Comments on: Sense and Sensibility 1971 to be released on Region 1 DVD

By: Julie P.

Julie P. — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:35:21 +0000

I loved S&S71. Patricia Routledge is my favorite Mrs. Jennings. Joanna David was a terrific Elinor, and Robin Ellis made Edward Ferrars sexy. I got a particular kick out of the scene where Elinor goes to visit Edward and his frilly shirt is all unbuttoned.

Being able to get past the antiquated production values is not easy, but for those who can manage it, they will be rewarded. There are a lot of good performances in some of these older versions. P&P80, for example, has some outstanding performances, particularly among the secondary characters. Same with MP83.

By: Cinthia

Cinthia — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 22:58:27 +0000

I beg to differ James, although the production values of the 1970′s and 1980′s adaptations have not aged well (one needs to make allowance to those constraints and get use to them) they were more worthy of Masterpiece Theatre (the true one) since they are very faithful adaptations, in comparison the travesties that ITV presented recently and which are very telling of how low has the new Masterpiece fallen.

By: James

James — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:10:03 +0000

I think I will pass….I think ive had enough of Austens films-Especally the terrible bbc films of the 70′s and 80′s….These make itv look like masterpiece theater….

By: Jen K

Jen K — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 01:39:50 +0000

It may be because it’s the most recent version I’ve seen (save S&S3), but this is the one version that didn’t rush through the whole bit at Cleveland. It’s the one where the growing relationship between Joanna David’s Elinor and Patricia Routledge’s Mrs. Jennings makes the most sense. And, yeah, one of the foxiest Edward Ferrarses ever

By: Reeba

Reeba — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:52:48 +0000

Yes, it is a wonderful adaptation in the true BBC tradition. I do remember the Dutch site coming up with its sale and many of us bought it (region 2).
Glad to read the Janeites in US will now have the chance.

By: Helen B

Helen B — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 06:58:56 +0000

I bought this from a Dutch site too. It has a fab Lucy, a lovely Elinor and a very attractive Edward. Ciaran Madden was dreadful, IMHO. Worth watching, if you get the chance.

Hopefully the ’60′s BBC adaptation of P&P will be released on DVD eventually too.

By: AmandaJ

AmandaJ — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 01:29:25 +0000

I have this version (I bought it from Holland), and it has some good things to recommend it. Joanna David makes a lovely Elinor, but Ciaran Madden falls into the overacting trap with Marianne, as does the woman who plays their mother. The costuming is occasionally hilarious, but not as bad ast that in the 1971 Persuasion. The pacing is also on the slow side, as per many other early 1970s costume dramas. And without a doubt, Patricia Routledge is just perfect.

By: Kathleen G

Kathleen G — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:54:30 +0000

I don’t care about Region 2, I have a multi-region DVD player. Patricia Routledge is wonderful in anything (I saw her live some years ago as Mrs Malaprop in The Rivals – she completely stole the show, though the other actors were all very good)and will buy this just for her.

By: Ben M

Ben M — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:49:09 +0000

Ooh, I can’t wait to see Mrs. Bucket/Hetty Wainthrop as Mrs. Jennings. That’ll be great to see.