ITV/UTV Austen Season

[Niamh]

UTV/ITV, a British/ Northern Ireland tv broadcasting company recently did adaptations for the screen of three of Jane Austens Novels and had an Austen season showing the programmes over a three week period. The Novels they adapted were, Mansfield Park, Northanger Abbey and my favourite Austen Persuasion. I missed Mansfield Park but did manage to see the other two. They were enjoyable adaptations, but the slight rewriting of Persuasion broke my heart. Spent too much time crying out 'but that doesnt happen till later!', 'he doesnt say that!' etc. But even with that i did still get all mushy and girly at the end.

Did anyone else see these, and what did you think of them? Was Mansfield Park any good? and Did Billie Piper do a good Job as Fanny Price?

[eleniel]

I watched Northanger Abbey last night but it is the only one I've seen so far. I was very pleased with the adaption, the casting was perfect. I have not seen Mansfield Park yet but Fanny Price did not look a bit like I imagined her. Did you like the 1995 version of Persuasion better than the new one? I love the book!

[Niamh]

I'd like it if the actors from the new one were in the 1995 one! The new one is just as enjoyable (would have been better than the 1995 one if they hadnt altered the story somewhat!)

[Niamh]

just ordered these from amazon. cant wait!

[LadyWentworth]

We'll be getting to see all of those early next year. I guess they will show Colin Firth's "Pride and Prejudice" and Kate Beckinsale's "Emma", which I really don't know why. After all, if they made new versions of all the other novels, they could've done the same with "P&P" and "Emma".

Anyway, I will be curious to see the others to compare (I saw a version of "Northanger Abbey" from awhile ago. I thought it was OK. So, I am curious to see how this one will be in comparison with that one).

I am a little afraid of "Persausion", though! I was satisfied with the 1995 version. So, I am really hoping it is acceptable!

Did they show a story about Jane's life? They will be showing that here. I believe it is based on her letters, but I am not entirely positive anymore. If so, how was that?

[Niamh]

didnt see anything about her life.
As for the Persuasion, just wait till you see Captain Wenthworth!

Edit*
Oh I forgot to mention, Northanger Abbey- The location they use for the Abbey is Charleville Forest Castle. Ie, MH Series one location.

[LadyWentworth]

You're the second person who has told me to just wait for this Wentworth!

I will have to look out for that MH location. I vaguely remember it. It has been SO long since I have seen a single episode from season one. We don't have them on DVD here. No, I take that back. We do have them on DVD here, they aren't, at this time, being released as complete seasons. Now they are just a collection of the episodes that are considered the "best". Well, one set claims to be the first and second season, but they are missing, I think, 17 episodes! Hopefully they will come to their senses and release all of the seasons (complete seasons!).

I guess I will have to let you know how the film that is based on her life will be.

[Niamh]

THIS is the face of the new Wenthworth! *swoons*


I see what you mean about MH for sale in America. Just checked Amazon. What i suggest is that if you have a multi region DVD player, order the series from Amazon.co.uk instead. They would be region 2. I have up till series eight on DVD as well as all five MH live best ofs and a few other bits a pieces. Series nine not out till next year.

[Nightshade]

wait when was this on? I like this guy... but Im always worried that adaptations of books will ruin them , why havent seen the Kira knightly adaptation of P&P. I would have likd to see Mansefield park.... when ITV did it as Ive yet to see an adaptation of that that was anywhere near good, or true to the story, They always seem to try and make Fanny so decisive and loud and modern. When wasnt the whole point of the story that she was quiet and good and modest etc etc and ended up getting the best in the end?
I thought I reda someweher that it ws written for a nice as warning not to become like Maria ?

[Niamh]

They were on back in April. Itv had an austen season. Billie Piper played Fanny, and guess what! She is kind, Quiet, good and modest. she also created a kid of sadness to the character, which is needed seeing as the character is watching the man she in love with courting another.
There is a real naivety in Northanger abbey. Its actually quite fun! And Liam Cunningham plays the dad.
The took some liberties with the script for Persuasion. Mainly towards the end. Still think that if they took the actors from this one, and put them in the 2001 adaptation, we'd have a wonderful version of the book.
Dont know why they didnt bother to do their own version of Emma and Sense and Sensablity.

[Nightshade]

yes I know but it clashed with the Doctor I think on BBc, so I have them on my dvd list...
so they got Fanny right did they? hummm maybe the list need reshuffling, its winter and time for costume dramas afterall

[Niamh]

you can say that again!
So far this christmas i've watched;
Cranford
The history of Tom Jones a Foundling (love this!)
Presuasion (2001)
The Hanging Gale

[Nightshade]

Im watching North and south I think Ill reread it here tomorrow and then curl up tommorow evening and watch....


maybe Danial Deronda after that?
... Ill get on with litnet challange I started last year...

[Niamh]

I've never read North and south, but i have a question. Lorna Doone? I know there is an Adaption of it but i dont know the story. Any good?

[Nightshade]

Not my cup of tea, but then again never read the full version read the longman summary type forgein reader childs version but deffinetly a film becaus ethe pics from it were from a film.
I think it was too melodramatic for me.
And you should read North and south..its on my list of bestest books ever.