Jane Eyre

I've read the book so many times and seen every version of Jane Eyre made and for me, George C Scott played the tortured soul Mr Rochester the best. One couldn't fancy Orson Welles, William Hurt was just a sap and Timothy Dalton melodramatic. George C Scott was as rough and gruff as Mr Rochester was supposed to be. When you first read of him, Jane is quite frightened - he has a large personality, makes a lot of noise and kicks things about. Gradually we see a softer side and soon you really want the guy to be happy. The set appeared right out of my own imagination and the creepy bit made me lift my ankles from below the sofa. The score is absolutely brilliant - oh those violins really get your heart pumping'. Ian Bannen is suitably slimy as St John (sinjin). Susannha York was a bit too pretty to be Jane Eyre but she tried her best. She was flavour of the month at the time and I can't remember what other actresses were around that would have been more suited. Jane was supposed to be VERY plain, and considerably younger than Mr Rochester. Nyree Dawn Porter played Blanche beautifully an sympathetically.

This film needs restoration. It is so dark in some places you can't really see anything. George C. Scott is flat and wooden; no emotion. Susannah York is too old for the part. The movie is too short. With all that said I still rate it a 7. Give it a try but lower your expectations.

First, I doubt if I can give ANY version of Jane Eyre a 10, as every version I have seen so far puts too much emphasis on the part of the book involving Rochester and Jane (which is important) and not enough on her proposal of marriage from the vicar (which is VERY important to Ms. Bronte's theme)--this juxtaposition of plots is essential. It is mentioned in passing in several of the movies but never is allowed to have the prominence that it had in the book.

Now, despite this, I would say that this is my favorite version of Jane Eyre, though the Orson Welles and Joan Fontaine version of the 1940s is close to being as good.

George C. Scott is a great Rochester--very gruff, brooding and unattractive--as well as an incredibly fine actor. Susannah York is a stronger and spunkier Jane than Joan Fontaine's and I prefer the spunkier one. The only area where the 1940s version seemed better was in the back story at the horrible school where Jane was raised.

While I may not have seen every version of Jane Eyre, this is my favorite of those encountered and definitely preferable to the more recent ones. This adaptation is made by George C. Scott who, as others have noted, positively IS Mr. Rochester. In fact, I've never really been able to properly appreciate any other version, because I keep longing to see Scott in the part. Forget William Hurt, Ciaran Hinds, or even Timothy Dalton. Scott has taken command of Rochester's role for me, just as Alastair Sim in the 1951 A Christmas Carol commands the role of Scrooge, making all others second best.

Of course this is Charlotte Bronte's classic story of an orphan, Jane Eyre, who is first sent to Lowood School, and then upon reaching young womanhood, obtains a position as governess to a little girl called Adele at Thornfield Hall. Adele's father and the lord of the manor is the enigmatic Edward Rochester. As opposite as employer and governess appear, as intimidating as Mr. Rochester seems and as wary as Jane is, the two become attracted. However, Thornfield Hall has an air of mystery about it...

Susannah York seems a bit too old and perhaps too pretty for the role, as Jane is intended to be rather plain. Charlotte Gainsbourg from the 1996 version is actually my favourite Jane portrayal. However, York is convincing enough as the maidenly but rather spunky governess. The two, Scott and York, have amazing chemistry together, an endearing tenderness in some of their scenes. It is touching to behold the interactions between the rough hewed, gruff, & brooding Mr. Rochester and the shy, gentle, principled, yet underneath potentially passionate Jane. Some have criticized Scott's Rochester as lacking passion, but I personally found him perfect in the role.

Everything else as I recall is well done, including supporting cast, Yorkshire moors scenery, haunting atmosphere, and lovely musical score.

Just a point of interest, these two stars appear together again in the 1984 version of A Christmas Carol, with Scott as Scrooge and York as Mrs. Cratchitt. I enjoy all the versions and Scott's sideburns are wonderful, but he seems to be enjoying playing Scrooge a wee bit too much! He's a lot better here as Mr. Rochester.

No wonder I think this is the best adaptation of Jane Eyre - I didn't realize that Delbert Mann directed it until I read it on this website. I loved this film - if memory serves me it was a made for t.v. movie. George C. Scott and Susannah York were perfectly cast. I also remember a very touching and well acted death scene between young Jane Eyre portrayed by Sara Gibson and Helen Burns portrayed by Rosalyn Landor. Jean Marsh was also good as Mrs. Rochester. The music was hauntingly beautiful. I am fortunate that I taped it when it reran on a cable movie channel several years ago. If you like the story and have the opportunity by all means watch this great version of a classic novel.