Emma (1996)

Faithful, enchanting adaptation of Jane Austen's nineteenth-century tale of Emma Woodhouse--a clever young woman whose mischievous matchmaking schemes nearly end up jeopardizing her own shot at romance.

Director:

Diarmuid Lawrence

Writers:

Jane Austen (novel), Andrew Davies (screenplay)

Stars:

Kate Beckinsale, Bernard Hepton, Mark Strong

Won 2 Primetime Emmys. Another 2 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kate Beckinsale	...	Emma Woodhouse
Bernard Hepton	...	Mr Woodhouse
Mark Strong	...	Mr Knightley
Samantha Bond	...	Mrs Weston
James Hazeldine	...	Mr Weston
Dominic Rowan	...	Mr Elton
Samantha Morton	...	Harriet Smith
Prunella Scales	...	Miss Bates
Sylvia Barter	...	Mrs Bates
Guy Henry	...	John Knightley
Dido Miles	...	Isabella Knightley
Raymond Coulthard	...	Frank Churchill
Olivia Williams	...	Jane Fairfax
Lucy Robinson	...	Mrs Elton
Peter Howell	...	Mr Perry

Storyline

Emma Woodhouse has a rigid sense of propriety as regards matrimonial alliances. Unfortunately she insists on matchmaking for her less forceful friend, Harriet, and so causes her to come to grief. Through the sharp words of Mr. Knightley, and the example of the opinionated Mrs. Elton, someone not unlike herself, Emma's attitudes begin to soften...

---

Plot Keywords:

matchmaking | rural setting | urban setting | horseback riding | english country dance | 

---

Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

---

Certificate:

TV-G

Did You Know?

Trivia

The gold v-neckline gown with brown trim Samantha Bond (Mrs. Weston) wears when Emma sings with Frank at Randalls is the same costume worn by Susannah Harker (Jane Bennet) to the Meryton Assembly Ball in Pride and Prejudice (1995), and by a guest at the Easter Ball in Wives and Daughters (1999).

---

Goofs

The year is approximately 1815, yet Jane Fairfax sings an Italian song composed in 1857.

---

Quotes

Mr. Knightley: [Knightley speaks of Frank Churchill who will be going to London] To get his hair cut?

---

Connections

Referenced in I Hate Jane Austen (2017)

---

Soundtracks

Mr Isaac's Maggot
(uncredited)
Traditional
[second dance at the Donwell Abbey Harvest Supper when all the engaged couples dance]

User Reviews

far, far superior to the gwyneth paltrow version

This version of Emma is far richer, more believable, and more emotionally compelling than the movie version, which seems like a flighty tv sitcom in comparison (topped off with Paltrow's horrible nasal faux British accent). Both Kate Beckinsale and Mark Strong are fabulous in their interpretations of Emma and Mr. Knightley, and Raymond Coulthardt (where is this beautiful man hiding?) is just perfect as Frank Churchill. Mrs. Elton also more cleverly annoying than in the other version. This BBC version of Emma is in the same league as the BBC Pride & Prejudice, the Emma Thompson Sense and Sensibility, and the 90's version of Persuasion.

Sorry, Jeremy Northam (Mr. Knightley in Paltrow's Emma), you're normally brilliant, but you just signed up for the wrong one.

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 February 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

Emma

Filming Locations:

Berkshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

A+E Networks, Chestermead, Meridian Broadcasting

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Color:

Color