Pride and Prejudice

Programme Outline

Programme 1 Pride and Prejudice

The programme, presented by Angie Errigo, looks at the plot and theme of the novel Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen and examines the potential of the text for the screen, highlighting the relationship between the original text and the adaptations.

A summary of the plot of the novel is given and themes discussed include the role of women in society during Austen’s time and whether the basis for marriage should be compatibility, financial considerations or love.

Discussion of the different adaptations look at opening shots, scenes that have been created on screen but are not in the book, how point of view is handled and the characterisation of Elizabeth and Darcy.

Clips are shown from Pride and Prejudice (Dir. Simon Langton/BBC, 1995); Pride and Prejudice (Dir. Robert Z. Leonard, MGM 1940); Pride and Prejudice (Dir. Cyril Cooke/BBC, 1980).

Interviewees include Andrew Davies, screen writer; Stephen Moss, Books Editor, the Guardian; Fay Weldon, screen writer and author; Deirdre Le Faye, Jane Austen Society.