts. Set aside a full evening to watch the story unfold. It's quite long (205 minutes) but a brilliant production.