Jane Eyre

The Classic Version of a Classic Novel

Jane Eyre is certainly a classic novel; many of us have read it in high school or college English classes. It's no surprise to learn there are no less than 22 different versions [according to the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)], including 6 TV mini-series and even 2 weekly TV series. But this is the classic classic! Orson Welles is the dark and brooding Edward Rochester. Joan Fontaine is the shy and lonely Jane Eyre, an orphan banished by her unfeeling Aunt to a girl's school where she was regularly and cruelly punished. As two isolated loners, living outside the societal constraints of Victorian England, Orson Welles and Joan Fontaine capture the real essence of Rochester and Jane, both frightened creatures who have been dealt cruel blows by the people in their lives and dare not let anyone draw close enough to hurt them again. Still, as they gravitate toward to each other in their isolation, Fontaine seems to grow stronger and lovelier, while Welles displays a sort raw sex appeal few could match..and no one ever brooded more mysteriously!

Though newer adaptations have used 'on location' footage and color cinematography, there is much to be said for the haunting B&W images of the English moors, candles in dark hallways, and unseen voices behind locked doors. A great film classic, and definitely "an essential" for the Old Hollywood buff!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

The ONLY film version of the novel worth owning!

There is no other Rochester but Orson Welles as there are no eyes more haunting or expressive as Joan Fontaine's as Jane. All other attempts at capturing this story have been futile. This dvd is a must have.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A Benchmark Movie

Of all the many versions of Jane Eyre that I have seen this is by far the best. I consider it the benchmark by which all others must be judged.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

I believe that this Jane Eyre was good, but as for being thebest

I believe that this Jane Eyre was good, but as for being thebest that is a long shot. The best is the lastest Jane Eyre released in 2011, i promise you'll love that one even more.

Buy 80's or 90's version of Jane Eyre this is just too outdated

More recent versions are better to watch.

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

A Classic Tale

This is one of those films I remember from my childhood--so well acted and staged. It brought me back into another world very different from the one I knew. There was something very real about it as if it were a true story of a time gone by. Perhaps even though it is fiction parts of the story really did happen.

The characters display a wide range of human conduct from the very best to the very worst. We can all in some way identify with the happenings that unfold in the story that we have experienced in out own lives.

The Definitive Edition - Not To Be Missed!

Superb direction, exemplary acting and beautifully filmed. This is a dark smoldering film. It's filled with all the social misery, class induced loneliness and religious depravity that was Victorian England. I own all of the versions of this film and this is definitely the best. A true classic!

The Only version worth having!

I saw this film on the Turner Classic Moview channel. An excellent version of Bronte's book. The casting was perfect, especially Orson Welles, Joan<BR/>Fontaine, Peggy Ann Garner and Elizabeth Taylor. Agnes Moorehead and Sara Allgood were perfect as part of the supporting cast. Moorehead and Allgood were great character actresses during the 1940's. Allgood was terrific in "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir", 1947.<BR/><BR/>Besides, any movie with Orson Welles was great during his prime in the <BR/>late 1930's and early to late 1940's!!!

Amazing Movie!

Please release this on DVD. I am absolutely captured by this film.....and yes I also love Rebecca!!!

we want this movie on dvd!!!

Truly amazing!!! great actors and good story you should watch REBECCA another great movie

essence

as always, a sucessful adaptation requires that the movie be true to the book itself. if not dialouge-wise, then the film must capture at least the essence of it. Jane Eyre is one of the best movie adaptations i have ever seen. in the book, Edward Rochester is a dark and brooding man, with an incredible presence. Orson Welles supplies that to his character. Joan Fontaine portrays her character with sensitivity and steel, the perfect combination for Jane Eyre. this is also a movie that spreads through many different genres. it is a movie for mystery lovers, because of the mystery behind the door. the mystery is also solved tastefully, revealing just enough to keep the viewer interested. It is a drama because it is so dark. it is a love story, and a powerful one at that.

excellent film...welles at his best!

I recommend this movie to all those who love romance classics. this film is true to bronte's novel and both welles and fontaine capture the essence of rochester and eyre.

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