I grant you that the 1995 Root/Hinds version is great viewing, but the greater length of this adaptation allows more of the story to be included, and the proper explanation for Mr Elliot's actions. If Lousia here is a little too silly in comparison, the portrayal of Elizabeth Eliott is infinetly superior. I can't really fault any of the performances, to be honest, and Mrs Clay is as handsome and insinuating as she should be.

The last few romantic scenes are enough to warm your heart and perhaps bring a tear to your eye. Ann Firbank has the steady firmness of the older Anne Elliot and Bryan Marshall is spot on as Captain Wentworth.

I hope you are now persuaded that this will be a valuable addition to your video collection!

Romantic, humourous, close to Austen's original story
Review date: 2000-04-13 Rating: 8 out of 10

For a Jane Austen fan -- this video is a gem and will hold pride of place on the library shelf. This version of Persuasion holds true to Jane Austen's work. There are various sub-texts of Regency society and its expectation of how people should behave, and Austen's view of how the confining bonds of 19th century England can stifle women's expression and movement. The script follows close to Austen's storyline -- and because of the interior monologue of the main character Anne Elliot, scriptwriter Julian Mitchell cleverly turns many passages of Anne's interior thoughts into dialog. The actors acquit themselves with distinction. You can't go wrong with buying this one!

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