It's a great story so even if you have seen the other versions and/or read the original Jane Austen novel, the 1940's version is worth watching. It features a fine directing effort by Robert Z. Leonard, which largely compensates for the bizarre casting choice of 34 year-old Greer Garson in the Elizabeth Bennet role. Garson was way too old for the role but her performance is solid, so if you can suspend disbelief over the age issue you should connect nicely with her portrayal of Austen's classic heroine.
In direct comparisons with the 2005 version the earlier film does not fair that well. The 2005 screenplay is clearly superior, incorporating considerably more details from the story and better pacing-not being forced to compress the ending. The 2005 additions create a much more satisfactory telling of the actual romance between Elizabeth and Darcy. And unfortunately the 1940 version advances the period in order to incorporate more flamboyant costumes.
On the other hand, the earlier film has a much better handle on the novel's considerable satire and humor. And it manages a hilarious addition to the Bennet household, a parrot that mocks Mrs. Bennet's (Mary Boland) verbal complaining.
Casting comparisons are a mixed bag. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet get more screen time in the 1940 version; and it is put to good use by Boland and Edmund Gwenn. The surprise is how Marsha Hunt (as middle daughter Mary) pretty much steals the film in a relatively minor supporting role. Maureen O'Sullivan's Jane (Bennet-not Tarzan's Jane Parker) was as strong as Rosemead Pike's-both were outstanding in this difficult role. Otherwise I have to pretty much give the nod to the cast of the 2005 version.
The film tells the story of a Hertfordshire family with five marriageable daughters. Jane (O'Sullivan) pairs off with wealthy visitor Mr. Bingley (Bruce Lester). But he abandons the romance on the advice of his sister (Freida Inescourt) and his haughty friend Mr. Darcy (Lawrence Olivier). Her sister's unhappiness over these events and general bad impressions leave Elizabeth prejudiced against the overly proud Darcy (hence the title). Unfortunately far too little attention is paid to the Elizabeth-Darcy dynamic and their relationship jumps ahead unnaturally. Omitted entirely are the key attitude changing events that take place on Dracy's estate.
The sets and costumes are nicely rendered and the cinematography by Karl Freund is first rate by 1940's standards.
Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.
In direct comparisons with the 2005 version the earlier film does not fair that well. The 2005 screenplay is clearly superior, incorporating considerably more details from the story and better pacing-not being forced to compress the ending. The 2005 additions create a much more satisfactory telling of the actual romance between Elizabeth and Darcy. And unfortunately the 1940 version advances the period in order to incorporate more flamboyant costumes.
On the other hand, the earlier film has a much better handle on the novel's considerable satire and humor. And it manages a hilarious addition to the Bennet household, a parrot that mocks Mrs. Bennet's (Mary Boland) verbal complaining.
Casting comparisons are a mixed bag. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet get more screen time in the 1940 version; and it is put to good use by Boland and Edmund Gwenn. The surprise is how Marsha Hunt (as middle daughter Mary) pretty much steals the film in a relatively minor supporting role. Maureen O'Sullivan's Jane (Bennet-not Tarzan's Jane Parker) was as strong as Rosemead Pike's-both were outstanding in this difficult role. Otherwise I have to pretty much give the nod to the cast of the 2005 version.
The film tells the story of a Hertfordshire family with five marriageable daughters. Jane (O'Sullivan) pairs off with wealthy visitor Mr. Bingley (Bruce Lester). But he abandons the romance on the advice of his sister (Freida Inescourt) and his haughty friend Mr. Darcy (Lawrence Olivier). Her sister's unhappiness over these events and general bad impressions leave Elizabeth prejudiced against the overly proud Darcy (hence the title). Unfortunately far too little attention is paid to the Elizabeth-Darcy dynamic and their relationship jumps ahead unnaturally. Omitted entirely are the key attitude changing events that take place on Dracy's estate.
The sets and costumes are nicely rendered and the cinematography by Karl Freund is first rate by 1940's standards.
Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.