Review of Pride and Prejudice (1940) by James H — 16 Mar 2010

86/100. Although this isn't the most faithful adaptation of the classic novel by Jane Austen, it is the best and most entertaining. (The 2005 Keira Knightley version is a close second.) The basis of the story is the Bennett's finding husbands for their five daughters: Elizabeth (Greer Garson), Jane (Maureen O'Sullivan), Lydia (Ann Rutherford), Kitty (Heather Angel), and Mary (Marsha Hunt). Elizabeth is the strongest willed daughter, and takes a liking to the aloof Mr. Darcy (Laurence Olivier) and she makes it a challenge to nab him.

Superb costume design, score and Oscar winning art direction, and once again MGM spared no expense resulting in a beautiful and sumptuous film. Excellent performances all around, especially Garson, Olivier, Mary Boland and Edmund Gwenn as the parents and the scene stealing Edna May Oliver. A fine classic and always a pleasure to watch.