Episode #1.1 (24 Jan. 2010)

Whilst other children from their village, Jane Fairfax and Frank Weston, are sent away to be raised by wealthier relatives, Frank's surname being changed to Churchill, Emma and Isabella ... See full summary »

Director:

Jim O'Hanlon

Writers:

Jane Austen (novel), Sandy Welch (screenplay)

Stars:

Michael Gambon, Annabel Mullion, Lyla Barrett-Rye

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Michael Gambon	...	Mr. Woodhouse
Annabel Mullion	...	Mrs. Woodhouse
Lyla Barrett-Rye	...	Young Emma
Jodhi May	...	Anne Taylor / Weston
Robert Bathurst	...	Mr. Weston
Teddy Bunn	...	Young Frank Churchill
Susie Trayling	...	Mrs. Churchill
Sarah Gower	...	Young Jane Fairfax
Claire Gower	...	Young Jane Fairfax
Tamsin Greig	...	Miss Bates
Valerie Lilley	...	Mrs. Bates
Sophie Alibert	...	Emma (7 years old)
Romola Garai	...	Emma
Jonny Lee Miller	...	Mr. Knightley
Dan Fredenburgh	...	John Knightley

Storyline

Whilst other children from their village, Jane Fairfax and Frank Weston, are sent away to be raised by wealthier relatives, Frank's surname being changed to Churchill, Emma and Isabella Woodhouse remain with their testy, selfish widowed father until Isabella marries John Knightley, whose brother is a frequent visitor to the Woodhouses, though Isabella moves to London with her spouse. Emma shamelessly match-makes former nanny Miss Taylor with Frank's father and is triumphant when they marry. Looking around for another match, she decides that Harriet Smith, an orphan who has become her companion is too good for the young farmer Martin and should aspire to be the wife of the vicar, Mr. Elton. Regardless of what Harriet thinks.

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Plot Keywords:

letter | gentleman | dolls | second marriage | cake | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Details

Release Date:

24 January 2010 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

BBC Drama Productions

Did You Know?

Goofs

When Mr. Knightley is walking to visit Emma and Emma is in the window, the position of Mr. Knightley walking toward the house does not proceed normally; as the shot cuts back and forth to him in the background, his position changes - he is closer and then further away and then closer in succeeding shots.

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Quotes

Mr. Knightley: [of Mr. Elton] That man is so full of himself it's a wonder he can stay on that horse.

User Reviews

Beautiful, charming, romantic, what more can you ask for?

Beautiful, charming, romantic, what more can you ask for? This production was excellent, fine acting, beautiful location, and what a script.

Romola Garai was excellent as Emma, she has an extremely expressive face, it was quite comical at times. Jonny Lee Miller as Mr Knightly is 10 years older so not bad casting, an interesting part for him after the success of Eli Stone. He was in Mansfield Park in '99.

The biggest name in the production for Brits is Michael Gambon who is Mr Woodhouse. Its quite a contrast with Harry Potter, here is very timid, but he still manages a powerful performance. The fine cast included Tamsin Greig, Robert Bathurst and Jodhi May also. Louise Dylan was Harriet Smith, but didn't really shine, compared to the likes of Samantha Morton ('96 version).

Its a 4 parter, so they had plenty of time. I liked the film version with Gwyneth Paltrow and for TV Kate Beckinsale both in '96; both were under 2 hours. It does feel that we have lots of versions of this, and not enough of other great books though.

What almost steals the show is the village of Chilham in Kent, used extensively.