There are novels in a woman’s life that melt and mold the way she views the opposite sex. She may, at times, quote lines from its text, want to discuss in detail or ask for your opinion. Men…beware. Women take the beauty of Jane Austen’s words very seriously. The rhythm, the cadence when spoken, the wit, sarcasm, and truths ring loud and clear. When Mr. Darcy (Laurence Olivier) looks into Elizabeth’s (Greer Garson) eyes, it feels like a lightning bolt shooting across the screen. They were meant for each other. How can they not see it at first? Making assumptions about another is the bane of our existence and will kick humanity in the rear every time. Everyone I am sure has made this mistake when first meeting someone new. It is truly difficult to judge a book by its cover, yet we do it every day when we lump races and genders together. Too often we look at how someone is dressed, their skin color, hairstyle, or tats and assume we know them as a person. How did society get to this point, when Jane clearly wrote about this pitfall in the nineteenth century? I guess we didn’t read that memo often enough, but thankfully we do have the powerful brilliant story of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. This film draws attention to the error of our ways. It teaches both sexes to be gentle and forgiving within our relationships. Too much of anything is never any good. Being filled with PRIDE AND PREJUDICE can be hazardous as the entire Bennet family learns in the end.
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE premiered in 1940. It came out in black and white because the year before GONE WITH THE WIND used all the technicolor film and it hadn’t been replaced in time. This is a shame because the costumes for PAP were phenomenal. Many of the ballroom gowns came from past wardrobe collections to save money. The director, Robert Z. Leonard, changed the period from the original novel. This paid off since it won the Oscar for Best Art Direction.
Greer Garson was stunning as Elizabeth, although many thought she was too old to play the part. She was 32. Olivier was upset that the woman he was having an affair with in real life did not get cast in this part. He was often quoted saying PAP was “beneath” him and not worthy of his time.” Sounds like typecasting to me. On-screen, the two of them were splendid and stole many a young girl’s heart. Whenever I watched this film, I would dream about meeting a man who would gaze at me with the same intensity. I am sure I was not alone.
The entire ensemble was enchanting and perfectly cast. I loved Lady Catharine and her cane. She had moxie. The Bennet sisters were lively and charming. Mr. Bennet showcased a patient, funny role model for all dads while Mrs. Bennet was over-the-top, but in a good way. The “strolls” across the room were hilarious. (Women can be conniving in a flirty way.) PRIDE AND PREJUDICE is still entertaining and captivating, even 84 years later.
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE is a warm-heated, comedy classic. It simmers just under the surface with society’s silly rules. Though the film does not stay true to Austen’s book, it is a delightful, satirical depiction of our flaws. It offers hope that humanity can change and grow. It bubbles with truths and in the end…love. It is available on TCM.
