Persuasion (2007)

Royal Navy captain Wentworth was haughtily turned down eight years ago as suitor of pompous baronet Sir Walter Elliot's daughter Anne, despite true love. Now he visits their former seaside ... See full summary »

Director:

Adrian Shergold

Writers:

Jane Austen (novel), Simon Burke (screenplay)

Stars:

Sally Hawkins, Alice Krige, Anthony Head

3 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Sally Hawkins	...	Anne Elliot
Alice Krige	...	Lady Russell
Anthony Head	...	Sir Walter Elliot
Julia Davis	...	Elizabeth Elliot
Michael Fenton Stevens	...	Mr Shepherd (as Michael Fenton-Stevens)
Mary Stockley	...	Mrs Clay
Peter Wight	...	Admiral Croft
Marion Bailey	...	Mrs Croft
Amanda Hale	...	Mary Musgrove
Jennifer Higham	...	Louisa Musgrove
Rosamund Stephen	...	Henrietta Musgrove
Stella Gonet	...	Mrs Musgrove
Sam Hazeldine	...	Charles Musgrove
Louis Shergold	...	Little Charles
Nicholas Farrell	...	Mr Musgrove

Storyline

Royal Navy captain Wentworth was haughtily turned down eight years ago as suitor of pompous baronet Sir Walter Elliot's daughter Anne, despite true love. Now he visits their former seaside country estate, rented by his brother-in-law, admiral Croft, so the financially stressed baronet can afford a fashionable, cheaper residence in trendy Bath. First the former lovers meet again on the estate, where they feel vibes again, but neither dares admit them until it seems too late. Yet the truth becomes clear, both have moved, but meet again in Bath.

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Plot Keywords:

female protagonist | cousin cousin relationship | cousin marriage | cousins incest | cousin cousin incest | 

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Taglines:

A new adaptation of Jane Austen's classic

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Details

Official Sites:

PBS [United States]

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 January 2008 (USA)

Also Known As:

Persuasion

Filming Locations:

Assembly Rooms, Bath, Somerset, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Clerkenwell Films, WGBH

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The green striped gown with velvet Spencer jacket Julia Davis (Elizabeth Elliot) wears at Kellynch Hall is the same costume Anna Chancellor (Caroline Bingley) wears at Netherfield Hall in Pride and Prejudice (1995). However, the bottom portion of the gown, cut on the bias, has been removed for the later film. This gown also appears in Vanity Fair (1998) worn by Vicki Pepperdine (Ann Dobbin) in the park scenes, and by an extra at the London party where Annabella Milbanke meets Byron in Byron (2003). The Spencer also appears, without the striped gown, in Little Dorrit (2008), worn by Emma Pierson as Fanny Dorrit.

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Goofs

When Anne is running through the streets of Bath, right before she bumps into Charles and Captain Wentworth, a hydro pole and a radio tower can be seen in the background.

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Quotes

[first lines]
[Anne has been upset and flustered as she hurries through Kellynch Hall, marking an inventory of items throughout the mansion. She spies Lady Russell's carriage approaching and goes outside to meet her. They talk while returning inside]
Anne Elliot: My dear Russell!
Lady Russell: My dear Anne. You look quite done for. I came back as soon as I received your letter. I had no idea the position was so worse.
Anne Elliot: Unfortunately, a person who has contracted debts must pay them, even if he is a gentleman.
Lady Russell: Was there no ...
[...]

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Connections

Version of Persuasion (1960)

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Soundtracks

Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor (Moonlight Sonata)
(uncredited)
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
(Anne plays pianoforte)

User Reviews

Compels you slowly; before you realize it, you're caught up

This current adaptation of Austen's mature novel is very endearing. Rupert Penry-Jones'adept utilization of facial expressions reveal a man who is deeply wounded and angry with good reason, yet subconsciously conflicted. His Captain Wentworth doesn't know if, and how he should proceed. He deftly portrays a spurned lover that is compelled to look back in spite of himself. Sally Hawkins expertly portrays a gentle introvert who hides a long held affection in some compartment of herself. She functions well enough in life, but she does not ,and cannot flourish, and wonders if she ever will embrace abundant happiness......The staging is accurate and the costumes lovely. Kudos to Anthony Head; he flawlessly captures Sir Walter Elliot, the most conceited, clueless genteel idiot who was ever most ingeniously conceived in the mind of a true observer of human nature and character-Jane Austen. We, the viewing public, are both sobered and amused.....