Description

Starring Timothy Dalton as Mr. Rochester. As an orphan, Jane Eyre learns to survive on independence.As a woman, she finds herself employed by Edward Rochester, whom she grows to love. But on their wedding, Jane discovers that his past holds a dark secret, and flees heartbroken... ... Read more

Reviews (111)

The other reviewers are right on the money...
...this IS the best film version of 'Jane Eyre', and I've no doubt that Charlotte would agree.

One day in the eighth grade, my English teacher Mrs. Thompson informed us we would be watching 'Jane Eyre' in class that week. I'd heard of the novel but never read it, and I had no knowledge of the plot or characters. I wasn't sure if I'd like it or not but decided to keep an open mind. Within half an hour I was hooked, and deeply disappointed when the bell rang to signal the end of class. I wanted to stay and watch it all in one sitting. I went to the library that day and checked out the novel.

Our class watched 'Jane Eyre' all week, and I fell in love with it! Everything was just perfect: The scenery was gorgeous, the story suspenseful and satisfying, the characters intriguing. No one could have played Edward Rochester and Jane better than Timothy Dalton and Zelah Clarke, and no one has. Ms. Clarke is the right combination of gentleness and reserve, while Mr. Dalton is brooding and outwardly gruff yet full of tender feelings. The minor roles are played well, too.

There's not much I can say about this production that hasn't already been said by the five other reviewers... Let me finish my review by urging you to buy this truly excellent film: if you love Charlotte Bronte's novel or even haven't yet read it, be assured that this is the most faithful and well-acted film adaptation available. It's a real treat that will be savored every time you watch it.

Awesome Eyre and Enigmatic Rochester
I viewed this set of 2 VHS tapes with my daughter who is reading the book in a high-school English class. I thought that hearing the dialogue and seeing the period costumes and settings would help to bring the book to life for her. I was astonished by the richness and accuracy of this edition. Frequently, video adaptations of novels are weak substitutes and leave you disappointed, since the characters and scenes from your imagination are far richer than any shortened screen adaptation can ever be. Now, having seen this lavish BBC production starring Timothy Dalton as the irascible Rochester and Zelah Clarke as the irrepressible Jane, I can't imagine them any other way.

The video production was very accurate and true to the novel, leaving out non-critical scenes and some dialogue, but not changing events or people or altering the outcome in any way. At just under 4 hours, you may want to take several days to view the video, but you won't regret the time spent. The themes of feminine strength, love and forgiveness are still relevant today, hundreds of years after Charlotte Bronte wrote the book. The video can also serve as a useful supplement to understanding the novel (although I would never advise a student to forego reading the novel in favor of the video).

Low budget , though accurate adaptation of the book
If you are looking the most accurate adaptation of "Jane Eyre," this is it. It's got everything from the book that the screenwriters could pack into four hours. However, like all of the BBC productions that I've seen, this looks like it was filmed with a video camera. I absolutely love the book, but part of me also loves film and this is so low budget that there's not really much action or even movement during certain scenes. People stand or sit in one spot for long periods of time spouting words -- beautifully exact words, mind you -- but it does get quite visually boring sometimes.

Speaking of visuals: Timothy Dalton is skinnier and taller than Rochester is supposed to be. Zelah Clarke is short, but way too filled out and her character is too perky; she is supposed to be outwardly suppressed, though inwardly intense. And these leads are supposed to be 20 years apart -- Dalton and Clark look to be about the same age. That being said, there is some great chemnistry between them; the passion between Jane and Rochester -- the focal point of the story -- is absolutely palbable in this adaptation.

No other "Jane Eyre" film will give you so much accurate dialogue, straight out of the book and no other adaptation has the Rochester-as-gypsy scene or an accurate portrayal of the River's family and Jane's relationships with them. It's definitely worth adding to your adaptation collection.

Excellent adaptation of well loved book
'Is it better to drive a fellow creature to despair than to trangress a mere human law - no man being injured by the breach?'

'Still indomitable was the reply - 'I care for myself'.

'I am sure, sir, I should never mistake informality for insolence: one I rather like, the other nothing free-born would submit to, even for a salary'. 'Humbug! Most things free-born would submit to anything for a salary; therefore, keep to yourself, and don't venture on generalities of which you are intensely ignorant'.

I have read an re-read Jane Eyre several times and every time the book manages to amaze me with lines like the above. It seems to me that Charlotte Bronte wrote about ideas and feelings easily transferred to the 21st century. Which would explain the popularity of the novel. And maybe that is the one characteristic that distinguishes great literature from everything else written: the timeless quality of the ideas and feelings.

What I like about this 1983 adaptation of Jane Eyre is, that almost all of my favourite lines are there, keeping the best and the most romantic ones and deleting the more biblical references, which to a modern audience would be incomprehensible and dull anyway. The acting is superb and although I have read many reviews stating that Dalton might be too handsome and Clarke too old.. who cares? (The only weak spot in the acting might be the (French?) girl who plays Adele).
Age and appearences do not matter so much anymore when something is acted so well that you are almost spellbound.

I liked the theatrical feeling to this adaptation, no music played to disburb the beautifully written dialogues. This series depends on the suberb acting of the players and a well-written script. (BTW Bridewell is a London prison, which explains Dalton in chains when playing 'plain charades' in company, this part for me the only incomprehensible thing before I found out about Bridewell).

The Dalton/Clarke version displays all the depth of the main characters and their wealth of feelings. The video is well worth your money.

Every other Jane Eyre I have seen (and own) could not satisfy me, because the plotline was changed, it was poorly acted, important characters were deleted, the story moving too fast or the dialogue was written poorly and very incomprehensible. And most of the time it would be a combination of all things mentioned. Let's face it: like Austen's Pride and Prejudice this book can not be comprised in a mere two hours.

I am only waiting for the (uncut?) DVD version to be released. WHEN? I found the DVD version on Amazon.co.jp, but who can read Japanese? I certainly can't. Why was this series released in Japan and not in Europe or the USA? Anybody know the answer?

My Favorite Version
This is the first Jane Eyre production I saw but since then I have seen other versions. But I still choose this one far above the rest. Though I do admit I have not seen the Ciarán Hinds/Samantha Morton version yet. I have heard mixed reviews on that version but I do highly recommend if you like this try seeing Ciarán Hinds/Amanda Root version of Persuasion, for it is excellent. I also highly recommend if you like this try out Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth/Jennifer Ehle it is also excellent. ... Read more

Reviews (111)

The other reviewers are right on the money...
...this IS the best film version of 'Jane Eyre', and I've no doubt that Charlotte would agree.

One day in the eighth grade, my English teacher Mrs. Thompson informed us we would be watching 'Jane Eyre' in class that week. I'd heard of the novel but never read it, and I had no knowledge of the plot or characters. I wasn't sure if I'd like it or not but decided to keep an open mind. Within half an hour I was hooked, and deeply disappointed when the bell rang to signal the end of class. I wanted to stay and watch it all in one sitting. I went to the library that day and checked out the novel.

Our class watched 'Jane Eyre' all week, and I fell in love with it! Everything was just perfect: The scenery was gorgeous, the story suspenseful and satisfying, the characters intriguing. No one could have played Edward Rochester and Jane better than Timothy Dalton and Zelah Clarke, and no one has. Ms. Clarke is the right combination of gentleness and reserve, while Mr. Dalton is brooding and outwardly gruff yet full of tender feelings. The minor roles are played well, too.

There's not much I can say about this production that hasn't already been said by the five other reviewers... Let me finish my review by urging you to buy this truly excellent film: if you love Charlotte Bronte's novel or even haven't yet read it, be assured that this is the most faithful and well-acted film adaptation available. It's a real treat that will be savored every time you watch it.

Awesome Eyre and Enigmatic Rochester
I viewed this set of 2 VHS tapes with my daughter who is reading the book in a high-school English class. I thought that hearing the dialogue and seeing the period costumes and settings would help to bring the book to life for her. I was astonished by the richness and accuracy of this edition. Frequently, video adaptations of novels are weak substitutes and leave you disappointed, since the characters and scenes from your imagination are far richer than any shortened screen adaptation can ever be. Now, having seen this lavish BBC production starring Timothy Dalton as the irascible Rochester and Zelah Clarke as the irrepressible Jane, I can't imagine them any other way.

The video production was very accurate and true to the novel, leaving out non-critical scenes and some dialogue, but not changing events or people or altering the outcome in any way. At just under 4 hours, you may want to take several days to view the video, but you won't regret the time spent. The themes of feminine strength, love and forgiveness are still relevant today, hundreds of years after Charlotte Bronte wrote the book. The video can also serve as a useful supplement to understanding the novel (although I would never advise a student to forego reading the novel in favor of the video).

Low budget , though accurate adaptation of the book
If you are looking the most accurate adaptation of "Jane Eyre," this is it. It's got everything from the book that the screenwriters could pack into four hours. However, like all of the BBC productions that I've seen, this looks like it was filmed with a video camera. I absolutely love the book, but part of me also loves film and this is so low budget that there's not really much action or even movement during certain scenes. People stand or sit in one spot for long periods of time spouting words -- beautifully exact words, mind you -- but it does get quite visually boring sometimes.

Speaking of visuals: Timothy Dalton is skinnier and taller than Rochester is supposed to be. Zelah Clarke is short, but way too filled out and her character is too perky; she is supposed to be outwardly suppressed, though inwardly intense. And these leads are supposed to be 20 years apart -- Dalton and Clark look to be about the same age. That being said, there is some great chemnistry between them; the passion between Jane and Rochester -- the focal point of the story -- is absolutely palbable in this adaptation.

No other "Jane Eyre" film will give you so much accurate dialogue, straight out of the book and no other adaptation has the Rochester-as-gypsy scene or an accurate portrayal of the River's family and Jane's relationships with them. It's definitely worth adding to your adaptation collection.

Excellent adaptation of well loved book
'Is it better to drive a fellow creature to despair than to trangress a mere human law - no man being injured by the breach?'

'Still indomitable was the reply - 'I care for myself'.

'I am sure, sir, I should never mistake informality for insolence: one I rather like, the other nothing free-born would submit to, even for a salary'. 'Humbug! Most things free-born would submit to anything for a salary; therefore, keep to yourself, and don't venture on generalities of which you are intensely ignorant'.

I have read an re-read Jane Eyre several times and every time the book manages to amaze me with lines like the above. It seems to me that Charlotte Bronte wrote about ideas and feelings easily transferred to the 21st century. Which would explain the popularity of the novel. And maybe that is the one characteristic that distinguishes great literature from everything else written: the timeless quality of the ideas and feelings.

What I like about this 1983 adaptation of Jane Eyre is, that almost all of my favourite lines are there, keeping the best and the most romantic ones and deleting the more biblical references, which to a modern audience would be incomprehensible and dull anyway. The acting is superb and although I have read many reviews stating that Dalton might be too handsome and Clarke too old.. who cares? (The only weak spot in the acting might be the (French?) girl who plays Adele).
Age and appearences do not matter so much anymore when something is acted so well that you are almost spellbound.

I liked the theatrical feeling to this adaptation, no music played to disburb the beautifully written dialogues. This series depends on the suberb acting of the players and a well-written script. (BTW Bridewell is a London prison, which explains Dalton in chains when playing 'plain charades' in company, this part for me the only incomprehensible thing before I found out about Bridewell).

The Dalton/Clarke version displays all the depth of the main characters and their wealth of feelings. The video is well worth your money.

Every other Jane Eyre I have seen (and own) could not satisfy me, because the plotline was changed, it was poorly acted, important characters were deleted, the story moving too fast or the dialogue was written poorly and very incomprehensible. And most of the time it would be a combination of all things mentioned. Let's face it: like Austen's Pride and Prejudice this book can not be comprised in a mere two hours.

I am only waiting for the (uncut?) DVD version to be released. WHEN? I found the DVD version on Amazon.co.jp, but who can read Japanese? I certainly can't. Why was this series released in Japan and not in Europe or the USA? Anybody know the answer?

My Favorite Version
This is the first Jane Eyre production I saw but since then I have seen other versions. But I still choose this one far above the rest. Though I do admit I have not seen the Ciarán Hinds/Samantha Morton version yet. I have heard mixed reviews on that version but I do highly recommend if you like this try seeing Ciarán Hinds/Amanda Root version of Persuasion, for it is excellent. I also highly recommend if you like this try out Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth/Jennifer Ehle it is also excellent. ... Read more

Description

Part lawyer, part detective, Rumpole's brilliant mind and sly sense of humor have solved many a case and delighted families across America for over ten years. Volume 2: "Rumpole and the Supporting Life" and "Rumpole and the Blind Tasting". ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Part lawyer, part detective
This series closely follows the feel and the sarcasm of the written stories. The stories are not in the same order as the book however each one stands alone. In a brief time there is posed a mystery or a problem and then some recognizable interaction with people that I am sure you can say you know someone like them. A little drama and it is finally wrapped up in short order. More than the stories that do not leave you hanging it is the comments that make the episode interesting to watch.

Volume two covers:

Episode 3. "Rumpole and the Sporting Life" Watch closely especially everyone's expression as the clues start from the first. A man (who everyone knows is obnoxious) is found dead. His wife is standing over him with a shot gun and says it was an accident. Rumpole has to defend her with a known hanging judge. Everyone has their own agenda including Mrs. Rumpole who wants to move to the country.

Episode 4. "Rumpole and the Blind Tasting" Once again watch expressions for unsaid clues. Rumpole delves into the world of wine tasting and collecting which assists him in a case of insurance fraud. In the process he gains an understudy (24 years old and female) which Mrs. Rumpole's friend suspects that Rumpole is studying. ... Read more

Description

Part Lawyer, part detective, Rumpole's brilliant mind and sly sense of humor have solved many a case and delighted families across America for over ten years. Volume 5: "Rumpole and the Female of the Species" and "Rumpole and the Official Secret". ... Read more

Reviews (1)

My applause for Rumpole.
Leo McKern star as a British barrister named Horace Rumpole. Somehow, John Mortimer (the author of the Rumpole stories) masterfully combines drama, humor, mystery and social commentary in a fascinating way that has now been carried over into the visual medium.

From the box:

Episode 9. Rumpole and the Female of the Species - Rumpole finds himself playing two roles at the same time: defending a small time thief charged with armed robbery in court while orchestrating a promotion behind the scenes for a young female barrister who thinks she's being discriminated against.

Episode 10. Rumpole and the Official Secret - Rumpole discovers that things aren't always what they seem as he defends an eccentric Defense Ministry clerk accused of leaking secrets to the press and confronts his own wife about a visitor who may or may not be part of a terrorist organization. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Before there was Quincy and The Practice, there was Rumpole. Rumpole of the Bailey is, quite simply, one of the best television series ever and has served as a model for all law dramas that followed it. Edgy and satirical, Rumpole is based on John Mortimer's books of the same name. A determined and committed criminal defense barrister at the Old Bailey, or criminal court (whose clients have included three generations of the Timson family, among others), the antihero Rumpole is portrayed by esteemed actor Leo McKern. As champion of the downtrodden, the self-righteous Rumpole finds himself again and again in trouble variously with his wife Hilda, his peers, the head of chambers, and judges, to name but a few. A connoisseur of Wordsworth, cigars, and cheap liquor, McKern's usually disheveled Rumpole belies the character's dry sense of humor and astute skill as a barrister. The upwardly mobile Hilda is played by Peggy Thorpe-Bates, known for her Miss Toliver in Alcatraz Island (1933), and Justice Sir Guthrie Fetherston is played by Peter Bowles, known for his Richard DeVere in TV's To the Manor Born.

Volume 18 features two episodes. First, in "Rumpole and the Quacks," Rumpole battles the formidable Phillida in court to defend his doctor, accused of sexually molesting a patient. Next, in "Rumpole for the Prosecution," Rumpole takes on a rare role as prosecutor to investigate a policeman who may not have been properly charged for murdering a girl.

Typical of British drama, production values are low while the caliber of script-writing and acting is unsurpassed. A rare example of a television serial that is as appealing and engaging after watching it 10 times as it was the first. --Erik Macki ... Read more

Description

The death of a most unpopular citizen throws the sleepy village of St.Mary Mead into an uproar. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The Delightful Miss Marple
If you like Miss Marple, you must get this video. It is vintage Miss Marple at her best. Joan Hickson absolutely does the best rendition of Miss Marple that is out there and this particular episode, "Murder at the Vicarage," is the most delightful and my favorite. Paul Eddington plays the vicar and is at his best in this role. I can't remember the name of the actress who plays Griselda, the vicar's wife, but she is delightful and enchanting. The two of them are so cute together, especially at the end after Miss Marple has clued everyone in on what actually happened and then Griselda tells the vicar some personal news. And of course, there's the ever pitiful Inspector Slack, who is played with perfect rudeness and ignorance of what has really happened and as usual, finally figures out that he needs to listen to Miss Marple. This is the best of the video renditions of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple and I highly recommend it to all the Miss Marple fans out there.

I'm Never disapointed in Joan Hicks as Miss Marple
When I picture Miss Marple my minds eye sees Joan Hicks. Such a wonderful portrait of Agatha Christies slueth. I've enjoyed this title time and again. Some one is murdered at the Vicarage of all places, who could have done it and why. The ex-wife, the lover, the unhappy daughter? The ever observant Miss Marple can piece it all together. Some people think these A&E Miss Marple movies move too slowly....but if you love Agatha Christie (like me) you will not be disapointed.

Aunt Jane sees it all
Before we start the review if you want to see a scene from "Murder at the Vicarage" it is on the front cover of "Miss Marple: A Pocketful of Rye (1987)" ASIN: B00004WG9D. If you want to see some scenes from "Miss Marple: They Do it with Mirrors (1986)" ASIN: 6303404863, look on the back cover of this film sheath. If this sounds mixes up, imaging the viewer trying to make sense of the pictures.

"Murder at the Vicarage" starts out with important information scenes and a missing one pound note. As Reverend Leonard Clement (Paul Eddington) passes the hedge hiding Miss Jane Marple (Joan Hickson), he expresses an ill chosen explicative to describe Colonel Lucius Protheroe (Robert Lang).

Yep, there is a murder at the vicarage, which is conveniently located in plane sight of Miss Marple. Everyone has a motive and nobody had opportunity. You and Detective Inspector Slack (David Horovitch) must sort through all the sub plots and confessions to find out what happened. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Reasonable (If Not Special) Version of Dickens Classic
There are so many versions of this beloved story of Dickens. It is hard not to confuse one from another, so let me begin with the facts. This BBC TV series were made in 1981, and run as long as about 300 minutes. It stars Gerry Sandquist as adult Pip, Sarah-Jane Varley as grown-up Estella (now the former is no more, and the latter seems retired).

The original story is a very famous one, which is about a boy Pip whose love for Estella changes his life forever, so I won't repeat it here. The series here actually cover the story very faithfully, and even the minor characters are not neglected. There are slight changes here and there, but they are minor ones compared with previous filmed versions. So, you see not only Herbert Pocket but his poor father and mother (whose only concern is the aristocratic families). This means you spend so many time to reach the conclusion, and you should see it at two sittings. And you will watch Mr. Wopstle's terrible Hamlet.

About many actors that join in the production; some are good, some not, others so-so (like many standard BBC products), but most memorable is Miss Havisham played by Joan Hickson (better known as Miss Marple in the same BBC series), and Jaggers by Derek Francis. In fact, these Jaggers and Wemmick (by Colin Jeavons) are the most convincing in the whole history of the adaptaions of "Great Expectations." And you can see Patsy Kensit as young Estella. She is good, but the best Estella (as a cruel and enticing girl) still remains Jean Simmons in David Lean version.

This is no classic, and sometimes it betrays its TV origin. Sometimes you notice the drastic contrast between the tone of the interior shot and that of exterior shot, (which happens often in BBC outings, as is the case with "Bean" or "Monty Python"). But all in all the result is satisfactory with its good pace. Slightly above average. ... Read more

Description

Part Lawyer, part detective, Rumpole's brilliant mind and sly sense of humor have solved many a case and delighted families across America for over ten years. Volume 3: "Rumpole's Last Case" and "Rumpole and the Judge's Elbow". ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Part lawyer, part detective
This series closely follows the feel and the sarcasm of the written stories. The stories are not in the same order as the book however each one stands alone. In a brief time there is posed a mystery or a problem and then some recognizable interaction with people that I am sure you can say you know someone like them. A little drama and it is finally wrapped up in short order. More than the stories that do not leave you hanging it is the comments that make the episode interesting to watch.

Volume Three covers:

Episode 4. "Rumpole's Last Case" As usual several overlapping stories interacts as Rumpole may even over react. Mr. Rumpole has parlayed a two pound bet into 100 pounds. Strange his wife also spends that amount on a new rug. Well anyway he gets a tip from his client that is in for burglary and possible carrying a gun. Why not 100 to 30000 and hence his last Case. Going out in stile he lets everyone know what he thinks including the judge.

Episode 5. "Rumpole and the Judge's Elbow" A judge has a bit of tennis elbow. Doctor's advice does not seem to be working so on other advice he visits and alternative clinic (massage parlor). Some one paid with a credit card. And guess who gets to defend a massage parlor owner and rummage through credit card receipts? Yep Rumpole for some reason is offered the Deputy Circuit Judge.

A note on the side you will recognize many of the actors from both Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers movies. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Before there was Quincy and The Practice, there was Rumpole. Rumpole of the Bailey is, quite simply, one of the best television series ever and has served as a model for all law dramas that followed it. Edgy and satirical, Rumpole is based on John Mortimer's books of the same name. A determined and committed criminal defense barrister at the Old Bailey, or criminal court (whose clients have included three generations of the Timson family, among others), the antihero Rumpole is portrayed by esteemed actor Leo McKern. As champion of the downtrodden, the self-righteous Rumpole finds himself again and again in trouble variously with his wife Hilda, his peers, the head of chambers, and judges, to name but a few. A connoisseur of Wordsworth, cigars, and cheap liquor, McKern's usually disheveled Rumpole belies the character's dry sense of humor and astute skill as a barrister. The upwardly mobile Hilda is played by Peggy Thorpe-Bates, known for her Miss Toliver in Alcatraz Island (1933), and Justice Sir Guthrie Fetherston is played by Peter Bowles, known for his Richard DeVere in TV's To the Manor Born.

Rumpole's Return is the 1982 two-hour special that started off the third Rumpole series after 1980's original Rumpole of the Bailey and 1981's Trials of Rumpole.

Typical of British drama, production values are low while the caliber of script-writing and acting is unsurpassed. A rare example of a television serial that is as appealing and engaging after watching it 10 times as it was the first. --Erik Macki ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Rumpole's Back
This Rumpole is a longer tha the episoses of Rumpole. It is a wonderful story that has Rumpole at his best in the Courtroom. Leo McKern is Rumpole. From the cigars to the poerty quoting it is hard to imagine anyone else as Rumpole. The story proceeds at a good pace. The acting is very good with McKern and the actor who plays the criminal defendant taking top honors ... Read more