Review of Pride and Prejudice (1940) by Kyle20Ellis — 01 Apr 2022

This 1940 film is not my favourite Pride and Prejudice, that's the 1980 and 1995 mini-series. However, I do consider it a good movie on its own terms(as an adaptation it is one of the least faithful adaptations of the story out there), though the costumes made my eyes hurt(very like Gone With the Wind meets the Victorian era) and the film is very rushed consequently the characters are not as empathetic and fleshed out in personality as in the timeless story.

The script is on the whole witty and moving, but there are some noticeable(and quite distracting) anachronisms. However, the cinematography is truly lovely as is the scenery, and the music is of sweeping romanticism.

Greer Garson is a beautiful and spirited Elizabeth and Laurence Olivier is a dashing Darcy(though I much prefer his Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights, he positively smolders in that). Their chemistry is enough to warm the heart.

The support cast are even better though. Edmund Gwenn is a beautifully played and droll Mr Bennett and Mary Boland matches him perfectly as a sincere Mrs Bennett. Edna May Oliver is an outstanding Lady Catherine, Melville Cooper is an amusing Mr Collins and Frieda Inescourt is a splendidly withering Caroline Bingley.

Maureen O'Sullivan is also good, though Jane was one of the characters who could have been fleshed out more. Overall though, I did enjoy it, I just don't consider it the ultimate Pride and Prejudice.