Masterpiece Theatre: Northanger Abbey

This production revived my appreciation for Northanger Abbey (admittedly my least favorite Austen novel before). JJ Feild was an amazing Henry Tilney. So much so that my subconscious leaked into a dream one night; whereupon, widowed Elizabeth Darcy finds a love with Henry Tilney (after that ninny Catherine Morland Tilney went mad in an attic - Brontë/Jane Eyre style). Excellent dream, what a treat! Henry Tilney (the less heralded Austen hero compared to Darcy) is the male match to our heroine Elizabeth Bennet and you'll see it alive here. I'm really glad Northanger was reinvigorated for me in this production. It's also subtly funny: the glaring Morland kids over a contrite Henry's shoulder, the ridiculously crass John Thorpe, the scheming hyperbole of Isabella Thorpe, ditsy muslin obsessed Ms. Allen, the pompous lothario Captain Tilney, rain soaked and disobliging sheep, gothic imaginings are even parody characters with kick ass sprouting wallpaper segues of a story within the story... I only lament that the PBS version was cut down and edited a little counter-intuitively in bits. Some of my favorite lines in Northanger have disappeared from the dialogue and the lovely narrator (sounded like the mum from Rozema's Mansfield?) could have delivered those Austen-style as in the beginning/ending of Northanger, or thrown us a tied up loose end novel bone? For example: Catherine has 3,000 in her dowry and 150 pounds per year, thrice Elizabeth Bennet's at a time when 7,000 would land you a Baron - that's nothing to cough at (yeah, I'm looking at you, cruel General Tilney) and by Henry's own admission he gets his wish fulfillment to a tolerable degree of both love and a modest fortune (insert romantic, practical flutter instead of worry here)! As with most things Austen, finance of young ladies is an unspoken character with its own story arc. I wish they had taken slightly more time with it - enhance the smart romance? That rhymed, sincere apologies. (@.@) Once in a while, the Tilney/Morland chemistry is confusing, or a little awkward at times, but hey, that's Henry Tilney 'the teasing enigma.' You'll be gratified to know some very swoony bits are in here from pouty, longing looks across opera boxes barely masking jealousy to stolen suggestive leers (in dreams, near fireplaces and in ballrooms) and very steamy cheek swipes after a long horseback ride in the rain before a kiss fest under trees. <Le sigh> At any rate, if you're an Austen fan this version should be in your arsenal along with Paltrow's Emma, Ehle's Pride and Prejudice, Root's Persuasion, O'Connor's Mansfield Park and the illustrious Thompson's Sense and Sensibility (not necessarily in that order). JJ Feild will win you through Henry Tilney after one head tilt and a grinning smirk. He's an acting gem, in big britches period epic especially; even, if he jokes in interviews about "slipping on cow pats and frilly sleeves that get in your lunch." To demonstrate, Feild almost single-handedly saved the romcom lampoon 'Austenland' from narcissist actors who lost their audience's perspective in favor of an untethered inside joke/circus bubble of mockery unchecked by a context lazy, immature directorial and editing effort (that I've watched 4 times - hee). Serious points to Feild for rescuing parts of that one, he has the best subdued and credibly funny bits in it even if it could have been utterly phenomenal with more cast and directorial assistance. Feild, who can shine in anything with range and emotive gifts even as an anti-hero/sociopath was kinda squandered by that Austenland/Dynamite crowd, though he totally gets it, delivered wit masterfully, and they chose him expressly "to take the piss" because of Northanger. And no, in case you were wondering, I'm not a "suffocating death by doily" type gal, but I do read and have an advanced Com Arts degree (with student loans to boot, giggle, dammit). Felicity Jones is a terribly pretty and innocent Catherine Morland - you'll cheer for her through your wincing. Don't kid yourself, it's a skill to blush on demand. Mulligan nailed Isabella in dimples, unseemly cleavage bodices, waffling inconstancy and deeply studied/nuanced motivation - bravo. The costumes, locations and set design deserve their own review. Even the rain gets a supporting role nomination. Blu-ray quality is as good as is available, so I reccommend it because any less would be mostly janky, reticulated pixel terrible on an HD worthy screen. Hello, it's an epic romance worth the extra 3 lousy Federal Reserve Notes of pretty full screen since this charmer isn't available for streaming right now. I'm hoping beyond hope that an extended version becomes available (gracious thanks, but boo PBS!). As an American woman, I'm almost forgiving of Rothschild central banking cartels, cookies called biscuits and re-swelling with diplomatic gratitude for my family peeps having stormed the shores of Normandy with ferocious, Limey allied luv. Who knew? This is definitely one to see, despite my nitpicks, the best NA going and I adore it. I just want to be clear about that. Thank me later and meow ;).

True to historical time. Costumes were correct to time frame. Loved the main characters personality and drive. Download was easy and able to watch instantly. I also brought the dvd for my grand aunt who loves historical movies. She loved it!

Yes, I love old movies. This one is not as old as some of the ones I buy, but I still love this movie. I will probably watch it more than 100 times thank you again.

Northanger Abby is one of my favorite novels by Jane Austen. I really enjoy the light, witty, subtle tone of the book. It is an excellent book for many reasons, especially the story. So I purchased this production because I saw it was another project of Andrew Davies and I always enjoy his work. This is another great one!The story centers around our "heroine" Catherine Morland who accompanies the wealthy Mr. and Mrs. Allen on their trip to Bath. Catherine has never been away from home for long periods of time before and this will be her first exposure into society. She is very naive and innocent but she always tries to do the right thing. She loves novels and enjoys spending her time reading the popular sensational books of the day such as The Mysteries of Udolpho and The Monk, so she tends to dream a bit like any normal 17 year old young lady. In Bath is meets a variety of different characters some of them who are not exactly as they seem. Among them are the charming Henry Tilney, and his kind sister Eleanor. Also she befriends a young woman Isabella Thorpe whose brother John Thrope mistakes her for an heiress. General Tilney (Henry's father) also falls under this assumption and asks Catherine to accompany them to their home Northanger Abby for a brief stay. Under these conditions Catherine creates some fanciful suspicions that lead her to some trouble.The acting is fantastic. J.J Feild shines as Henry Tilney and he captures his outgoing, friendly, funny and charming personality perfectly. Henry Tilney has always been one of my favorite of Austen's main male characters. J.J. Feild will certainly find his way into your heart just as Henry Tilney does in the book. Felicity Jones is wonderful as Catherine Morland. She has her sweet disposition, kind personality, naivety and innocence and makes the audience cheer for her and she learns the hard way that real life is sometimes not so Gothic as her books. Carey Mulligan plays an excellent Isabella Thorpe and she is a real treat to watch in this movie.The one and only problem I had with this whole production was that my favorite line from the book did not make it into the movie. "The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid". Henry Tilney is the perfect man!

I am a big Jane Austen fan, I have read all her work. This is my favorite movie rendition of Northanger Abbey. Such a fun movie if you like Jane Austen!!

This is the best out of 2. the older BBC version from the 80's isn't great. lol This has really good actors & the story just flows better. It's not perfect but it does not need to be. I do think the 80's version is okay it has it's up's & downs. This new version from 2007 is better imho. I haven't read the book just yet but it's on my tbr list. I'm told that the main character Catherine is less passive and stands up for herself more in the book, this is one thing they should have put in this 2007 version, because even in the 80's version she stands up for herself & doesn't just believe everything someone tells her. That being said this 2007 version is my fav so far. Enjoy 🙂

Good viewing.

Llegó en tiempo, el único inconveniente es que la caja llegó dañada.

Esta película si es original DVD.La película m gusto.

DVD arrived in a timely manner and in good condition. It was great to be able to add to my Jane Austen collection.

以前に他の作品とペアになっている「NORTHANGER　ＡＢＢＥＹ」を他の俳優さんが演じているのを見ましたが、それも日本語字幕ではなかったため十分に理解することはできませんでした。それでなくても主人公の空想癖に最初はおどろきました。今回はＪＪフィールズの作品との事で購入しましたが、やはり細かいところまではわからないので、原作本を読んでもう１度トライするつもりです。