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Jane Austen’s world is a fascinating place for all fans of period drama. Aware of this interest cinema and TV soon started to adapt the British writer novels to the screen. Until today we can count several Emma adaptations and spinoffs. We are going to talk about four of them, the ones we know and watched or reviewed already.

The 1972, if watchable, is too theatrical and the characters very different from what we always imagine while reading the book. Emma doesn’t have that quirky side that makes up for her snobbish attitude. She is serious and quite the good girl. Also, Mr. Knightley who is, as we are well aware, 16 years older than the young woman, looked much more like her father than her beau. We are very far from the handsome and wise landowner who captivated the heart of Miss Woodhouse.

In 1996 we were gifted with two Emma adaptations. The first casting mostly Hollywood stars with Gwyneth Paltrow and Jeremy Northan in the leading roles was filled with glamor, beautiful sets and not less gorgeous costumes, If we didn’t care for Paltrow’s Emma who seemed at our eyes even more superficial than Austen’s Emma, Jeremy Northam, in the other hand is a charming delightful man. His Mr. Knightley is a success!

The ITV version, compared with the sumptuosity of the previous one, seemed more simple, especially the costumes. But the actors were for us far superior. Beckinsale’s role in Much Ado About Nothing made us fear for the worst but the young woman gave us a funny, loving and sometimes extremely annoying Emma. Snob enough to get into our nerves, but sufficiently generous to find grace at our eyes and wish her to find her HEA with the very manly Mr Knightley played by Mark Strong. Obviously a very talented actor, Strong is for us THE perfect leading man. He may not have Northan’s classical looks but his talent, his intensity and, oh my, his voice, winned us over right from the beginning. This is our favorite adaptation so far.

When we heard about a new Emma coming up produced by BBC, we were a little skeptical. Could they make something better than Beckinsale’s Emma? Well, we truly hoped so! The cast was a surprise and especially the choice of Romola Garai. Don’t take us wrong, she is a talented actress and a very pretty one but far, in our minds, from being an Emma. Jonny Lee Miller was also a surprise but we wanted to wait and see what he was capable of.
 
The opening credits and music were captivating and the first imagines let us hope for the best. After four episodes of incredibly well chosen settings and beautiful costumes (the colors!!!) we were under the charm.

And you? What is your favorite Emma adaptation and why? Don’t forget to vote in our poll but you can also leave a comment.

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We haven’t had a monthly discussion in some time but the truth is that not only our time has been scarce lately but also we were waiting for a series/movie that would appeal to many of us, period drama obsessional fans. BBC’s Emma (2009), from the very beginning, seemed like the perfect choice for a discussion. Austen is a beloved and well known author who has been adapted many times before and the fact that many viewers are also devoted readers means that with her adaptations we are always sure to have heated discussions on whether the script and actors live up to what viewers have in their heads.

We have already posted a double review of Emma  where we questioned some of the aspects of the series. Now we are eager to know what you all thought about this new version. We have prepared a few questions to stir the discussion but feel free to tells us more of what you liked or disliked about the series.

1. Was it love at first sight or were you disappointed? Several people have mentioned the series improves on repeated viewing and that is definitely a sign of success as far as we are concerned.
2. Did you enjoy the cast? Were Romola Garai and Jonny Lee Miller right for the role and gave credible performances? What about the secondary cast?
3. Did you like the changes in the story or do you think Austen’s words should not be changed?
4. What about the technical aspects like costumes, settings or lighting?
5. Do you have a favourite scene? If so, which one?
6. Finally, do you agree with Jane Austen that Emma is a heroine no one else besides herself would like?

It’s been ages since we did our last montly discussion and we’ve been talking lately about organizing another one, this time about the new BBC Emma. Stay tunned during the 15th and 21st February if you want to share your opinions with us!

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Mr Holbrook belongings are auctioned and Miss Pole gives Miss Matty a memento of her cousin. Miss Matty continues to speak about her past with Mary Smith, Dr Harrison asks the Vicar to pay his addresses to Sophy and after a startling first answer he does agree. However dr Harrison’s love interest is much discussed in several households and more than one lady believes she is the one. Miss Mary Smith decides to take the happiness of friends in her own hands and writes to Major Gordon about Jessie Brown and also requesting him to look for Miss Matty’s brother. Mr Carter and Lady Ludlow still find themselves at odds about Harry Gregson and the fact that she provides a female assistant for him doesn’t satisfy him in the least. Dr Marshland comes back and helps Mary Smith with her eyesight problems while Dr Harrison’s courtship of Sophy continues in good course. The Bank of which Miss Matty is a shareholder gives the first signs of being in trouble and soon it is known that she is ruined. To support he son’s extravagances Lady Ludlow sells part of her lands to the railroad company.  During the May Day celebrations all of Cranford society is reunited and there’s a lot going on – Martha decides she and Jem will marry and Miss Matty will live with them, on a less pleasant note Miss Tomkinson tells Reverend Hutton her sister Caroline will marry Dr Harrison and while he tries to explain Mrs Rose tells everyone he has an understanding with her. How easy it is to give false impressions in Cranford’s society…
Doesn’t it seem that Lord Septimus is taking advantage of his mother? And shouldn´t Dr Harrison have realised what’s going on around him?

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Jem and Martha are happily married! News of Miss Matty financial problems spread through the village. Lady Ludlow’s financial situation is also not the best one after she mortgages the land to send money to her son. The ladies of Cranford come together to help Miss Matty without her knowing, they raise some money to help her. Captain Brown’s suggests she opens up a shop which might solve her problems. Surprisingly, the shop is a huge success! Dr Harrison’s reputation is in tatters, trying to help him Mary Smith writes to Dr Marshland urging to come and confess he was the one to write to Miss Tomkinson. Sophy Hutton returns to Cranford but she is sick with typhoid fever. Unable to visit her Dr Harrison treats Mr. Carter who has suffered an accident and eventually dies. In desperation Sophy’s sister ask for Dr Harrison’s help and he finally saves her life. Continuing with the happy events Martha is expecting a baby and Harry Gregson discovers Mr. Carter has left money for his education and more money for him to receive when he is older, he also provides for lady Ludlow leaving part of it to pay her mortgage till her son inherits. Major Gordon returns and Jessie finally accepts him. He also brings Miss Matty’s brother with him and they are reunited at long last. Cranford ends with Sophy Hutton and Dr Harrison’s wedding and we sadly said goodbye…until we learned that everyone is back this Christmas for a two part story also made by the BBC. Nothing could be better!

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Life continues in Cranford! Miss Jenkyns seems much kinder towards her neighbors the Browns and even tries her hand at a bit of matchmaking. Mrs Forrester cow has an accident after Harry Gregson tries to feed his baby brother. The solution Mrs Forrester finds is hilarious! Major Gordon proposes to Jessye Brown but she refuses so as to not let her father alone. In the mean time Sophy Hutton, the rector’s daughter, becomes Dr Harrison love interest. Lady Ludlow’s party is a success with the ladies eating ice cream and gossiping and the children playing games with Miss Matty who has a surprise visitor. Mary Smith and Dr Harrison share their impressions of Cranford. The arrival of the railroad becomes the main topic of conversation and the Cranford ladies are not happy with the changes to come! Ending on a sad note two tragedies bring despair to the Huttons and the Jenkyns.

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A thief gives the Ladies of Cranford something to talk about, a french conspiracy is predicted and a police force is desired. Miss Matty and Mr Holbrook meet again, her suitor from long ago seems determined to renovate their aquaintance. In the mean time the Gregson’s father is arrested on charges of thieving and only Lady Ludlow’s influence can save him. Dr Harrison receives the visit of a friend, Dr Marshland who has come to spend Christmas with him to which he confides his interest in Sophy Hutton. While he sends a Valentine card to Miss Hutton, Dr Marshland sends an anonymous one to Miss Tomkinson which she mistankenly believes to be from Dr Harrison. Miss Matty, Miss Pole and Miss Smith visit Mr Holbrook and their relationship is on the brink of a happy ending when he suddenly dies on his return from a visit to Paris. Miss Matty is devastated and considers herself a widow. Other relationships are given a chance though as Miss Matty finally allows Martha to have followers. Do you think Miss Matty did well in her youth sacrificing love for duty?

After North & South success in 2004, the BBC returned in the beginning of this year with another Elizabeth Gaskell adaptation – Cranford. This series shows us the daily life of a small rural town during the 19th century England while the changes of the industrial era and the rising of a new society affects everybody’s life. It’s undeniable the cozy feeling while we watched each episode and we quickly chose our favorite characters or those we simply cannot stand. It’s truly easy to get attached to Cranford and its people. We truly hope you’ll like this series as much as we did. With an all star cast of well known names, some of which we have appreciated in other period dramas, this series can boast of excellencies in the acting department but also contributing to it’s success are the great settings and the fascinating wardrobe. There’s an attention to detail in everything shown from the dialogues to the smallest piece of clothing.

Cranford was adapted from Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel Cranford and the novellas My Lady Ludlow and Mr. Harrison’s Confessions by Sue Birtwistle, Susie Conklin and Heidi Thomas and directed by Simon Curtis and Steve Hudson.

We have to give a special thanks to Penny for her gorgeous screencaps of the serie.

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As we are introduced to Cranford we realize this is a mostly feminine society. Not only Miss Jenkyns does some less than flattering remarks towards the male gender but with the exception of Captain Brown every other gentleman works for a living. Life may be simple in the village but the ladies follow strict rules of conduct in their relationship with family, friends, neighbors and strangers. How did you like the ladies of Cranford? Any favorites? Is life really simple in the village or does it simply appear so because everyone’s interests and behaviors follow the expected pattern?

Cranford discussion: episode 2 & 3, episode 4&5.

Summer time approaches and the sun and the beach keep us a bit away from the computer! That’s why we didn’t have a monthly discussion in June but now we’re planning to make up for it in July discussing the recent BBC drama Cranford . Cranford is a five part drama based in Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel Cranford, novella’s My Lady Ludlow and Mr Harrison’s Confessions, and the article The Last Generation in England.

Our first discussion on the blog was also an Elizabeth Gaskell adaptation – North and South – and we did love that story very much so the expectations are high for Cranford. Join us in our discussion from July 15th onward…

These five last episodes reveal many secrets and held some surprises, so we really don’t want to spoil the fun for those who still didn’t saw the series. Remember to add a spoiler note to your comment in case you want to discuss some of the tasty parts. ;-)

Richard finds himself in a dreary situation and it seems nobody, even not Ada, will be able to help him… Unexpectedly, Woodcourt returns to Esther’s despair… What will she do now? Keep her promise to Jarndyce or be honest with the doctor?

Another unexpected turn of events in this episode. Do you have any ideas who might that be? Remember, if you want to comment, add a spoiler warning to your post. ;-)

Richard continues with his obsession over the Jarndyce v Jarndyce case until the point he fells badly ill. And the young couple has some news too…

When Lady Deadlock thinks her secret is well kept again, another person threats her to reveal her past… Do you think she should finally give up and tell the truth to her husband? The end is near and we can already guess the fate of some characters…

After so many trials, life returned to Bleak House. Were you satisfied with this end? Was it enough for you?

Let’s continue our discussion with 5 more episodes!

Tulkinghorn tries to prove Nemo’s identity this time involving one of his friends and also indebted to the moneylender, Smallweeds. Do you really think there’s a connection between Nemo, Lady Deadlock and Esther?

Mr. Guppy tries to help his “Angel” by rescuing the famous letters at Krook’s house but nothing happens at it should. After rescuing Joe from a certain death, Esther falls very ill… Many doubt that she’ll survive and Lady Deadlock has a strange reaction when she hears about it.

Mrs. Flite visits Bleak House and shares some good news about Mr. Woodcourt. Esther confesses that she has no hope of a future relationship with him. Do you think they will see each other again? And what do you think of Mr. Woodcourt?

Finally, the shocking revelation… Do you think Esther is gullible to believe Lady Deadlock right away?

Tulkinghorn continues to threat Lady Deadlock and thinks he finally has her under his control. Meanwhile in Bleak House, Jarndyce decides to be honest about his feelings. Were you expecting him to have any romantic intentions towards Esther?

Bleak House is one of the better known novels by Charles Dickens and considered one of the most complete with a large set of characters. Adapted in 2005 by the BBC, the series is divided in 15 episodes (this in the UK).

The main plot concerns the known case Jarndyce vs Jarndyce which involved (in a way or another) most of the characters in this story. This case created by Dickens was meant to show the flaws of the English Chancery system and how lengthy some disputes could become, like the Jarndyce case that was dragged for generations causing madness, despair and false hope for many of the heirs. Among them we find the impatient Richard Cartstone and the pretty Ada Clare both wards of court followed by miss Clare’s companion, the steady and wise Esther Summerson, who’s birth remains a mystery and will become one of the most important parts of the story.

Some characters and scenes were changed but mainly, the story remained faithful to the book. You’ll meet the usual eccentric characters of Dickens novels, like the sweet Miss Flite and her birds, the drunk and greedy Krook or the clumsy Guppy. Of course, like always, Dickens creates a most dark villain in the role of Mr Tulkinghorn, who will to control and manipulate everyone to fulfill his wishes.

The cast includes Anna Maxwell Martin, Gillian Anderson, Charles Dance, Richard Harrington, Nathaniel Parker and many more who helped this amazing book become alive.

The series was nominated for 10 Emmy Awards and become of the biggest successes of the BBC in these last years.

BBC official site: http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/bleakhouse/

We’ll be discussing 5 episodes each day and we should have started yesterday, but unfortunately the three of us have been extremely busy these past weeks… Let’s try to catch up! :)

Who do you think are the main characters? Esther is the only character whose past is shown, could that be relevant?

Lady Deadlock keeps a secret! She seems cold and unfeeling. Do you think her dark clothes are meant to emphasize that?

Ada and Richard are in love but he doesn’t seem the reliable type, could it last without the Jarndyce money? And Esther seems to have lost her opportunity with doctor Woodcourt. In the mean time the plot thickens in what Lady Deadlock is concerned. Will Lord Dealock solicitor discover her secret?

Lady Deadlock sees Esther in church and her reaction continues to awake our curiosity. Meanwhile Mr. Tulkinhorn continues to investigate her past. He seems loyal to his master but ruthless against those who are in his way… What do you think of him?

Richard seems more and more impatient with his inheritance, despite all the advice given by Jarndyce, and his relationship with his protector start to be more tumultuous… Do you understand the young man’s attitude? Or do you think Jarndyce should have had another attitude and allow him and Ada to marry?