Rent Emma (1972)

Austen's pretensions - Emma review by LN

I've never read the book or seen other filmed versions of this Austen story. Am more familiar with Sense & Sensibility and Pride & Prejudice but I got this solely because I like Doran Godwin who got better known later with Trevor Eve in the 70s series Shoestring.

Classic BBC drama, the sets and background and costumes are first rate and barely remind you this was from the 70s. I think on the whole I like this older version compared to modern ones. The dialogue and manners are curiously spikey and really Emma comes across as a rather mean, opinionated and sometimes vindictive little madam. The thin veneer of social graces shows in her 'to camera' changes of expression after the insincere words and smiles. She's often a bully, only no one seems to notice it. Daddy is a hoot with his obsession with the weather, the cold and room draughts. Harriet Smith comes across as a naive blonde dimwit. The men all seem effeminate.

I've seen the first 3 episodes on disc 1; deciding whether to persevere to the 2nd disc.

Worth seeing - Emma review by SB

Although now very old in style, this version is still well worth watching for the performances, with clear and intelligent delivery of a very full script. For example, you really get to feel how irritating Miss Bates is, and what a fusspot Emma's father is. There is more genuine tension and feeling in some ways than in later versions. Mr Knightley comes across as rather stiff but kindly, while Frank Churchill is given much more scope than usual to be charming but devious.

Location work is very limited, with most of the series being shot indoors.