Persuasion Comparison: Part 3

This is the 3rd post of the Persuasion films comparison by guest posters Miss Amy Dashwood of Yet Another Period Drama Blog, Miss Laurie of Old-Fashioned Charm, Miss Melody of Regency Delight and Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Elegance of Fashion. In this part they compare four of the major scenes from the 1995 and 2007 adaptations of Jane Austen's Persuasion.

Anne & Captain Wentworth Meet Again

Miss Amy Dashwood: Sally Hawkins did an admirable job of conveying Anne’s nervousness and awkwardness in the 2007 version of this scene. Rupert Penry-Jones’ Wentworth is again a little too stiff, and seems completely unfazed by meeting Anne again. In the 1995 version, both actors clearly show the characters’ feelings after meeting again, without overdoing it—and Captain Wentworth isn’t rude. It was in this scene that I began to like Ciaran Hinds’ portrayal tremendously. Coincidentally, it was in this scene that he first appeared, but that is immaterial.
Miss Laurie: The 2007 film's cinematography is gorgeous with the colors and movement of Anne staring out the cottage window. There is much excitement from Henrietta and Louisa like in the book, but I dislike that Captain Wentworth's face falls from friendly to cold and a bit resentful when he sees Anne.  The 1995 version includes more details from the book and Captain Wentworth is open and friendly during the call and is not at all resentful in his looks. The touches of Anne gripping the chair and her eyes growing ever wider perfectly fit her quiet character. Overall I prefer the 1995 version of the scene because it is happier and follows more closely to how Jane Austen wrote the scene in the book.
Miss Melody: In the 1995 version, this scene failed to impress me as much as I would have liked it to — it needed something else with the filming, perhaps — though I did, as always, enjoy Amanda Root’s acting. In the 2007 adaptation there was also something lacking, and the music was kind of spacey and distracting and didn’t go with the scene at all. Overall, I think I liked the 2007 scene better — probably just because of Captain Wentworth — though they are mostly equal.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet: Both scenes had their high points. I liked how in the 1995 movie, Anne is clutching the chair behind her to show that she was nervous as Mary is introducing Captain Wentworth to her, but I don't think Ciaran Hinds's Captain Wentworth had enough emotion in that scene. The 2007 version was more emotional. You can tell that Captain Wentworth was very much affected and so was Anne. I think I'll have to go with the 2007 version's scene since the emotion is more present in that scene.

Louisa Musgrove's Fall

Miss Amy Dashwood: In the 2007 version, Louisa’s fall happened so fast—and off-camera—that I had hardly noticed it before it was over. In contrast, the 1995 version slowed it down a bit too much, putting Louisa in slow motion as she came down, which was slightly creepy. Anne’s reaction was well-played in both—collected, quick and ready to help. Captain Wentworth’s reaction, however, was much better in 1995, where he was horrified at what had happened and immediately blamed himself. In 2007, he seemed hardly more upset than an uninvolved passer-by might be. I definitely preferred the 1995 scene, as it showed how well Anne and Wentworth worked together under pressure.
Miss Laurie: I like how in the 1995 version even though the scene runs quickly but there is time for Captain Wentworth and the others to give Louisa a few warnings and for him to start running back to try and catch her before she jumps. It's nice her jump and the shot of her "lifeless" on the pavement is slowed down so you get the full idea of what has happened and after her fall the other character's actions and words are very faithful to the book, they react quickly and to Anne's directions. I find that in the 2007 version the actual jumping flies so quickly by that it's difficult to understand what has happened to Louisa, then the focus shifts to Captain Wentworth taking off his cravat to press against her wound and ends with he and Anne staring melodramatically into each other's eyes. I infinitely prefer the 1995 version of the scene because it follows the book almost to the letter.
Miss Melody: I hardly ever like the slow motion effect, and it annoyed me in the 1995 scene. I think the fall should happen all of the sudden, as that’s how it was in the book; when it’s slow motion, you know that something big is happening. I liked the 2007 scene, but it wasn’t as good as the book either. (We need Mary’s “She is dead! She is dead!” scream to be present and noticeable.) Overall I prefer the 2007 one.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet: In the 1995 scene, we see Louisa in slow motion falling towards the ground before she is knocked unconscious. The angle that they had it during her fall, I thought, would have been better if it was at a different angle, like a side angle or something. The 2007 fall did not actually show her falling and it was very quick; the scene would have been a little better if they actually showed her falling. Since the accident was supposed to happen quickly, I'm going to have to go with the 2007 version.

Captain Wentworth's Letter & Proposal

Miss Amy Dashwood: I’m beginning to sound redundant, but I liked the 1995 version of this scene so much better. In 2007, Anne’s race through the Bath streets following her receipt of the letter was downright indecorous, not to mention the fact that the scene with the letter itself was much less dramatic and moving than it could have been. But in 1995, I was actually tearing up during Anne’s reading of the letter (don’t you dare judge me) and then openly crying as Anne and Captain Wentworth kissed in the street with the convenient circus parade going by. Like I said, don’t judge me. It’s Jane Austen, peoples. It’s gorgeous.
Miss Laurie: The 2007 scene is a frenzy of movement that sees Anne Elliot, a genteel Regency woman, actually running after reading Captain Wentworth's letter, and her running down one street only to have to turn around and run all the way back hardly makes sense! The proposal scene is strange and drawn out, too breathy and they take such a long time to reach each other's lips that the kiss is actually pretty gross. I greatly prefer the 1995 scene because it follows the book very closely and includes sweet things such as Captain Wentworth listening to Anne talk about constancy, him writing the letter and calling Anne's attention to it, him taking her hand in his when they meet in the street and even their gentle kiss isn't too out of keeping with Jane Austen's story. I love how it ends with the couple walking away arm in arm and only wish they had included a scene where we could hear what they were saying!
Miss Melody: The 1995 version is pretty good up to the point where Captain Wentworth gives Anne the letter, but I disliked the ‘reading voice’ changing from Wentworth to Anne and back again as Anne was reading the letter, and the following scene, where Anne and Wentworth come to an understanding, I would have liked better if that noisy parade wasn’t going by. The 2007 version struck me as more romantic and I liked the voice we were hearing for the letter better. Although Anne running around Bath after Captain Wentworth does not annoy me as much as it does some people, I didn’t appreciate that, because it wasn’t how the book had it and wasn’t very in character for prudent Anne. I enjoy watching the 2007 one better (especially the bit when Anne and Captain Wentworth are actually talking—“and nothing, you may be sure, will ever persuade me otherwise!”) but I’m going to have to choose the 1995 version, just because accuracy to the book is very important to me as a devoted Janeite.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet: I had my issues with both letter/proposal scenes. The 1995 version was probably closer to the book, but when Anne and Captain Wentworth kiss, there's a parade going on behind them? Would that have passed in Regency England? However, the 2007 version featured "Anne's marathon through Bath" *Cue slow motion running song*. The one that I prefer? Probably the 1995 version since it was more realistic.

Ending Scenes

Miss Amy Dashwood: Frankly, the 2007 ending scene made up for all the little bits and pieces that I disliked in the rest of the film. Maybe I’m just a sentimentalist, but I found the spinning hug utterly adorable, though the whole blindfold-Anne-and-bring-her-back-to-her-own-house a bit confusing. Captain Wentworth didn’t buy Kellynch Hall in the book, did he? The 1995 ending scene was sweet as well—I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Anne’s horrid family get their comeuppance when Wentworth asked Sir Walter for her hand, and when the happy couple sailed off in their ship together… well, I melted. Again.
Miss Laurie: I love that the 1995 film includes a scene of Captain Wentworth publicly asking for Anne's hand in marriage because it gives us a chance to see their friends and family's reaction to their engagement. And the ending with Anne on board ship with her Captain sailing off into the sunset is very sweet and but simple. The 2007 ending with Captain Wentworth surprising his wife by buying Kellynch and then dancing an impromptu waltz on the front lawn is very romantic and always makes me smile but unfortunately unlikely to have happened since the house was part of the baronetcy and probably couldn't be sold. I think the 1995 scene of Anne sailing with her Naval Captain husband is more in keeping with the way Jane Austen ended the story.
Miss Melody: I liked how the end of the 1995 version gave us a glimpse of what was to be in the future for Captain and Mrs. Wentworth, and that she was to sail with him. Very sweet. The 2007 version was likewise very sweet, though the thing about Kellynch being Anne’s wedding present has always been hard to decipher. And while it’s cute to have them waltzing in the lawn, waltzing was not the fashion yet and they probably wouldn’t have known how to do it, if I am not much mistaken. As for my favorite, I just can’t choose! I think each was nice in its own way, and fits very well with the version it belongs to.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet: I liked both endings. The 1995 version had Anne on the ship that Captain Wentworth was commanding that was sailing out to sea, and the 2007 version had Captain Wentworth giving Kellynch to Anne as a wedding present. Probably out of the two, the 1995 version was more realistic. The 2007 version is not clear whether Captain Wentworth now owns Kellynch or if he is just letting it, but nevertheless it would be fairly difficult for him to do either (with convincing Sir Walter to allow him to buy/let it). But at the same time, I found the 2007 version sweeter. I think I may have to say the 2007 version, but only by a hair.

Navigate to the Different Parts of the Persuasion Comparison!

Part 1

Part 2

Part 4

Movie: Persuasion

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9

Genre: Romance, classic, life

Primary actors: Amanda Root, Ciaran Hinds

Length: About one hour and 40 minutes

Based on: Persuasion by Jane Austen

Time period: 1800’s

Year it came out: 1995

My overall opinion: This version of Persuasion is the only one I’ve seen, but I must admit that I’m quite happy with it. A few quick thoughts about the characters are below, and I’ll do a comparison after I see the 2007 (?) version. Anne is sweet and just like Anne should be, Captain Wentworth is rather nice as well, and I especially think that Mary was well-casted. The music isn’t something that stands out at all in this movie, but it does in the scenes at Lyme, where it is very pretty! If you like period dramas, watch this one. :)

Birthday: George H. W. Bush

George H. W. Bush

Birth: June 12, 1924

It’s his 88^th birthday!

You know him because – he was American President #41. A Republican.

Persuasion Comparison: Part 2

This is the 2nd post of the Persuasion films comparison by guest posters Miss Amy Dashwood of Yet Another Period Drama Blog, Miss Laurie of Old-Fashioned Charm, Miss Melody of Regency Delight and Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Elegance of Fashion. In this part they compare actors who portray minor characters in the 1995 and 2007 adaptations of Jane Austen's Persuasion.

Charles and Mary Musgrove

Simon Russell Beale and Sophie Thompson (1995) 

Sam Hazeldine and Amanda Hale (2007)

Miss Amy Dashwood: Sam Hazeldine and Amanda Hale (2007) were only so-so in their roles as the Musgroves, with Mr. Hazeldine in particular being quite forgettable. I found Amanda Hale’s voice incredibly irritating, and though Mary is supposed to be an irritating character, I was tempted to groan every time she appeared. Simon Russell Beale and Sophie Thompson (1995) were much better suited to the parts, and I found myself actually liking Charles Musgrove.

Miss Laurie: Sophie Thompson as Mary keeps in character and the timing of her lines is actually quite comedic so that the character is quite hilarious. Simon Russell Beale captures Charles as the sportsman who enjoys shooting but also shows the kind, fatherly and brotherly side of his character. Amanda Hale makes a younger and prettier Mary and her unique take on the character makes Mary exuberant, youthful and quite childish in her manners. Sam Hazeldine plays a quieter and gentler Charles who usually indulges his wife but also seems to pay a bit too much wistful attention to Anne. Overall I prefer the 1995 Charles & Mary Musgrove because with their respective hunting and whining they are a perfectly matched pair and very much as Jane Austen described.
Miss Melody: Simon Russell Beale and Sophie Thompson (1995) & Sam Hazeldine and Amanda Hale (2007)

Simon Russell as Charles didn’t impress me favorably, but then Charles has never exactly been a favorite character of mine. Sophie Thompson’s Mary was very good. Sam Hazeldine played the part well, as did Amanda Hale—she did very well (and annoyingly) as Mary, but sort of in a different way than Sophie Thompson. As a couple, I would probably choose the two from 2007—they were just more interesting. But who knows, a year from now I may have a different opinion.

Miss Elizabeth Bennet: Sophie Thompson's Mary Musgrove was much more comedic than Amanda Hale's Mary Musgrove, whose comments it would seem you are supposed to take seriously (plus it seemed like you were supposed to pity her). I didn't see enough either of Charles Musgrove  to really form much of an opinion on, so I may have to base my decision on Mary. That being said, I think Sophie Thompson's Mary was closer to the book than Amanda Hale's Mary, so I'm going to have to go with 1995 Charles and Mary Musgrove.

Admiral and Mrs. Croft

John Woodvine and Fiona Shaw (1995) & Peter Wight and Marion Bailey (2007)

Miss Amy Dashwood: John Woodyine and Fiona Shaw (1995) were excellent in their roles as the jolly, pleasant Crofts, and I sincerely liked them, but Ms. Shaw’s hairstyle got on my nerves at times— all those little forehead curls reminded me of Fanny Dashwood! Peter Wight and Marion Bailey (2007) were also quite good, and I think it’s a toss-up between the two couples.
Miss Laurie: Fiona Shaw as Mrs. Croft is the perfect older sister for Captain Wentworth; you quickly catch her enthusiasm for travel and understand how much she admires and loves her husband. John Woodvine presents a tall, noble Admiral Croft who is very easy to imagine in command of a fleet and is actually shown on board ship at the beginning of the film. Marion Bailey looks well over the 40-year-old Mrs. Croft and is almost too fine in her appearance to be very convincing as the world traveler. Peter Wight does not really look like a navy Admiral and overall he actually plays the character as too thoughtful and personable. Although the 2007 Crofts have some fun interactions and discussions about "Frederick", I greatly prefer the 1995 Crofts with their truly devoted but slightly haphazard relationship. 
Miss Melody: I liked Admiral Croft’s portrayal in the 1995 version, and Fiona Shaw did Mrs. Croft very well & memorably, though I didn’t care for her hair either. There was nothing wrong with the two from 2007 exactly, but I easily preferred both actors in the 1995 version for those roles.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet: Aww! I loved both versions! They were so kind and sweet to Anne! I think, for the most part, I liked Fiona Shaw's Mrs. Croft a little better than Marion Bailey's, but I prefered Peter Wight's Admiral Croft to John Woodvine's (I thought John Woodvine looked a little too frail to be an admiral). So, I can't really pick which couple I liked better, but I will say that I liked 1995 Mrs. Croft better and 2007 Admiral Croft better.

Captain James Benwick

Richard McCabe (1995) & Finlay Roberton (2007)

Miss Amy Dashwood: Finlay Robertson’s portrayal of Captain Benwick in the 2007 version left much to be desired—maybe I’m just easily confused, but I kept getting him mixed up with Captain Harville. I definitely preferred Richard McCabe (1995) but his portrayal of Benwick made the character seem rather air-headed and not particularly likable.
Miss Laurie: Richard McCabe of the 1995 film is at first glance a strange choice for Captain Benwick as he does not look like a young man who is relentlessly grieving for his lost love, but he does have the look of a navy officer and when he quotes Byron at Anne he perfectly transforms into the character. Finlay Roberton of the the 2007 film is younger and better looking but in his few short scenes he steals away Captain Harville's words on constancy from the book and those words coming from him almost make him seem cheeky to Anne. Overall I prefer the 1995 Captain Benwick because his character is portrayed closer to the book. 
Miss Melody: Richard McCabe’s Benwick… well, he was too heavy, and his hair irritated me. Call me silly if you will. Finlay Roberton annoyed me too, actually, but he was closer to what I would have pictured reading the book.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet: I liked both Captain Benwick's well enough, but there was something that bothered me a little bit about the 1995 version's Captain Benwick. Finaly Roberton's Captain Benwick in the 2007 version was melancholic since his fiancee (Captain Harville's sister) died. You could see that he was in pain and that he was deeply in mourning. With Richard McCabe, I didn't get that sense. He seemed to rally his spirits a little bit better, but (if I remember correctly), Captain Benwick is supposed to be very much in mourning. Because of that, I'm going to have to go with Finlay Roberton's Captain Benwick.

Captain Harville

Robert Glenister (1995) & Joseph Mawle (2007)

Miss Amy Dashwood: Joseph Mawle (2007) was closer to Anne’s age, and seemed okay for the part, but a bit boring and forgettable. I infinitely preferred Robert Glenister (1995)—he was fun, jolly, genuinely concerned for his friend Benwick, warm and welcoming to Captain Wentworth and the rest of the party, and an all-around nice guy.
Miss Laurie: Robert Glenister as Captain Harville makes a good friend to Captain Wentworth, a kind and generous former sea captain with a believable limp. I love that they show his feelings as a husband and father with his family being introduced and in his discussion with Anne about the constancy of men and women. The 2007 film strangely christens the character "Harry" but includes the lovely scene of him thanking Anne for her efforts to cheer Captain Benwick and adds delightful scenes of Captain Wentworth confiding in him about Louisa and Anne. But in cutting out Mrs. Harville, their children and changing the scene where he should be discussing constancy with Anne, Joseph Mawle's Captain Harville is flatter and underdeveloped. Overall I prefer the 1995 Harville because although his scenes are short he is everything that Jane Austen wrote. 
Miss Melody: Robert Glenister’s Captain Harville was very nice, and I liked his speech towards the end where he is talking to Anne; the famous “loving longest when all hope is gone” part. As for the 2007 version, I liked the way Captain Wentworth & Harville’s friendship was more pronounced. As for the actor, though, I suppose I’ll choose Robert Glenister.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet: I really liked how the 1995 version included his family. The 2007 version did not mention if Captain Harville had a family or not. Robert Glenister's Captain Harville I thought was more accurate to the Captain Harville in the book: in one way it was more accurate, in the book Captain Harville was wounded and (presumably) had some sort of cane with him. Joseph Mawle's was well and able to walk around on the beach! There was also more of Captain Harville in the 1995 version, so I'm going to have to go with Robert Glenister's Captain Harville.

Mrs. Penelope Clay

Felicity Dean (1995) & Mary Stockley (2007)

Miss Amy Dashwood: To be honest, neither portrayal of Mrs. Clay (Felicity Dean in 1995 and Mary Stockley in 2007) greatly impressed me. Both seemed rather boring and not as well-developed as they could have been, which was a pity because every character Jane Austen created deserves to be treated well. But if I had to pick a favorite, it would probably be Felicity Dean (1995) because Mary Stockley’s (2007) springy Shirley Temple curls annoyed me. An intellectual observation, I know.
Miss Laurie: Felicity Dean's Mrs. Clay is a tad silly, hang onto every word from Elizabeth and Sir Walter and has the freckles and slightly bucked teeth which fit Jane Austen's description of a not beautiful simpering woman whose freckles improve under the constant use of Gowland's lotion. Mary Stockley presents a beautiful young woman whose smiles could be of serious interest to Sir Walter but she doesn't fit the book's description very well. I prefer the 1995 Mrs. Clay with her humorous awkward moments that make me giggle every time! 
Miss Melody: Felicity Dean’s Mrs. Clay annoyed me a good deal; I cannot say why, exactly, but she did. (She did look like a Penelope, however.) Mary Stockley’s representation seemed to do a little more than just hang out with the Elliots, saying very little and being rather insipid as the 1995 Mrs. Clay did. Mary Stockley was more suited to how I imagined the character, I think.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet: Mrs. Clay, in both versions, is just there -- like she is in the book. She has a small role, but doesn't say very much, so we don't really know more about her character other than she is most likely trying to marry Sir Walter. The Mrs. Clay in the book isn't supposed to be very pretty (at least, to Sir Walter's eyes), so this comparison might be based on looks. In short, I found that Mary Stockley was a pretty Mrs. Clay and that Felicity Dean was not a pretty Mrs. Clay, so I'm going to have to give my vote to Felicity Dean's Mrs. Clay.

Mr. and Mrs. Musgrove

Roger Hammond and Judy Cornwell (1995)

Nicholas Farrell and Stella Gonet (2007)

Miss Amy Dashwood: Nicholas Farrell and Stella Gonet (2007) were by far my favorite of the Musgroves. Roger Hammond and Judy Cornwell (1995) were not quite as endearing, and Mrs. Musgrove’s reaction to Louisa’s fall bordered on frightening. (Fun fact: Nicholas Farrell played Edmund Bertram, another Jane Austen character, in Mansfield Park 1983.)
Miss Laurie: Judy Cornwall as a great comedic actress brings a lot of life, laughter and motherly warmth to the 1995 Mrs. Musgrove. Roger Hammond makes a jovial Mr. Musgrove with the kindness of an old-fashioned country gentleman. Stella Gonet of the 2007 version presents a sweet and motherly Mrs. Musgrove but her dresses and jewels almost make her too fine to fit the character. Nicholas Farrell makes a kind and caring Mr. Musgrove who even strangely helps Anne set his grandson's broken collar bone, but lacks the natural good humor of the character. Overall though both films cut out facets of the Musgrove's lives I prefer the 1995 Mr. & Mrs. Musgrove because their lively manners seem to set Anne completely at ease in their company.

Miss Melody: Roger Hammond must have been good enough, for I do not remember disliking him, it is just that I do not remember him at all. I do remember Judy Cornwell, though, and I liked her well enough. As for 2007, I liked Nicholas Farrell but didn’t really notice Stella Gonet. If I had to choose a couple, I would pick the one from 2007, but they are both about the same, I think.

Miss Elizabeth Bennet: Both are good, but have different approaches. With Roger Hammond and Judy Cornwell, I had the impression that they were more of a jolly couple (more of a comedic effect?), but with Nicholas Farrell and Stella Gonet, I found them to be a more serious couple (not in a bad way, of course), but at the same time, they were very warm to Anne. I think my preference is Nicholas Farrell and Stella Gonet's Mr. and Mrs. Musgrove because they were so warm to Anne.

Mrs. Smith

Helen Schlesinger (1995) & Maisie Dimbleby (2007)

Miss Amy Dashwood: Helen Schlesinger (1995) struck me as being a bit too happy-go-lucky; Mrs. Smith is supposed to be a cheerful person, yes, but also rather beaten down from all the hardships she’s had to undergo. I preferred Maisie Dimbleby’s (2007) slightly more subdued portrayal.
Miss Laurie: Helen Schlesinger as Mrs. Smith is that invalid whose health and finances are quite bad but her spirits are still remarkably high, which is exactly as she is described in the book, though she may be a tad too old for the role of Anne's 30-year-old school friend. Maisie Dimbleby makes a prettier younger Mrs. Smith but by making the character younger than Anne, and by actually showing her walking quite quickly toward the end of the film, the 2007 version totally missed the concept of the character. Though both adaptations fail to faithfully explain the connection between Mrs. Smith and Mr. Elliot, I prefer the 1995 Mrs. Smith because she is portrayed as someone who could truly be an encouraging friend to Anne and her situation is more faithful to the book.

Miss Melody: Helen Schlesinger looked a bit odd, but I did like her air of merriment. Maisie Dimbleby wasn’t too memorable, but for some reason I did like her better. As far as Mrs. Smith’s health goes, the 1995 version was closer to the book, but that 2007 inaccuracy was the adaptation’s fault and not the actress’. (By the way, the first name “Harriet” was just made up for the 2007 movie, so Mrs. Smith does not have the same name as Emma’s Harriet Smith. Heehee.)

Miss Elizabeth Bennet: What bothered me about Maisie Dimbleby's Mrs. Smith was that she was not paralyzed and sickly like she was supposed to be. Instead, she is well enough to be walking about (even during the ending scene where Anne is running through Bath). So, because of that, Helen Schlesinger gets my vote for the better Mrs. Smith.

Navigate to the Different Parts of the Persuasion Comparison!
Part 1
Part 3
Part 4

Persuasion Comparison: Part 1

Jane Austen's last completed novel was the story of a mature woman who gets a second chance at love with the gentleman he was at first persuaded to refuse. This work, left untitled, was published in 1818, the year after her death, and given the title of 'Persuasion'. The story has been adapted for film a few times, the most recognizable of these film are the 1995 and 2007 adaptations. In this series of posts guest posters Miss Amy Dashwood of Yet Another Period Drama Blog, Miss Laurie of Old-Fashioned Charm, Miss Melody of Regency Delight and Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Elegance of Fashion, will will voice their opinions on the different aspects of each adaptation and then pick which one they prefer at the end!
For this first part they will compare actors who portray major character in the 1995 and 2007 adaptations of Jane Austen's Persuasion.

Anne Elliot

Amanda Root (1995) & Sally Hawkins (2007)

Miss Amy Dashwood: Amanda Root (1995), though IMHO a bit too old to play a convincing 27-year-old, portrayed Anne with a quiet grace that was very endearing. She made the character so likable! Sally Hawkins (2007) brought out more of Anne’s emotional side—the audience was given an opportunity to glimpse extra bits of her personality through her journal entries. Overall, though, I preferred Amanda Root’s interpretation, which I thought was more true to Jane Austen’s description of the character.
Miss Laurie: Amanda Root's Anne Elliot is kind, gentle, elegant and with a lot of natural sweetness. I love how the the 1995 Anne seems to get progressively prettier throughout the film as her health and looks improve. Sally Hawkins's Anne is a bit more outspoken, awkward and a bit over dramatic with her gasps and breathy way of talking. Overall I prefer the 1995 Anne because to me she really captures the beauty of Anne's spirit and is exactly as I pictured her when reading the book.
Miss Melody: I like Amanda Root’s portrayal of Anne quite well; she seemed to really have a feel for the character and her emotions throughout the story. For me, Sally Hawkin’s main fault was her hair—so slicked-back and unbecoming! I think her Anne went well with the general impression of the movie, but she wasn’t at all remarkable. Overall I prefer Amanda Root’s portrayal, though it wasn’t exactly perfection either.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet: I liked both Amanda Root and Sally Hawkins as Anne. I thought that Amanda Root's Anne was a little too outspoken for the role (though she wasn't very outspoken); if outspoken isn't the right word, I thought that she was louder than Anne Elliot should have been (though she wasn't very loud either). I thought that Sally Hawkins portrayed Anne a bit better: she was quiet and even sounded a bit unsure at times (which shows that she would be easily susceptible to persuasion).

Captain Wentworth

Ciaran Hinds (1995) & Rupert Penry-Jones (2007)

Miss Amy Dashwood: Rupert Penry-Jones (2007) looked more like my mental image of the Captain, but his version of the character wasn’t really very likable. I found myself getting annoyed at him for being so cold to Anne. Ciaran Hinds (1995) did a much better job of making Captain Wentworth a “good guy”, and I really enjoyed his portrayal—except for the fact that he just didn’t look right for the part. So for me, it would be a toss-up between the two. There were good elements in both.
Miss Laurie: Ciaran Hinds as Captain Wentworth does have slightly greasy hair and bad teeth but those only add to his weathered look as a man of the sea. He presents the character as witty, kind, gentlemanly and passionate about the ones he loves. As Captain Wentworth Rupert Penry-Jones screams the handsome storybook hero but to me lacks wit and gallantry and even goes so far as to make the character slightly mean and resentful toward Anne at first. Overall I prefer the 1995 Captain Wentworth because he more accurately captures the friendly, passionate and constant hero of the book.
Miss Melody: Ciaran Hinds, frankly, does not at all suit my idea of Captain Wentworth. He seemed too harsh, too old, not likable; not at all the dashing, romantic sort of person I would picture. Rupert Penry-Jones was good enough, despite my thinking a man’s hair color should be darker than the lady’s (don’t mind me, I’m just a nonsensical girl), though the movie didn’t develop the characters enough to make him interesting…or something. But I still prefer 2007’s Captain Wentworth.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet: Based on looks, Ciaran Hinds looked more the part of Captain Wentworth than Rupert Penry-Jones. I never pictured Captain Wentworth as a blond -- it just doesn't fit. Acting wise, both did a great job. If I had to pick one, though, I think I would have to go with Rupert Penry-Jones's Captain Wentworth: he seems closer to Captain Wentworth's age than Ciaran Hinds.

Sir Walter Elliot

Corin Redgrave (1995) & Anthony Head (2007)

Miss Amy Dashwood: Sir Walter is, in general, an annoying character, so it’s hard not to be annoyed by any actor who portrays him. Anthony Head (2007) brought out more of the selfish side in Sir Walter’s personality—Corin Redgrave (1995) seemed more pompous, stuck-up and true to the novel. I preferred Mr. Redgrave.
Miss Laurie: Corin Redgrave adds lovely touches to his portrayal of Sir Walter such as fixing his hair in the reflection of his dinner knife, adding a pompous lisp to his words and wearing extravagant outfits that really captures Sir Walter's pride, aloofness and vanity to a tee. Anthony Head's Sir Walter is certainly vain but also quite changeable in his moods which makes him a bit on the villainous side and he actually yells quite angrily at Anne during one scene. Overall I prefer Corin Redgrave's rather ginger haired Sir Walter because to me he truly captures the tone of the vain baronet.
Miss Melody: Corin Redgrave as Sir Walter bugged me a little for some reason, but I can’t really put a finger on it. Anthony Head wasn’t too memorable, but I think I preferred him to the other; he seemed to be more of the high-class sort of obnoxious.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet: Okay, here I definitely have a preference: Corin Redgrave. He was the perfect Sir Walter! He was pompous and conceited and overly concerned about his looks! I loved how he was checking his reflection in his knife as he ate! Anthony Head, on the other hand, was too creepy as Sir Walter! Sir Walter isn't supposed to be creepy, just conceited.

Elizabeth Elliot

Phoebe Nicholls (1995) & Julia Davis (2007)

Miss Amy Dashwood: Phoebe Nicholls (1995) appeared to be younger than Amanda Root, which was my biggest problem with her portrayal. She seemed very neurotic and whiny, which isn’t quite how I’d pictured Elizabeth—when reading the book, I got the impression that Elizabeth was the snob and Mary was the whiny one. Julia Davis (2007) appeared older than Sally Hawkins and was, basically, a female carbon copy of her father. Which is what she is in the book. So I preferred Julia Davis.
Miss Laurie: Phoebe Nicholls captures Elizabeth's haughty and entitled attitude and adds a disdain for everything that is beneath a baronet's station; she is perhaps not as handsome as Jane Austen described but makes up for it with an elegant appearance. In the 2007 adaptation Julia David has the beauty but the affected way in which she preens makes it almost seem like Elizabeth is seeking approval. Her jealous outbreaks when Anne is receiving attentions from Mr. Elliot are quite vicious and out of character for the regal Miss Elliot. Overall I prefer Phoebe Nicholls's haughty Elizabeth.
Miss Melody: I didn’t care much for Phoebe Nicholls — Elizabeth should be more elegant, and not act quite as much like a spoiled brat, even if she is one. Julia Davis was too old for the part; Elizabeth is supposed to be 29 and at her handsomest stage of her life, and the actress was around 40. Other than that, though, I liked her portrayal the best.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet: I really didn't like Phoebe Nicholls as Elizabeth Elliot. Many of her mannerisms were not the mannerisms of a lady and the daughter of a baronet. Her mannerisms and body language came off as rude and unsophisticated. The impression I got of Elizabeth Elliot as I read Persuasion was that she was the kind of person that would put on airs and act snobbish, which is something that Julia Davis did well. So my preference is for Julia Davis's Elizabeth Elliot: she was much more like the Elizabeth Elliot in the book than Phoebe Nicholls.

Mr. William Elliot

Samuel West (1995) & Tobias Menzies (2007)

Miss Amy Dashwood: As soon as he appeared onscreen, my sister dubbed Samuel West (1995) “the earthworm”. Slimy and not exactly the handsomest guy in the movie, Mr. West made William Elliot even more repulsive than he’s supposed to be. Tobias Menzies (2007), however, fit the role much better. He was quiet and unassuming, yet still rather unlikable—and he didn’t look like something you might turn up in your flowerbed.
Miss Laurie: From his first appearance on the seashore at Lyme Samuel West's Mr. Elliot exudes interest, charm and thoughtfulness so it makes his attention to Anne something she considered seriously, though briefly, as in the book. Tobias Menzie's Mr Elliot, while perhaps a bit more good looking and charming, also is more forceful in his attentions so that he immediately appears more villainous. I like both Mr. Elliots almost equally so it's difficult to choose a favorite but Samuel West's version is perhaps a tad closer to the book's description.
Miss Melody: Samuel West seemed to suit Mr. Elliot tolerably well. Tobias Menzies was bordering on a bit too slimy or creepy or something, but he seemed more villain-ish and more memorable than Samuel West, so I’ll go with Mr. 2007 (though either one is good).
Miss Elizabeth Bennet: In the 1995 movie, I felt like I didn't get to see enough of Mr. Elliot. I also noticed that they didn't mention that he eloped with Mrs. Clay like he did in the book. In the 2007 version, we did get more of a chance to see Mr. Elliot, who appeared to be agreeable (though we know that he is not). There was more of a mention of something between Mr. Elliot and Mrs. Clay, but it was made out to be more scandalous than in the book. If I had to pick one (though I didn't particularly like either), I might have to go with the 2007 Mr. Elliot since there was more of a chance to get to know him, though the extra would-be scandal didn't need to be added in there.

Lady Russell

Susan Fleetwood (1995) & Alice Krige (2007)

Miss Amy Dashwood: Alice Krige (2007) severely annoyed me. Perhaps it was her rather greasy-looking
hair, maybe it was her nagging personality, but at any rate I just couldn’t like her. (Are you supposed to like Lady Russell? A question for the ages.) I much preferred Susan Fleetwood (1995), who appeared as more of a mother figure to Anne, with good intentions gone wrong. Her hairstyle, however, was… er… interesting. We’ll leave it at that.
Miss Laurie: Susan Fleetwood presents an elegant figure as Anne's godmother Lady Russell, maintains an air of useful good sense, advises Anne on matters of the heart and is a good friend she can chat with openly about her family problems. Alice Krige is perhaps a bit more motherly in some ways but she frequently gets over emotional and worked up while talking to Anne. The 1995 Lady Russell fits better with my idea of the sensible and elegant character in the book.
Miss Melody: I’m afraid sometimes I dislike character portrayals on account of odd hairstyles and hats, and this was the case with Susan Fleetwood. Alice Krige, however, I liked quite well; she seemed elegant and stately and suitable for Lady Russell.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet: Both I thought did a good job. I thought both acted similarly in their roles. If I had to choose one, I think I would chose Alice Krige's Lady Russell since she looked more like she belonged in the period than Susan Fleetwood.

Henrietta & Louisa Musgrove

Victoria Hamilton & Emma Roberts (1995) 

Rosamund Stephan & Jennifer Higham (2007)

Miss Amy Dashwood: I had a terrible time telling Henrietta and Lousia apart in both versions, but maybe that’s just me. Rosamund Stephan and Jennifer Higham (2007) were easier to distinguish (since one was blonde and one brunette) but I think I preferred Victoria Hamilton and Emma Roberts (1995) because I felt that their characters were better developed.
Miss Laurie: Victoria Hamilton plays a pretty and sweet Henrietta who is easily enamored with gallant Captain Wentworth but still loves her slightly jealous fiance Mr. Hayter. Emma Roberts plays her bolder sister Louisa who has high spirits and is very determined in what she wants. Rosamund Stephan's Henrietta is a bit contrived in her sweetness and Jennifer Highman's Louisa is a bit too artful and overall I found them too giddy and they didn't really look like sisters to me. The 1995 Henrietta & Louisa are my favorites because they are prettier, sweeter, sensible and a more natural fit to the book's description.
Miss Melody: I liked Victoria Hamilton’s Henrietta, but I didn’t care for Emma Roberts’ Louisa—and was it just me or did her hairstyles look several decades out of place, more like Jane Eyre? I haven’t any objection to Rosamund Stephan, and I liked Jennifer Higham’s Louisa (“Catch me!”—so Louisa-ish and quotable), though the girls did run around more than was proper.  My favorites were probably Victoria Hamilton’s Henrietta and Jennifer Higham’s Louisa.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet: Both were pretty much the same to me, though I did begin to notice parallels to Kitty and Lydia Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. I'm just going to go on my gut feeling and say that my preference is to Victoria Hamilton and Emma Roberts's Henrietta and Louisa.

Navigate to the Different Parts of the Persuasion Comparison!

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Introducing Summer Guest-Bloggers!

Since I'm going to be gone this summer, I asked four delightful ladies who run blogs that I love to post on my blog. They have a special series of posts planned that I'm sure you'll enjoy. This post is to introduce them. Each has her own color, so pay attention, as these are the colors they'll be using throughout their posts!

First of all, I'm introducing Miss Amy Dashwood, from "Yet Another Period Drama Blog."
Summarize your blog in a paragraph.
"Yet Another Period Drama Blog" is my place to write whatever random nonsense comes into my head.  I review movies, gush over my favorite characters, share snippets of my writing and go on and on about the amazing works of Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Baroness Orczy and Elizabeth Gaskell, just to name a few.

Your favorite Jane Austen book…
Pride and Prejudice.

Your favorite Jane Austen movie adaption…
This is a tie between Pride and Prejudice (1995) and Emma (2009).

A favorite period drama…
I have too many favorites to count, but one of my favorite non-Austen dramas is Little Dorrit (2008).

Up next, Miss Laurie from "Old Fashioned Charm."
Summarize your blog in a paragraph.
"Old-Fashioned Charm" is my place for posting about "Everything Old-Fashioned Under The Sun!" There you'll find post about Jane Austen's novels and characters, period dramas, classic literature, period art, period drama actors, historical figures and a new period drama related game each week.

Your favorite Jane Austen book…
Northanger Abbey. It's been my favorite since I first read it when I was seventeen. It's such a sweet fun story and it contains Catherine Morland, Eleanor Tilney and Henry Tilney, need I say more?

Your favorite Jane Austen movie adaption…
Persuasion (1995) is my favorite closely followed by Emma (2009) but most of the Jane Austen film adaptations are always favorites.

A favorite period drama…
Besides the Jane Austen adaptations one of favorites is Cranford (and Return to Cranford) because the characters are so lovely and their stories always make me laugh and cry.

Now introducing Miss Melody from "Regency Delight ~Jane Austen, etc.~"
Summarize your blog in a paragraph.
"Regency Delight ~Jane Austen, etc.~" is just what it sounds like: most of my posts are Jane Austen related, but they are not limited to that, because I love talking about other books and movies and just about anything old-fashioned. I pretty much made my blog so I could ramble on about the things that excite me to other people who are excited by them as well. They're harder to come by in everyday life, you see, but I can hardly believe how many kindred spirits I have found out there since I started blogging!

Your favorite Jane Austen book…
Pride and Prejudice. And all the Jane Austen novels are favorite books with me. Just so you know.
Your favorite Jane Austen movie adaption…
Pride and Prejudice (1995), though Emma (2009) is a close second-favorite.

A favorite period drama…
Anne of Green Gables. I mention that one because it's a period drama I've adored ever since I can remember, though just mentioning "a favorite" is very difficult indeed. ;-)

And finally, Miss Elizabeth Bennet from "Elegance of Fashion."

Summarize your blog in a paragraph.
"Elegance of Fashion" is a period drama/historical costuming blog. It originally started out as a sewing blog (and you can still see my sewing projects on there), but then it evolved into a period drama blog. At "Elegance of Fashion," I do a number of different posts. One of the things I do is I review period dramas; I review different aspects of a period drama and give it a final rating out of 5. I also hold tournaments where my readers can vote for their favorite period drama characters. I also like to hold blog events with different posts during the event days.

Your favorite Jane Austen book…
Pride and Prejudice (of course!). Sense and Sensibility is a close second.

Your favorite Jane Austen movie adaption…
Pride and Prejudice (1995). I actually watched that version before reading the book (shocking!), but when I actually read the book, I could nearly picture what was going on as it was in the miniseries.

A favorite period drama…
A random favorite period drama? Haven't watched Lark Rise to Candleford in a little while... So, Lark Rise to Candleford.

Shakespeare’s Lady

Author: Alexa Schnee

Genre: Life, romance

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8

Type: Historical fiction

Number of pages: 360

Time period: 1500’s

My overall opinion: I had hoped to enjoy this book more. One thing I greatly appreciated about it was that it had absolutely no seduction or bedroom scenes. Scratch that – there was one time when Emilia was in a man’s room in bed with him, but they were laying there talking, not doing other stuff. So that was nice. However, I was unimpressed with the morals of the 1500’s – they had practically none. But that’s historical, not a fault of this book. It was an interesting story, and I’m glad I read it…but I don’t know if I’ll keep the book, since I didn’t love it. All the details about the customs and dress of that time were very interesting! In her end note, the author says the main female character was real, but whether or not she had anything with Shakespeare is unknown. They definitely knew each other, though! Oh that reminds me…she is married to another man. But “loves” Shakespeare, and ends up sleeping with him (though no description). It’s not really pointed out as wrong, but… yeah. So I don’t know if you’ll want to read it or not! But it was interesting to see Queen Elizabeth I from this point of view!

Cover Focus: Unending Devotion

Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund

Book blurb from goodreads.com : “In 1883 Michigan, Lily Young is determined to save her lost sister, or die trying. Heedless of the danger, her search leads her to Harrison and into the sights of Connell McCormick, a man doing his best to add to the hard-earned fortunes of his lumber-baron father.

Posing as a photographer's assistant, Lily can't understand why any God-fearing citizen would turn a blind eye to the crime rampant in the towns. But Connell needs to earn a profit from the logging camps he runs and figures living an upright life is all that matters. Lily challenges everything he thought he knew, but will they be able to put an end to the corruption that's dominated Harrison for so long?”

Why I like this cover: I suppose I like it a lot from a photographer’s point of view – the contrast between the gray and bleak background with her pinkish shawl is amazing. Lily is a beautiful girl, with that brown hair, and those gentle curls. So pretty! Obviously, the pinkish thing (I think pinkish describes it exactly) is her shawl, or cloak. I wish we could go back to the days when all women wore those! So…elegant. I wonder what she’s looking at…or maybe “regarding” would be the best word. As I’ve already said, the background is great with the color of her cloak. And not only is the cover pretty, but the story sounds great too! I can’t wait to read this book someday.

Someday

Author: Karen Kingsbury

Genre: Life

Series: Sunrise series

Number in series: 3^rd

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: 323

Time period: Present (a little earlier than the present)

My overall opinion: It was very good, just like everything else I’ve ever read by Karen. I highly recommend this series!

Children of the Fire

Author: Harriette Gillen Robinet

Genre: Life, growing up

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8

Type: Historical fiction

Number of pages: 134

Time period: 1800’s

My overall opinion: This book was about the great Chicago Fire that was in the late 1800’s and destroyed so much of Chicago. It’s written for kids or tweens, but I found it a fairly enjoyable read.

Spotlight: Laurel and Hardy

Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy (classic shorts)

As you know, a Spotlight post usually only has one person...but every once in a while, two people go together so well, that they have to share. :) Laurel and Hardy are an excellent example.

I love these guys. They make me laugh!