And the Timmothy Dalton version - nearly 6 hours ---did we forget? Only the BEST Rochester I've ever seen and I saw George C. Scott and one other;

I did not intend to watch this Jane Eyre, but now, having stumbled upon it in the wee hours while restless, I am hooked. The trenchant dialogues are presented in a sensible and attractive manner that draws one back to the story and engages ones interest. Bravo! Much better than the dreadfully trite delivery one commonly sees in TV dramas (I suppose todays TV actors are actually taught to be as poor as they seem). For one thing, a person can actually hear and understand what they say, which is a blessed change from the typical muttered enunciation of, say, a "CSI" impersonator.

As for the 'plainness' of the actress, Ruth Wilson, her appearance was quite welcome to this viewer, who,upon spending many years, almost a lifetime, studying beauty, can confirm what more experienced men reported long ago, that beauty is a consequence of character, intention and intelligence more than an accident of physiognomy.

I thought that it is a very good production of the film Jane Eyre. Ruth Wilson is a pretty, great actress, which shouldn't be claimed as 'plain'. Toby Stephens plays his part well, leaving mysterious questions in the air. Altogether it was interesting, suspenseful, mysterious, and very good. I rest my case.

I happened upon this as did Biffle above and can only allude to the obsession I seem to have been overtaken by...far from expected, for sure.

OmiGOSH - I LOVED this movie. Really amazing scenes, cast, dialogue, acting. I thought it perfect in EVERY way. Long? Are you kidding?? At the end I wanted more! Bronte herself would be absolutely captivated by this production of her novel. I say thank you, thank you, thank you to all involved in bringing this production forth - it was worth every bit of your effort and is a shining achievement. MORE please!!

Being a Vic Lit Nut I must admit this was a good adaptation. What I enjoyed the most was it showing the passion they had for each other especially in the scenes when Jane now away from Thornfield is thinking back on those last moments with Edward. It was a beautiful version. I thought nothing could come close to the Timothy Dalton, Zelah Clark version. Not only were they amazing the story was told over 11 episodes. BUT this version definitely stands on its own. As far as Ruth Wilson being "plain", she may have played plain but she was nothing short of lovely..

I suppose everyone has different interpretations of both plain and ugly. To me plain means lacking in beauty, but to me that doesn't necessarily mean ugly. In fact, I don't believe (though I am not a Bronte scholar) the book ever refers to Jane as ugly directly, but "lacking in beauty", etc., and many of the references to her plainness are from Jane's perspective. I don't think the power of Jane Eyre (the character and story) is lost if Jane isn't ugly but just simply plain.

I did think they made Ruth Wilson look as plain as possible (considering the raw materials they had to work with) without using prosthetics. Despite the lack of crooked nose (as described in the book) and other physical features Wilson carried the character off very well considering the script. The script overall was very good, but two big scenes lacked *umph* (due to the script not the acting).

--- Ruth Wilson fan

Just to clarify, the proposal scene in this production was second to none. It is not one of the two big scenes I referred to above. Although the fake kissing was a touch disappointing - whose idea was that?

I totally agree that they made Wilson look as plain as possible, but I wouldn't characterize her as looking plain, particularly the way that the release made it all sound.

I think Ruth Wilson is beautiful, and I found this adaptation wonderful.

Love this version very much. Wish it were as long as the Timothy Dalton version. Great escape after a long hard day in the real world.

I was saddened and disappointed that they took the name of my God in vain in this adaptation of Jane Eyre. I only got as far as Jane rising out of the mist and unseating the rider from his horse when this happened. I refuse to support any more movies that use God's name for an expletive. I believe that Charlotte Bronte would have strongly objected to her story being used to demean Christ.

Kathryn, it's amazing you get through daily life if a TV show upsets you that easily. Your God is a big boy. I'm sure he can take it - why don't you try?

Kathryn, everyone has to do what they feel is appropriate in such a situation. I am of the opinion that one should be open to other ideas and ways of thinking, even if they don't mesh with one's own views. However, if you wish to shun that which does not immediately fall into your sphere of comfort that is your choice.

I think this is the worst film adaptation I've ever seen of Jane Eyre--and I think I've seen every one of them going back to Orson Welles. Although the production values were nice, the internal logic of the scenes was lacking, the dialog terribly mutilated, and the two stars seemed to share no spark. Toby Stephens looks completely out of place and time and seems possessed of only one expression. For him, as you say in the first paragraph, Rochester is indeed inimitable. Compare his performance to George C. Scott's, or Timothy Dalton's (a production that captured the fire of the dialog).

I stumbled upon this movie also. I never watch this station. I thought it was a beautiful movie but i couldn't believe we had to wait a whole week to see the end of it. it should have been the next night. Try to do better in doing this and more people will watch masterpiece theater on pbs. I kept waiting for Jane to wear something pretty instead of that awful dress all the time. didn't she have any more clothes. I thought she wasn't ugly but was plain. I could see why the master wouldn't like those rich girls. That is the way most rich people act. You got that right. I am glad the master is falling in love with her because she is real not fake. I hope i remember to watch next week. But will probably forget. sorry.

dr. dreadful
its a wonder your making it at all in this world without God in your life. better be careful how you make fun of him. remember he is bigger than you are.
the movie would have been better without the cursing in it. please don't do this and you will have greater success.
thanks for speaking up for God, Kathern. its about time somebody did.