Jane Eyre nel castello dei Rochester

I thought this little obscure adaptation was one of the better versions of the Bronte novel to ever be put on film. I would say that George C. Scott's Rochester ties with the best interpretations of the character with the likes of Mr.Orson Wells and Ciaran Hinds. The musical score (one of the earliest works of John Williams) was a haunting little melody that fit the film perfectly and I found the laughing and the "Grace Poole" parts more mysterious, even slightly more frightening. This version also has Blanche Ingram portrayed as Charlotte Bronte' had visioned, a tall brunette of a slightly older age and not rediculously imitated by a supermodel as in some other adaptations. Ms. York did a remarkable job as Jane Eyre, however, I believe the best Jane Eyre performance goes to Samantha Morton in the BBC 1997 version. However, Susanna York and George C. Scott's scenes have the most chemistry and tenderness in them. I thought this little version (even with Jane's 70's hair-do)was great and after a long search I finally found it on video. 8 out of 10.

This movie's greatest strength is George C. Scott as Rochester. He is stern, abrupt, powerful, and playful - his character is fascinating and we can see why Jane becomes fascinated by him. Physically, too, he embodies the Rochester of the novel - large and athletic, not exactly handsome, but not exactly ugly, either. His performance makes this movie worth seeing.

The rest of the cast is competent, with special mention of the actress who plays Blanche Ingram. She plays that character with an important degree of authority to remind us of Jane's vulnerability.

I believe that anyone studying either the novel or the adaptations of Jane Eyre would benefit from watching this version.

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.

RELEASED IN 1970-1971 and directed by Delbert Mann, "Jane Eyre" adapts Charlotte Brontë's 1847 novel about the eponymous character (Susannah York) who becomes a governess of a French girl at a huge estate in northern England circa 1800 after an upbringing at a harsh religious orphanage. She slowly gets to know the surly, world-wise master of the estate, Edward Rochester (George C. Scott), and his curious situation. Eventually she meets a devout clergyman, St. John Rivers (Ian Bannen), and his two sisters. Can Jane escape the shackles of a pre-Victorian world ruled by men and legalism to find love?

While this version of the oft-filmed book was released to TV, it has the vibe of a theatrical release with great northern England locations, a superb score by John Williams and quality actors. The book was criticized as "anti-Christian" when it was published, but it's actually anti-legalism. Mr. Brocklehurst (Jack Hawkins) represents a poisonous form of dead religiosity at the orphanage while the seemingly unbalanced St. John Rivers represents a much more subtle and less extreme form.

The story's about Jane navigating the pitfalls of society and religion in a fallen world and, maybe, hopefully, finding freedom and genuine love. The locations/tone/themes are akin to "Sense and Sensibility" (1995), but with an anti-legalism subtext. Jane Austen's 1811 novel no doubt influenced Brontë's book. Both movies are worth checking out, but I slightly prefer "Jane Eyre." It's the perfect antidote to CGI-laden "blockbuster" drivel.

THE MOVIE RUNS 1 hour 48 minutes and was shot in North Yorkshire in northern England (Ripley Castle, Ripley; Pateley Bridge; Brimham Rocks; and Grinton). WRITERS: Jack Pulman wrote the screenplay based on Brontë's novel.

GRADE: B+/A-

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.