Introducing The Cajun Cheesehead Critic

The Cajun Cheesehead Critic takes on 1995’s Pride & Prejudice, by Jack Caldwell

Greetings, everyone. Jack Caldwell here. Sorry for the long absence, but I had a spinal condition that prevented me from writing. Thanks to the miracle of modern pharmaceuticals, I’m back in the saddle and working on PERSUADED TO SAIL and ROSINGS PARK.

In the meantime, I’m going to indulge in my other favorite pastime—tearing apart movies. In particular, Jane Austen adaptations. Notice the new logo?

Wow, did a lot of you gasp. I know this is a risky endeavor, but I feel it is my calling to call out what’s good and bad in the various JA movies and miniseries. Miss Austen will thank me, even if y’all will not. I’m a big boy—I can take it.

So, let’s start with the third rail: Andrew Davies’s 1995 version of Pride & Prejudice.

(Y’all are gasping again.)

I will begin with saying that this is a wonderful production. Justly adored, it has brought legions of fans to Miss Austen’s most beloved work (even though not enough of them actually went out and read the thing). Let’s talk about a few things that was great in what is known as P&P2 (or P&P’95):

Colin Firth – Mr. Firth makes a classic Mr. Darcy. Messy hair aside, he carries the role as if he was born to it. His slight smirks, grimaces, and smiles help convey to the audience what the character is thinking, something that is quite lost on the Elizabeth character. Which brings us to …

Jennifer Ehle – This American actress became Elizabeth Bennet, in all her impertinent charm. Yes, she was a little old for the role, and perhaps her figure wasn’t really light. (But certainly pleasant! Hehe.) Once the picture started, you forgot all about that. Believe me. (Except for that pleasant part.) The chemistry between her and Firth is real (and we know why).

Lucy Scott – Ah, you don’t know who she is? She played Charlotte Collins and was pitch perfect.

Barbara Leigh-Hunt – A very good Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

The Lizzy/Lady Cat Scene – In my opinion, the best scene in the film. Both accesses held their own in this pivotal scene, and the camera work was outstanding. Brava!

The Houses – The producers did a fantastic job finding Longbourn, Netherfield, Rosings Park, and Pemberley.

Indoor Photography and Costumes – Right on. The outdoor photography was a bit hit-and-miss, though.

Music – Carl Davis was wonderful!

Changes and Cuts – The producers had to make some choices, and most of the ones they made did not hurt the overall story. (But see below.)

However, P&P2 is not perfect. Not by a long shot. So, here we go with what was wrong:

The Second Proposal – The location is perfect, the couple walking along a field ready to be harvested. Elizabeth thanks Darcy for helping Lydia, and he declares the immortal lines, “You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged; but one word from you will silence me on this subject forever.” She manages to let him know her feelings have changed, and … nothing.

For crying out loud, this is one of the most romantic moments in English literature! Elizabeth loves Darcy, and he aches for her. I know they shouldn’t kiss—this is Regency England—but there’s nothing wrong with Elizabeth taking Darcy’s arm! But no, they just keep following Bingley and Jane down the road, trying hard not to touch one another. Gah!

Miss Bingley Wears Orange – I cannot forgive the costume department for the gowns they put on Anna Chancellor. Miss Austen said that Miss Bingley was a fine woman, “with an air of decided fashion.” That does not mean overdressed in an ugly color.

Mr. Hurst – Miss Austen says little of Mr. Hurst, except that he “merely looked the gentleman,” was “an indolent man, who lived only to eat, drink, and play at cards,” and who, when he found that Elizabeth preferred a plain dish to a ragout, “had nothing to say to her.” A snob, but not a drunk.

Colonel Fitzwilliam – I blame this film for creating the Myth of the Studmuffin. Miss Austen’s Colonel Fitzwilliam “was about thirty, not handsome, but in person and address most truly the gentleman.” That does not sound like Anthony Calf, now does it? Forgive me, ladies, but this was miscasting.

Mr. & Mrs. Gardiner – According to the novel, the Gardiners are only a few years older than Darcy. But in this film the couple appears to be older than Mr. and Mrs. Bennet.

The Pond Scene – The oh-so-proper Mr. Darcy jumping into a pond on his property? Please, give me a break! The production did not need it. Why Mr. Davis invented it is a mystery.

Mrs. Bennet – The first of the three great crimes committed by this adaptation. Alison Steadman is a fine actress, so it is not her fault. Mr. Davies turned her into a cartoon character. Only in one scene is she allowed to show true human emotion: the scene in the rose garden where she talks to Lizzy about Jane’s heartbreak. In it she sounds like a real mother. Other that that, she’s not funny or touching, she’s painful.

Mr. Collins – Miss Austen describes him thusly: “He was a tall, heavy-looking young man of five-and-twenty. His air was grave and stately, and his manners were very formal.” Through the rest of her prose, Miss Austen creates one of the greatest pompous fools you will ever read.

This production destroys all that. I don’t know what came first—the screenplay or the casting. I suspect the latter. In any case, Miss Austen’s clown does not look or act in any way like David Bamber’s slimy toad-eater. He’s not pompous—he’s creepy. This is not a knock on Bamber, who is a fine actor. This miscasting is the fault of Simon Langton (director), Sue Birtwistle (producer), and Mr. Davies (screenplay).

IT’S NOT FUNNY – This is the #1 thing that bugs me about this adaptation. Mr. Davies is an outstanding screenwriter, and has done my favorite adaptations of Northanger Abbey and Sense and Sensibility. He knows comedy, as he adapted both Bridget Jones novels for the movies. However, as wonderful a job he managed with Pride & Prejudice, he dropped the ball in one important aspect. He forgot that this is a comedy of manners.

Like his otherwise outstanding  Sense & Sensibility, he played up the angst and wrung out the comedy. You are supposed to laugh with Elizabeth and at Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Collins, and Lady Catherine. Instead, you just cringe. Where is the joy?

Okay everybody, take a breath—those that are still with us, that is.

Let me repeat: THIS IS A WONDERFUL PRODUCTION. It is my second-favorite version. I strongly recommend everyone watch it, and more than once.

And I encourage all of you who have not yet read Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice to do so—posthaste!

BTW–which one should I do next?

Until next time, this has been the Cajun Cheesehead Chronicles.

It takes a real man to write historical romance, so let me tell you a story…

Jack Caldwell

Jack Caldwell is an author, amateur historian, professional economic developer, playwright, and like many Cajuns, a darn good cook. His nickname -- The Cajun Cheesehead -- came from his devotion to his two favorite NFL teams: the New Orleans Saints and the Green Bay Packers. (Every now and then, Jack has to play the DVD again to make sure the Saints really won in 2010.)

Always a history buff, Jack found and fell in love with Jane Austen in his twenties, struck by her innate understanding of the human condition. Jack uses his work to share his knowledge of history. Through his characters, he hopes the reader gains a better understanding of what went on before, developing an appreciation for our ancestors' trials and tribulations.

When not writing or traveling with his wife, Barbara, Jack attempts to play golf. A devout convert to Roman Catholicism, Jack is married with three grown sons.

55 comments

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    • Kris on November 14, 2018 at 12:25 am
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    Loved this. Please keep it up. Do P&P1 next. I bet you could write a dissertation on that one.

    1. You’re right, I could–and will! Hahah! Thanks!

        • Tim Morvant on February 23, 2020 at 5:55 am
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        Hi J ack

        I grew up in Thibodaux. My brother Carl was your age and still lives there. I am your brother Brian’s age and live in New Hampshire. Does that make me a Granite Cajun or a Live Free or Die one. Caught your site by accident. Every now and then I hear a Cajun accent on NPR and I am noticing an iambic rhythm in it. Will continue to read some of your posts.

    • Glynis on November 14, 2018 at 1:29 am
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    OMG Jack , I started reading and thought ‘how can he say there are faults with this series?’ but then found that I mostly agreed with them (shock horror)
    However I still love it. This version along with the 2005 film are my very favourites no matter what errors people see.
    Yes I too would have liked at least some arm holding after the second proposal and in the film I would have liked the British version to have included the kiss or at least they could have included the wedding! But I will continue to watch them as often as possible <3. 🙂

    1. No adaptation will be perfect, and few are an improvement on the novel. That is why I strongly suggest that fans of the films actually READ the darn thing! Thanks for commenting.

    • Diana Birchall on November 14, 2018 at 3:46 am
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    Marvelous. Agreed with you on almost every point (except I think you were too kind!). Keep going, great idea for an Austen Variations series!

    1. Me, too kind? Wow. Thanks, Diana!

    • Megan on November 14, 2018 at 3:48 am
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    I love reading critiques of the adaptations! This was great! I agree with you on this. Well argued points all around. You gave credit where credit was due and censure where appropriate. No version is completely perfect so there’s always something to pick out, although there are definitely some adaptations that have more to pick apart than others. Can’t wait to read further Cajun Cheesehead Critic reviews. I do have one question – if this is your second favorite adaptation which one is your favorite?

    1. I’m giving away a future post, but it’s Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice from 1980 — P&P1. Thanks for all the kind words!

      1. I was going to ask exactly this question, so thanks, Megan, for the question, and thanks, Mr. Caldwell, for the answer! 🙂

        I mostly agree with everything, especially the second proposal scene. I know a kiss would be out of the question, but nothing??? Argh!!!

        And the loss of humor, too–no one would know that Austen’s books are comedies of manners from this film, beautifully done as it is. And again, that’s why the books must be read!! I was asked to leave my university’s reading room because I was laughing too hard (and not silently enough) while reading S&S for an essay assignment. 😀

        Thanks again, Mr. Caldwell, for a most entertaining discussion!!

        Warmly,
        Susanne 🙂

    • Ann2 on November 14, 2018 at 4:45 am
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    Thoughtprovoking and entertaining. Thank you.

    1. My work here is done. Thank you!

    • Carla Gaudêncio on November 14, 2018 at 6:20 am
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    I adore the way you write your critics, it looks like we are sitting drinking coffee. In general I agree with your review, even with the lake scene. The first time I watch it had one of those moments “that’s not in the book!”
    But I must defend Mrs Bennet / Alison Steadman, I grow fund of them, and the way she leaps from almost dying to giving advices where to buy wedding clothes. Whenever I seed Alison Steadman on TV I great her “My dear Mrs Bennet”.
    Looking forward for your next post.

    1. I understand what you are saying, but let us take the scene to which you are referring — “and the way she leaps from almost dying to giving advices where to buy wedding clothes”. If you get the chance, watch the same scene in the 1980 version. I find it is gentler, kinder — and far funnier.

      But the great thing about this is that people can have different opinions. Thank you so much for reading and commenting!

    • J. W. Garrett on November 14, 2018 at 8:22 am
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    Well, although this movie version is my favorite [due to Firth], I have to agree with your thoughts completely. Miscasting can change the dynamics of a movie completely. You can compare the actor cast as Collins in the 80s movie to Bamber and immediately see the difference. Well done. I can’t wait until you chose another movie. I am all ears.

    1. Thanks! I hope you can wait ’till next month. Hahah!

    • Meg on November 14, 2018 at 8:52 am
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    While I agree that the pond scene could have been left out and in the second proposal, Darcy should have at least hugged Elizabeth and tucked her arm in his, placing his free hand on hers, but to me the best scene is the “long look” in Pemberley’s music room and that scene isn’t in the novel. The audience knows at that moment the depth of their love without a single word spoken.
    Now I’m curious, which film adaptation of P&P is your favorite? And why? Certainly it can’t be the Keira Knightly or the dourly Rantoul!

    1. My favorite? The 1980 version with Elizabeth Garvie and David Rintoul, Yeah, Rintoul. I’ll lay out my arguments with I review P&P1.

      As for the best Darcy? Haha–that will be a surprise!

      Thanks for commenting!

    • Vesper on November 14, 2018 at 8:58 am
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    I agree but would also add Lydia to the wrong portrayal (I will whisper this – not a Firth fan)

    1. Y’know, I agree. I recall looking forward to Julia Sawalha’s performance, being a fan of her work on “Absolutely Fabulous.” But as I watched, I thought, “Julia Sawalha is completely wrong as Lydia.” I blame the director.

    • Carole in Canada on November 14, 2018 at 12:20 pm
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    Thank goodness for those pharmaceutical wonders that has you ‘back’ to writing! I kept nodding my head ‘yes’ to all that you loved in the 1995 version…Firth & Ehle are still my favourites after seeing all of the adaptations! Then as I read your ‘what was wrong’ with this adaptation, it started off well with the nodding of head, but despite how ‘over the top’ Mrs. Bennet’s portrayal was, I still love Alison Steadman’s performance as well as Julia’s of ‘Lydia’…though in appearance she isn’t. David Bamber’s, Mr. Collins is another that I always picture when reading most variations. Now if you want really creepy, ‘Lost in Austen’s’ Mr. Collins has me running in the opposite direction!! In that one, I loved Alex Kingston’s portrayal of Mrs. Bennet. Maybe that adaptation should be next???

    1. I might do “Lost in Austen” at some future date, but for now I’m sticking with P&P. We’ve got P&P0, P&P1, P&P3, and “Bride and Prejudice” to go.

      Thanks, Carole!

    • Beatrice on November 14, 2018 at 12:38 pm
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    Everyone else seems to agree with you. I think your preferring the 1980 P&P may colour your opinions. This is far and away my favourite Austen adaptation.
    With one exception I adored this cast, particularly loved David Bamber as Collins. The idea of being in the company of – much less marrying -the unpleasant, inept and clueless Mr Collins was always creepy. If you didn’t understand this from the book, you did after watching this series.
    I prefer Keira Knightley of the 2005 P&P to Jennifer Ehle – I don’t like Knightley in all her films but you have to admit in P&P she shows both Lizzy’s lively spirit and fine eyes.
    I went to a conference in about 2001 where Andrew Davies was speaking. He explained he added the bath scene to convey Darcy’s growing feelings for Lizzy and the pond scene (and presumably the fencing scene) to convey Darcy’s inner turmoil . Both successfully provided beefcake; he understood his key audience.
    A movie or TV series cannot limit itself to following a book relentlessly. It’s a different medium and has to use the limitations and advantages that film presents. No one wants a movie merely to read aloud the book. Because this version is a series, they had the luxury of including almost everything in the book, but purposely did not do so slavishly.
    This version also followed Jane Austen’s convention of having successful proposals by her heroes occur out of doors.

    1. I still say that Mr. Davies made a huge mistake by taking out most of the humor. That said, I agree this was a very entertaining adaptation, one my wife and I watch again regularly.

      Thanks for commenting!

    • MadAboutausten on November 14, 2018 at 12:50 pm
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    >>>quote:>>>
    The Pond Scene – The oh-so-proper Mr. Darcy jumping into a pond on his property? Please, give me a break! The production did not need it. Why Mr. Davis invented it is a mystery.
    >>>end quote>>>
    Spoken like a guy. There wouldn’t be one girl alive who wouldn’t sigh at that scene. IF Ms. Austen were alive, I’d bet she would sigh too. Hence the millions of views to the corresponding clip (s) on youtube. Now, not such a mystery…is it? (I also bet this reminded every lady reading to go view it… just one more time :D)
    Look forward to more insights…
    M 🙂

    1. I hated the pond scene with all the burning fires of hell. Why? Because it is out of character for the Fitzwilliam Darcy Miss Austen created. However, I have no problem with the bath scene. See? I’m flexible.

      True, if Miss Austen was alive today, she *might* sigh. But then, P&P wouldn’t be in Regency England.

      I agree it was tossed in for the ladies. However, my lovely wife hated it, too. So there you go. Some like chocolate, others vanilla.

      Thanks for reading and commenting!

    • B. on November 14, 2018 at 1:16 pm
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    Regarding: “Why Mr. Davis invented it is a mystery.”

    Have you ever seen some of the interviews with Mr. Davis? It’s very clear he wanted this to be a sexy production. I mean that’s all he can talk about in one interview/special feature I’ve seen.

    Otherwise, I’m shockingly, one of the few women (and few Colin Firth fans) for whom the lake scene doesn’t do much of anything. (Other than wet from the pond is easier to make apparent, than disheveled from riding? In that sense it makes some sense as an adaptive move for the screen.)

    Otherwise I can’t disagree with much. I happen to have been a convert to being a fan of Colonel Studmuffin, so I’m rather ok with that change (I don’t feel like Colonel Fitzwilliam being “not handsome” is so important to the novel that it can’t be changed. I have much stronger opinions about hair and clothing being period – which the 1995 does perfectly, than I do whether a minor character is homely enough.)

    1. My question was rhetorical. I just think Pride and Prejudice doesn’t have to be “sexy.” The novel is romantic and sexy enough as it is. What Hollywood has forgotten in these post-Code days is the mind is the biggest erogenous zone we have. Suggestion is more powerful than just “showing it.”

      Don’t believe me? Watch any Hitchcock movie, especially “Rear Window”, “Psycho”, and “It Takes a Thief.”

      Thanks for commenting!

    • Fran on November 14, 2018 at 1:37 pm
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    Darcy jumping into the pond: “Why Mr. Davis invented it is a mystery.”

    This “invention” should not be a mystery to anyone. It was entirely necessary for Mr. Davis to have included this scene. You are reviewing a cinematic adaptation sold to the public, which in this case is probably predominantly female. TV sponsors want to sell merchandise. To do that, they must keep their audience engaged and entertained. What sells a video and retains an audience? Sex, or a hint of it.

    The rest of your analysis was spot-on. Alison Steadman, who is one of my favorite actresses became a ridiculous (albeit memorable), Mrs. Bennet. I have often wondered how she felt with this interpretation, and whether she was comfortable portraying her character in this manner. She did such an incredible job with the transformation that we’re still talking about it, which is a compliment to her acting talent.

    All the best to you in your recovery!

    1. Thanks, Fran!

    • Walter Krause on November 14, 2018 at 2:55 pm
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    See my mail from 2017 where my principal arguments are already stated. Like you I appreciate the Garvie-Rintoul-version as more true to Austen’s own intentions – which does not hinder me to adore the 1995 series. Just a remark to the bath-in-the-lake discussion: I do not mind the idea so much – principally, but it is badly realized. The water appears neither clean nor inviting and it is too obvious that a double is substituting the precious body of Colin Firth in the underwater take Mere neglicence or stubborn ignorance, Mr.Langton?

    1. I agree with you re: the 1980 and 1995 versions. Thanks!

    • Agnes on November 14, 2018 at 3:07 pm
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    How lovely to see this and the promise of a series of similar critique pieces!
    I agree that Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Collins and Miss Bingley are turned into a caricature of themselves (as JA wrote them) in the movie, but sharpening some edges serves the purpose of making today’s audience understand a few subtleties that would be lost on many people otherwise.
    I can’t say that I dislike Colonel Studmuffin (there are too many excellent fanfic pieces inspired by him), and although his attractive person is not canon, I think the character he displays is consistent with Jane Austen’s writing.
    Although I enjoy P&P1995 too much to focus on the lack of humour while I am watching it, it is true that reading the book I discover and enjoy the humor all over again. But the most humorous aspects are in Jane Austen’s prose which would be very difficult to convey in the film,
    Thank you for this enjyoable commentary!

    1. Well, I found the 1980 version very funny. If you haven’t seen it, give it a shot. Thanks!

    • JanisB on November 14, 2018 at 3:48 pm
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    Interesting viewpoints, Jack. P&P1980 is also my favourite partly because Elizabeth Garvie is absolutely perfect as Elizabeth, partly because there’s comedy with no cartoonishness, and partly because with few exceptions it is the version of both story and characters that is truest to the original. While I enjoy drooling over Firth’s Darcy as much as anyone, I don’t watch ’95 as much as ’80 because I cannot abide Jennifer Ehle. The first time I watched this series I thought she had a speech impediment. Not to mention that she looks older than Mr Darcy (yes, I know she was 24, he was 35). Older and debauched. Simply not believable as an innocent twenty-year old country girl. I have never seen either Ehle or Sawalha in anything else, but based on their acting skills here Julia convinced me that she was a spoiled and headstrong teenager. Ehle just looked like she had a pole up her butt. Not to mention what looked like inches of pancake makeup on her face. And that fright wig! No, she was not my cup of tea at all.

    I do, however, adore Anthony Calf. According to an interview I watched with Alison Steadman she had a lot of fun playing Mrs Bennet. It did look like fun, but it was way too cartoonish for my taste. And yes, the post-proposal reaction of Catherine and Tilney 2007 was way more romantic and credible, even in 1813.

    Re the dip in the pond: I believe I watched the same interview as MadAboutAusten above wherein Davis speaks about telling the story more from Mr Darcy’s point of view. As I recall, he wanted Darcy to jump into the lake au naturel, which is more likely what he would have done on his own property. As to why, a friend’s husband suggested that Darcy was so unhappy at that point that he wanted to cry, something that men just did not do, and he could hide it by jumping into the lake. Seems reasonable.

    David Bamber was a bit too slimy for P&P, altho’ he made a wonderfully slithery Lush in Daniel Deronda. P&P1980’s Collins was more like the way JA portrayed him.

    I don’t know who your favourite Darcy is, but mine is most assuredly Lost in Austen’s Elliot Cowan. FWIW.

    Sorry to hear you’ve been ailing. I’ve been undergoing a bit of chiropractic myself recently. Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery. Many thanks and looking forward to your next critique.

    – Janis Barau

    1. The gals all love the Studmuffin! oh well. Thanks!

    • Deborah on November 14, 2018 at 5:12 pm
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    Each movie is essentially JAFF as each is a person’s adaptation and none is perfectly true to the book. Please do the 1940 version with Greer Carson.

    1. Oh, don’t worry. P&P0 is on the list!

    • Jennifer Redlarczyk on November 14, 2018 at 6:12 pm
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    Fun post, however, I really did like the Pond Scene. Don’t you think they put that in there just for us gals?????

    1. Gee, ya think? Hahah! Thanks!

    • Suzanne on November 14, 2018 at 8:34 pm
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    I agree with your assessment of the 1995 P & P. I do love it but it’s not perfect. Mrs. Bennet is too shrill all the time. Elizabeth is too sure of herself (the exception being the tears after the first proposal). In the book, she is often confused and turning red with embarrassment, far more than any adaptation I’ve seen. Wickham is not handsome or charming enough. Charlotte is far too pretty. I look forward to reading your critique of the next P & P.

    1. I’m working on it. Look for it next month!

    • Anji on November 15, 2018 at 12:43 pm
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    Thanks so much for promising us a series of posts about P&P adaptations. Looking forward to reading those a lot, especially Bride and Prejudice, which is one of my all-time favourite feel-good films of any type. Will you be going on to cast your eye over any of the adaptations of Jane Austen’s other works?

    Your P&P0 was what brought me to Austen in the first place and regarding invented scenes, I can remember being quite disappointed that ‘the archery scene’ from that version wasn’t in the book. (OKI was only 11 at the time!). I’m actually a fan of ‘the lake scene’ – shock horror!

    As to your casting critiques, yes Andrew Davies has a lot to answer for when it comes to Mr. Collins and Colonel Fitzwilliam. Much of the Austeneque fiction I’ve read is obviously harping back to these two especially, as is the proensity to dress Caroline Bingley in orange. Although, two hundred years ago, ‘handsome’ didn’t necessarily mean the same as it does today. From what I can gather, Elizabeth wasn’t generally regarding as being especially handsome, unlike her elder sister.

    Please do consider giving us your opinion of Lost in Austen, and P&P&Z for that matter!

    1. I am defiantly going to look at adaptations of other JA novels. S&S will be a shock, I assure you.

    • Marlene on November 15, 2018 at 1:28 pm
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    Great critique!!!

    1. Thank you!

    • Joana Starnes on November 15, 2018 at 1:29 pm
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    Loved this, Jack, thanks!

    Goodness, that adaptation is my absolute go-to and I love it to bits, but I absolutely agree with everything you said. Rather than going back and writing ‘hear-hear’ to every point, I’ll just comment on the OMG ones, and the main OMG one is THE SECOND PROPOSAL. I watched the last 3rd of the film hanging onto the edge of my seat and thinking if the ‘bad’ proposal was so charged and wonderful, wow, how jaw-droppingly fantastic will the second one be!!!! And then I get there and … nothing. Absolutely, why on earth couldn’t they at least hold hands??? To be fair, I heard it said that Andrew Davies mentioned in an interview that if he could change anything, it would be the second proposal. I just can’t help thinking that they were rushed by deadlines and budgets and… that was the result. Oh, well. That’s what JAFF’s for, to fill in the gaps :))

    Col Fitzwilliam – that’s OK, unlike the 1st proposal, that’s a nice discrepancy. And who knows, since P&P reflects Elizabeth’s PoV, maybe JA was cleverly trying to tell us that Elizabeth deemed Col F ‘not handsome’ as in subconsciously meaning ‘not as handsome as Darcy’. We live and hope 😀

    And the pond. I love that scene, I love everything about it, but wet shirts aside, I think it diverted the attention from the massive embarrassment Elizabeth should (and must have) felt re. being found on his property, even if he was dressed to the nines. This way, it became ‘she was embarrassed because she caught him in deshabille’. But I still appreciate the huge irony of Darcy being taken down not just a peg, but a whole dozen of them, by finding himself at such a disadvantage before the woman who already thought ill of him, and whom, by that stage, he would have liked to impress.

    Long comment short, if only we could have a second proposal with more feeling, I’d happily take the too handsome colonel, too smarmy Collins and ridiculous Mrs B etc etc . Hmm, this reminds me, I haven’t spent 6 hrs in front of the telly in a fair while :))

    Thanks for this great post and wonderful to hear you’re feeling 100% again!

    1. We’ll have to agree to disagree about the Studmuffin, my dear, or as I affectionately call him, the LMPD (Loud-Mouthed Plot Device). I like Fitzwilliam, as evidenced by THE THREE COLONELS (huge plug). Welcome to our merry band!

    • Abigail Bok on November 15, 2018 at 3:19 pm
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    Spot on, Jack! Thank you for your courage in highlighting (lowlighting?) the pond scene. Throughout, Darcy has quite the relationship with water–there’s the gratuitous bath scene as well. I refer to this as the Wet T-shirt P&P . All the adaptations have their faults, but at least the faults of the 1980s one weren’t those of vulgarity.

    Glad to hear you’re recovering–back issues are no fun.

    1. Thanks, Abigail. Y’know, you’re right about Firth’s Darcy and water. Davies’ S&S takes place next to the sea. What’s that all about, hmm?

  25. Glad you are doing better, Jack. Hope you continue to improve.

    Since you are doing 1980 next, I better watch it. What clips I’ve seen have been enjoyable, and I look forward to seeing how it compares to the others. I have seen clips of the 1968 version on YouTube, but the BBC destroyed the tapes by reusing them. Very bad of them to do that. Would have loved to have seen the whole thing. It really seemed to have the flavor of those times.

    I’ve only watched an hour of the 1995, and it was okay. Colin Firth seemed wooden , at least in that portion of the film. I felt he didn’t enjoy playing that part, and this idea was born out with a comment made in an interview with the director, I believe. I may change my mind after watching the whole series. However, I do intensely dislike the portrayal of Mrs. Bennet. Not sure I can tolerate six hours of her coming and going.

    I am not a dyed in the wool that it has to be perfect. As long as a film conveys the flavor of the book, I will enjoy it. I loved ‘Random Harvest,’ but they did change the plot quite a bit. 🙂 That is my favorite movie of all time.

    Thank you for your insightful comments. Look forward to your other critiques.

    1. I hope you get the opportunity (and time) to watch both versions in full. Both have the flavor of the book, as does both P&P0 and P&P3. Thank you for your good wishes.

    • Teresa Broderick on November 20, 2018 at 4:23 pm
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    I’m late reading this so you might not even see my reply. I loved this and have to agree with you on many points. I can’t believe it!!! My favorite adaptation is the 1980 one and I have never met anyone who agrees with me. I think David Rintoul is a great Darcy and I just loved Elizabeth Garvie’s portrayal of Elizabeth. Can’t wait to see what your thoughts on it are.

      • Abigail Bok on November 20, 2018 at 4:49 pm
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      I agree, Teresa! The 1980 version is awkwardly stagey at times but I love David Rintoul’s and Elizabeth Garvie’s portrayals. Everyone acts with the elegancy I believe they should. And the costumes, albeit too fancy for the Bennets’ means, are to die for.

    2. Thanks, Terese and Abigail. Just to let y’all know, P&P1 (the 1980 version) will be the next subject (or victim) of the Cajun Cheesehead Critic!

      (BTW Abigail, I fixed your post.)

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