In conjunction with the month-long Jane-uary celebration, this series focuses on the screen adaptations of Jane Austen’s workâand how these timeless novels have been translated to the screen for different times and diverse audiences. All screenings are scheduled on Saturdays in January at 1:30 p.m. in the Stanley H. Durwood Film Vault at the Central Library, 14 W. 10th St.
Pride and Prejudice (1940) on Saturday, January 5. Hollywood treats Austen to the all-star studio treatment in this classic screen adaptation featuring Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier. The script by Aldous Huxley is delivered with all of the clipped aplomb you’d expect. Not rated.
Sense and Sensibility (1995) on Saturday, January 12. A British cast of Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman, and Hugh Laurie does a first-rate job on this Emma Thompson project (she not only plays Elinor Dashwood but also wrote the award-winning screenplay), directed by Ang Lee. PG.
Emma (1996) on Saturday, January 19. In 1996 (following the success of the previous year’s Persuasion and Sense & Sensibility), Jane Austen was “hot,” and this adaptation of the great Austen novel holds its own in that company with Gywneth Paltrow, Jeremy Northam, and Ewan McGregor. Rated PG.
Pride and Prejudice (2005) on Saturday, January 26. This recent adaptation has the considerable appeal of Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennett, with strong support from Donald Sutherland and Judi Dench. Its open-air robustness contrasts nicely with the stage-set restraint of the 1940 version. Directed by Joe Wright. PG.
