Miss Austen Regrets (TV 2008)

In the later years of her life, as she's approaching the age of forty, the novelist Jane Austen helps her niece find a husband.

Director:

Jeremy Lovering

Writer:

Gwyneth Hughes

Stars:

Samuel Roukin, Olivia Williams, Greta Scacchi

2 wins.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Samuel Roukin	...	Harris Bigg
Olivia Williams	...	Jane Austen
Greta Scacchi	...	Cassandra Austen
Imogen Poots	...	Fanny Knight
Phyllida Law	...	Mrs. Austen
Pip Torrens	...	Edward Austen Knight
Harry Gostelow	...	Rev. Charles Papillon
Tom Hiddleston	...	Mr. John Plumptre
Hugh Bonneville	...	Rev. Brook Bridges
Tom Goodman-Hill	...	Mr. Lushington MP
Adrian Edmondson	...	Henry Austen
Sylvie Herbert	...	Mme. Bigeon
Jack Huston	...	Doctor Charles Haden
Jason Watkins	...	Rev. Clarke
Sally Tatum	...	Anna Lefroy

Storyline

In the later years of her life, as she's approaching the age of forty, the novelist Jane Austen helps her niece find a husband.

---

Plot Keywords:

jane austen | country life | independence | class differences | artist | 

---

Genres:

Biography | Drama

---

Details

Official Sites:

PBS [us]

Country:

USA UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 February 2008 (USA)

Also Known As:

Jane Austen recuerda

Filming Locations:

Elizabethan Maze, Chenies Manor House, Chenies, Buckinghamshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), NOVA/WGBH Boston

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The teal pelisse worn by a guest at the christening is the same costume worn by Natasha Little (Becky Sharp) at Mr. Raggles' flat in Vanity Fair, a guest at the London party in Byron, Rosie Hammond when she arrives at Kentchurch Court in The Regency House Party, and an extra in the Assembly Rooms in Persuasion.

---

Quotes

Jane Austen: [reads to Cassandra from first draft of Persuasion] More than seven years were gone since this little history of sorrowful interest had reached its close;
Jane Austen: She had been forced into prudence in her youth, she learned romance as she grew older: the natural sequel of an unnatural beginning.She had used him ill, deserted and disappointed him; and worse, she had shewn a feebleness of character in doing so, which his own decided, confident temper could not endure. She had given him up to oblige others.
Jane Austen:
Cassandra Austen:
Jane Austen:

---

Connections

Edited from The Real Jane Austen (2002)

---

Soundtracks

"Drowsy Maggie"
(uncredited)
Traditional

User Reviews

What "Becoming Jane" wanted to be

This was quite good. All the acting was wonderful, especially Olivia Williams. She brought all the intelligence and wit and feeling to Jane that one would expect. The last scene between Jane and Cassandra was absolutely incredible, so beautifully done. It made me wish this had been made for theatrical release instead of "Becoming Jane." The dialogue was very well written - witty where appropriate, cutting when needed, and always intelligent and natural. My only quibble is the need to show JA regretting anything. I like to imagine that she and Cassandra and their mother (and friend who lived with them in real life) all lived happily together and had even less stress and regret than was shown in the film, although I realize that wouldn't be a very long movie. Don't know why all these bio-pics feel the need to have JA's mother trying to talk her into marrying for money, I don't think there is any basis for that. However, that aside, it was very well done.

I don't understand why, in the 2007/8 BBC JA fest, this and Northanger Abbey were so good, and Persuasion and Mansfield Park we so very, very bad. Couldn't they have gotten some of the people who did such a great job on these (script, camera, production) and put them on the rest? I don't have much hope for the Sense & Sensibility, but we'll see.