Jane Eyre (1973)

Michael Jayston is a wonderful Rochester in this 1973 adaptation, but he is woefully let down not only by the costumes which are a complete disaster, but also by his c... more >

Michael Jayston is a wonderful Rochester in this 1973 adaptation, but he is woefully let down not only by the costumes which are a complete disaster, but also by his co-star Sorcha Cusack who presents herself more as a 'Pollyanna' type character, she is extremely irritating throughout, and portrays a 'Jane' who simpers and is more subsurvient in her body language than any Jane Eyre I've read about.She is supposed to be Rochester's equal, but the constant simpering(even more than Joan Fontaine in 'Rebecca') makes the viewer want to reach out and give her a good slap. In spite of this I still recomend this version solely due to Michael Jayston, who portrays a more passionate Rochester than in the 1983 version. Trivia moment - the actress who plays Mrs Reed in this version, plays Mrs Fairfax in the 1983 version! < less

A truly excellent adaptation, more enjoyable and sexier (in my opinion) than the slightly leaden 1983 version. For once, both leads more than rise to the occasion and ... more >

A truly excellent adaptation, more enjoyable and sexier (in my opinion) than the slightly leaden 1983 version. For once, both leads more than rise to the occasion and Cusack and Jayston are a believable, affecting couple with an extraordinary chemistry - making their dialogue really sparkle. Cusack's fascinating jolie-laide features and lively, genial air make her an immensely loveable Jane, while Jayston's performance as Rochester - a captivating mixture of whimsy, melancholy, humour, despair and passion - really is a tour de force. Even those who are not generally fans of Victorian romance will be seduced. < less

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Cast

Stephanie Beacham, Michael Jayston, Susan Broderick, Sorcha Cusack

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