Catherine Morland, the heroine of Jane Austen's "Northanger Abbey", has a lot in common with the young women at the center of the author's literary work. This novel is, perhaps, not as well known as the others she wrote. But in a way, it is a treasure, nevertheless. The abridged version of the series seen on England's ITV channel, makes perfect sense, although many Austen purist might feel it is not so. Any viewer not familiar with the novel, will probably be delighted in what comes in this sunny adaptation.
Young Catherine Morland is asked by her wealthy neighbors, the Allens, to accompany them to Bath, which at the time was the place to be for the English society of that time. Bath was a great place to be for young people ready to go into the kind of social life that was so prevalent in the city. The refinement of Bath attracted all kinds of marriageable candidates.
Catherine was not a sophisticated girl at the time. She had a vivid imagination, made more so, after reading the Gothic literature of the time. It only took a meeting with the handsome clergyman, Henry Tilney, for her to fall in love with him. Catherine also attracts the attention of a social climber, Isabella Thorpe and her brother John. Isabella, who was being courted by Catherine's brother, catch the attention of Henry's father, Captain Tilney, a fastidious man, telling how Catherine stands to inherit the Allen fortune, something that is music to his ears because of his great ambition to marry his children well. Catherine is set as a target for his schemes.
This production was directed by Jon Jones, as adapted from the original novel by Andrew Davies. The Austen's themes about life among the rich classes and the clash between good and evil, are well in place in this handsomely photographed film. Ciaran Tanham gets the essence of what it must have been like in Bath and in the Abbey, as well as in the country where the action takes place.
Felicity Jones does a splendid job in her portrayal of Catherine. She is an interesting actress that shows intelligence in all her appearances. J.J. Feild, who plays Henry, is also good in the way he perceived his character. The excellent Carey Mulligan makes an impression with her Isabella. Liam Cunningham is marvelous as Capt. Tilney. The large supporting cast does well for Mr. Jones.
Recommended for people that might have wanted to know a little bit more about Jane Austen, but had not been exposed to her books.
Young Catherine Morland is asked by her wealthy neighbors, the Allens, to accompany them to Bath, which at the time was the place to be for the English society of that time. Bath was a great place to be for young people ready to go into the kind of social life that was so prevalent in the city. The refinement of Bath attracted all kinds of marriageable candidates.
Catherine was not a sophisticated girl at the time. She had a vivid imagination, made more so, after reading the Gothic literature of the time. It only took a meeting with the handsome clergyman, Henry Tilney, for her to fall in love with him. Catherine also attracts the attention of a social climber, Isabella Thorpe and her brother John. Isabella, who was being courted by Catherine's brother, catch the attention of Henry's father, Captain Tilney, a fastidious man, telling how Catherine stands to inherit the Allen fortune, something that is music to his ears because of his great ambition to marry his children well. Catherine is set as a target for his schemes.
This production was directed by Jon Jones, as adapted from the original novel by Andrew Davies. The Austen's themes about life among the rich classes and the clash between good and evil, are well in place in this handsomely photographed film. Ciaran Tanham gets the essence of what it must have been like in Bath and in the Abbey, as well as in the country where the action takes place.
Felicity Jones does a splendid job in her portrayal of Catherine. She is an interesting actress that shows intelligence in all her appearances. J.J. Feild, who plays Henry, is also good in the way he perceived his character. The excellent Carey Mulligan makes an impression with her Isabella. Liam Cunningham is marvelous as Capt. Tilney. The large supporting cast does well for Mr. Jones.
Recommended for people that might have wanted to know a little bit more about Jane Austen, but had not been exposed to her books.