picspam: Pride & Prejudice (1940)

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Pride & Prejudice
Greer Garson ... Elizabeth Bennet
Laurence Olivier ... Mr. Darcy



Austen fans might be surprised that this adaptation does not have period-accurate dresses; you'd think that the costume department had raided Scarlett O'Hara's wardrobe. This would be because they actually did. (Or so the rumor goes...)

I absolutely love Greer Garson's interpretation of Elizabeth Bennet. She's so utterly self-possessed; she's mastered the art of being poised and charming while saying the most outrageous things. This started out as a picspam, but ended up including vidspam as well, because stills simply cannot do justice to this movie--the banter, oh my God the banter! ♥


Meet the Bennet family...




And here's our heroine, Miss Elizabeth Bennet.








Miss Bennet, meet Mr. Darcy. (or overhear Mr. Darcy, to be precise...)


She is not pleased with what she heard.


Hmph!


Introducing Miss Bingley...


Who extends her rather barbed courtesy to Jane Bennet


And whose courtesy toward Elizabeth becomes even more barbed...








Lizzy also has to endure her family doing embarrassing things in front of Mr. Darcy


And the unwanted attentions of Mr. Collins.




But she holds her own in any conversation.






She has a rather turbulent relationship with Mr. Darcy


But in the end, we know it will all work out!






And now, for the vidspam! First, a selection that I compiled of the best scenes from this version of Pride & Prejudice. I maintain that the best thing about this version is really the banter!

And a short compare-and-contrast between the 2005 version and the 1940 version. (That was totally not made for an event of my IRL book club, no indeed!)

This version is probably not for Austen purists. Aside from the non-period costuming, the ending also takes a number of liberties with the plot and (in one case) characterization. But for anyone who wants romantic comedy, fantastic banter, and a heroine who manages to be fierce as all hell in 20 yards of tulle and a flutter of eyelashes, I highly recommend this movie!

The movie is available as a torrent, just search! It should also be available through more legal means--I actually do possess a legal copy! ;)

Comments

[copracat]

Greer Garson is simply awesome in every way.