Episode #1.2 (6 Jan. 2008)

Charming, generous Willoughby quickly wins the Dashwoods' trust and favor as Marianne's suitor. Asked for his intentions by rival Colonel Brandon, he coldly relies they're good and retorts.... See full summary »

Director:

John Alexander

Writers:

Andrew Davies (screenplay), Jane Austen (novel)

Stars:

Hattie Morahan, Charity Wakefield, Janet McTeer

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Hattie Morahan	...	Elinor Dashwood
Charity Wakefield	...	Marianne Dashwood
Janet McTeer	...	Mrs. Dashwood
Lucy Boynton	...	Margaret Dashwood
David Morrissey	...	Colonel Brandon
Dan Stevens	...	Edward Ferrars
Mark Williams	...	Sir John Middleton
Linda Bassett	...	Mrs. Jennings
Dominic Cooper	...	Willoughby
Rosanna Lavelle	...	Lady Middleton
Tabitha Wady	...	Charlotte Palmer
Tim McMullan	...	Mr. Palmer
Daisy Haggard	...	Miss Steele
Anna Madeley	...	Lucy Steele
David Glover	...	Foot

Storyline

Charming, generous Willoughby quickly wins the Dashwoods' trust and favor as Marianne's suitor. Asked for his intentions by rival Colonel Brandon, he coldly relies they're good and retorts. When Brandon is called away from a joint trip with the Middletons on Delaford estate, Willoughby takes over and shows her his grand family home Allenham, unchaperoned in the absence of his aunt, who neglects it. Then he reports that his aunt is sending him to London, indefinitely. Edwars Ferrars' long overdue, unexpected visit is warmly welcomed, but he's gloomy and leaves soon. When the Middletons invite the Dashwoods along to London, neither lover calls by. Elinor learns their poor niece Lucy Stelle is engaged to Edward. At a society party, Willoughby acts coldly uninterested.

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Plot Keywords:

party | present | english country dance | dancing | gift

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 January 2008 (UK)

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Folk duo Spiers and Boden (John Spiers and Jon Boden ) recorded a special version of their rendition of "The Fireside Polka" for the dance scene at Barton Park. However, Spiers was unavailable the day the scene was filmed, so his friend, musician Tim Van Eyken, stood in for him, miming the tune on the melodeon.

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Quotes

Marianne Dashwood: It is not what we say or feel that makes us what we are it is what we do... or fail to do.

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Soundtracks

"Fireside Polka"
Traditional
By Sue Harris
Performed by John Spiers and Jon Boden

User Reviews

What a beautiful adaptation - Andrew Davies wins again

Andrew Davies clearly has a talent for reaching in to the past and plucking the best of it for modern day viewing. Having adapted so many of histories great novels, and being responsible for the earlier version of Pride and Prejudice, its easy to see why Mr. Davies is called on time and again to bring the magic of yesteryear to the big or little screen. Dominic Cooper was fantastic as Willoughby, the rogue you love to hate, while Dan Stevens could break hearts better than Hugh Grant - I dare say. The scenery was breathtaking, and the use of stately homes perfect - all round excellent cast, acting out a much loved story. Thank you BBC, another feather in your cap.