The Making of "Pride and Prejudice" (BBC)

Even the more recent P&P film can't beat this classic adaptation. This book gives a great insight into how the series was filmed and i found it fasinating. It kept me occupied when i was going through my Jane Austin phase!.

A ravishing companion to an absolutely ravishing film (2/2 people found this helpful)

Regardless of what might have prompted you to fall in love with the sumptuous BBC/A&E production of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, you'll love this companion book, which fills in the background to an almost unprecedented degree.

Written in chatty style by the producer, Sue Birtwistle, and script editor Susie Conklin, the book begins with the very first idea (in 1986) of bringing one of the most loved books in the English language to the screen once again, concluding with the Christmas wedding of Eliza Bennet and Mr. Darcy. The six-hour, six million dollar production very nearly brought England to a standstill during the weekly broadcasts, as an estimated 40 million Brits were glued to the telly to see this (then) one-hundred-seventy-eight year old book brought to life. Almost no detail was allowed to be missed by the scrupulous inspection of the production crew. A few items were anachronistic, but calculatedly so; most notably, the billiard table, and Mr. Darcy's "cool-off" swim.

Each member of the technical staff -- director, casting, costumes -- speaks in his/her own voice, giving reasons for each particular choice made. Even the horse ridden by Mr. Darcy was auditioned. Contemporary pictures were used as much as possible to provide accuracy in costume and hairstyle. Meticulous attention was given to the dancing and the music, of which there is an abundance. Such minor considerations as the number of musicians employed at each dance venue exemplify the care taken with the production. Equally so, the food (of which there was more than enough to make the actors as well as the table groan) was specially prepared from recipes of the time by the appropriately-named chef for the series, Colin Capon, who specializes in period food for the BBC.

The book abounds with color photos, delineating in great detail how reality-based this production really was. In the end, however, it is the broad shoulders of Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy upon which the success of the production rests. As the physical embodiment of the absolutely perfect Regency hero, he smolders wonderfully through the first three hours, sounding very like the young Richard Burton, when he does speak. A female of any age can easily be forgiven for wishing his liquid, dark and expressive eyes, as he surreptitiously follows Eliza Bennet around the room, would gaze at her in just that way. In perfect stillness, those eyes express the depth of his longing for Eliza, as well as his bewilderment by that longing, unsuitable as he deems her to be as a marriage partner.

Eventually, it is her sparkling intelligence and ready wit that win him to her, but only after she has brought him to his knees by refusing his first arrogant proposal. (Mr. Firth candidly explains how he arrived at that scene, in the ten-page chapter nine, "A Conversation with Colin Firth.") Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth was perfectly winsome and charming with her 'fine eyes', a beautiful smile, and an obvious intellect, not readily apparent in her three younger sisters.

Although the book doesn't specifically say so, attention must also have been paid during the casting process to those young ladies who were, perhaps, rather more well-endowed in the bosom department. The necklines of the various gowns are treacherously low, in some cases, which, when coupled with the very vigorous dancing, could make one understand the necessity for the close chaperonage of young women of the Regency. Not to mention those nearly skin-tight 'unmentionables' worn by all the young men!

We should all concentrate on wishing for another such production, especially if it would include the estimable 'Mr. Darcy'.

For P&P Fans especially (6/6 people found this helpful)

A very thorough and interesting read for anyone who saw the TV adaptation. Beautiful pictures throughout and some very good behind the scenes ones as well!

Great guide to a wonderful series (12/12 people found this helpful)

As a fan of the 1995 BBC version of Pride and Prejudice and too of the novel, I have been looking for this book for a while... and I wasn't disappointed. The Making of Pride and Prejudice goes into great detail about how the series was made, who was involved and also gives general information about film making.

Includes delightful interview with Colin Firth, details of filming locations, set designs and costumes which makes you appreciate the series even more. I've never bought a "Making of.." before but this was a joy to read.

A 'MUST- HAVE' FOR PRIDE AND PREJUDICE FANS! (29/30 people found this helpful)

Never having seen the BBC miniseries, I took a chance in buying the P&P DVD a fortnight ago. Since then, I've watched it hundreds of times and just couldn't get enough of it. I wanted to know more about it, so I brought this book, and I must say, it hasing disappointed me at all. It answers vitrually every question you may ever ask on the series, it really fills in the gaps. It not only talks of the obvious things, like the filming, script, casting and costumes, but also details like location hunting, dance routines, music and sound effects. There is also a chapter devoted to an interview with Colin Firth (Mr Darcy). Reading it made me appreciate in fact how challenging it was to act out the part of Mr Darcy in a decent way. The book includes many beautiful colour photos, and each page is thoughtfully laid out. Ideally though, it would be nice to have an interview with Jennifer Ehle as well as Colin Firth, I mean, she IS Elizabeth Bennet, the main character. She is very talented, and I'd like to know why they chose her to play Elizabeth and not someone else. Nevertheless,trust me, you will see the series in a brand new light after reading this, all that work, thought, people and time devoted to make a 6-episoded miniseries. You will be very grateful and enjoy the series enough more. This is the perfect companion book to complement the series, and a definate 'must- have' for every P&P fan, especially if you own the DVD or the video.

Sue Birtwistle, Susie Conklin

Reader Reviews:

Very interesting insight (0/0 people found this helpful)

A ravishing companion to an absolutely ravishing film (2/2 people found this helpful)

For P&P Fans especially (6/6 people found this helpful)

Great guide to a wonderful series (12/12 people found this helpful)

A 'MUST- HAVE' FOR PRIDE AND PREJUDICE FANS! (29/30 people found this helpful)

Similar Products

Categories