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.

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.

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.

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.

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.