On TV: Masterpiece's Persuasion

Tune into Masterpiece Classic on PBS tonight for a magical and sumptuous adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Persuasion.”

Jane Austen wrote “Persuasion” on her death bed, and if anything it is a novel of regrets. It is her most serious work, without the frilliness of some of her other novels. Anne Elliot was in love with the dashing, but poor, Captain Wentworth many years ago. She was persuaded by a friend of the family to reject his marriage proposal. She never saw him again. Life past by her with longing and pining. Her youth faded away as her father, sister, and a hanger-on, Ms. Clay, continued with their typical selfish and vain ways. Baronet Elliot is forced to lease his estate to an admiral because of the threat of financial ruin. Anne goes to the country to stay with her sister (who provides the only typical Austen humor of the novel, though in this case quite sad as she is so self centered). Then Captain Wentworth shows up, more rich and more handsome than ever. He treats her quite rudely at first but they are forced to spend time together as her sister’s in-laws and the admiral enjoys spending time with him. The company goes to Lyme Regis, a coastal resort town and Anne takes care of her niece who gets injured. This reawakens Wentworth’s love for her, seeing that she is, and always was, a good person. She goes to Bath to see her father and Ms. Clay. They attend the social events of the popular resort city. While attending a concert she can bear it no longer, she must tell Wentworth her feelings. They defy the social conventions of the day and leave the concert only to be cut short. Later, Anne and Wentworth finally have an opportunity to tell each other that they still love each other.

This adaptation captures the moving yet poignant aspects of the story. Sally Hawkins plays Anne Elliot with quiet earnestness. Rupert Penry Jones is so good as Wentworth, it’s as if he jumped from the page to the screen. Anthony Head (who starred in “Repo! The Genetic Opera”) captures the vanity and selfishness of Mr. Elliot. Alice Krige plays the meddling but well-meaning Lady Russell that persuades Anne.

There’s a debate in the Janeite community about this film: some hate and some love it. The direction is flowing. The filming locations are beautifully shot: whether the waves crashing at Lyme Regis, the damp cobblestones of the Georgian Crescent in Bath, or the verdant green lawns of the countryside, the scenery will stick with you. The music, composed by the masterful Martin Phipps, is gorgeous. It captures the poignancy and passion of the story deftly. My only gripe is the costumes, they don’t change clothes that often. The ending scene, when Anne runs down the stone streets of Bath caused a stir, but this minor change from the novel is a moving and touching scene.

If you’re in for a wonderful, compelling, and tender film watch “Persuasion.” It’s not fluffy by any means, and is quite a serious, mature story. Regrets are turned into happiness in this, the best of Austen’s stories.