147: peer pressure

That's what I'm chalking my new obsession up to.  My obsession with period dramas, that is.

My friend Melissa over at Yummy Goods recently saw the 2006 Masterpiece Theater version of Jane Eyre at the suggestion of a good friend of hers.  And now the love is spreading.

She's started a Bronte-along, and you can join in the fun.  You can watch the movie, read the book, channel your creative juices into a related project, and even move on to related movies/books.

Personally, I'm not doing anything more than indulging myself in watching some entertaining flicks.  I can't see making time to be creative about it, but really the thoughts of all those gorgeous costumes are creeping into my head...

Anyway, In last few days I've watched: Jane Eyre, North and South, Persuasion, Northanger Abbey, and Wives and Daughters. 

Jane Eyre is by far the most swoon-worthy.  And if you want to be sucked in, I suggest you start there.  If your belly doesn't do little flip-flops at all the smouldery looks, well then I don't what to tell you...

I think I liked North and South next best, but I wish it was more of just a straight up love story.

Did you know you can watch most of these immediately on youtube?  The quality is crap, but the instant gratification is priceless.  But I will be buying a copy of that 2006 Jane Eyre for sure.

If you have a favorite period drama, do share.  I've heard Bright Star is really good and I may be trying that next.  Anyone see a Wuthering Heights they liked?  I read the book and didn't like it at all so I've stayed away from it thus far...

JT

Comments

[Claire - Matching Pegs]

I love Richard Armitage in "North and South", and the accent - swoon.

I think I need to watch it again, I haven't seen it since it was screened here (Australia) a few years ago.

[Shari]

Try the The Tenant of Wildfell Hall! The book is on par for writing and storyline with Jane Eyre and the BBC adaption of the book stars Toby Stephens who starred in the BBC adaption of Jane Eyre. Excellent to read and easy on the eyes to watch if you know what I mean.

The Bronte sisters created an amazing portfolio in their short lives....

[Sandra]

Oh I love those stories: I have all the books of the BrOnte Sisters and do read them again from time to time. But i never watched one of the films!

[Jenny]

when you say you can watch Jane Eyre on youtube...do you mean more than just clips? i took a look on youtube, but only for 4-8 minute clips. I woudl love to watch this while sewing...i also just rented it from the library and enjoyed all 4 hours of it!

[Lera]

Every Sunday afternoon, my husband and I watch a period drama. It's one of my favorite things to do on Sunday. We look forward to it all week.

"North and South" is on my Netflix queue right now. I might need to bump it up.

[Lori S.]

Cranford is one of my favorites. It's by the same author as Wives and Daughters and North & South. I actually picked up the 3 of them in a pack at Costco a few months ago for $30- what a steal.

[kbonikowsky]

Yes! Those movies make me nostalgic for my childhood. I grew up watching any and all Jane Eyre's ever made. My mother loved that story. I think the actress that is in the one you listed is wonderful. She is plain, but her inner beauty makes her striking...yet still plain, which she should be. And the Mr Rochester is the hottest one since Timothy Dalton!

Heh, you sent me searching...check out this link: http://eyreguide.bravehost.com/
Too fun, thanks for the re-memories.

[gina]

j.e. has always been my fav. book. i watched this on pbs back in '06 and the love affair continued. i had never seen a decent rendition until then. thanks for the links. i also loved n&s, persuasion and wives and daughters (oh, that roger!) you might also like "our mutual friend" and "bleak house," both from dickens.

[Agnes D.]

I love period pieces. I have them all on my queue on Netflix ;)

[Lauralou]

North and South...so great! I spend a day each year watching the 6 hours of Pride and Prejudice...sooooo good!

[Gillian]

I've not watched North & South, I'll have to check it out. I like the 2007 version of Persuasion, Captain Wentworth is swoon-worthy. J.E. just does not do it for me.

[Kelly (ever kelly)]

If you want more Jane Austen, I'm a huge fan of Sense and Sensibility (the one with Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman). It's sweet, but also very, very funny.

[amylouwho]

I just watched the new Emma on YouTube! AWESOME. And I love love love love love love (get the idea?) Mr. Thornton in N & S. The new BBC Sense and Sensibiliy is also excellent.

Elizabeth Gaskell who did N & S also wrote Cranford which is a cute little miniseries too - with Judi Dench. You should also try Bleak House (Dickens w/ Gillian Anderson) and Little Dorrit (also Dickens).

We have totally turned into BBC-ophiles at my house.

[Lyz]

Oh my goodness. This post is so great! My blog name (Modern-Day Jane) is named after both Jane Eyre AND Jane Austen. So guess what? I love period drama/romances too!

The JE version you posted about is my favorite, along with the Colin Firth version of Pride & Prejudice (6 hrs long!) and also Little Dorrit - which was on PBS last fall.

I will be checking out the Bronte-along! Thanks!

I am not a fan of Wuthering Heights either. Bleak House is too bleak for me! It was a good movie, but not a good romance.
Return to Cranford is much more optimistic (aka sappy!) than the first installment.

[Jessica Levitt]

Hi Lyz.

I meant to tell you thanx for the suggestions. I just watched Bright Star and I think the Pride and Prejudice you mentioned will be next. Then Little Dorrit. Now that Im not sick I dont really have an excuse to stay in bed and watch these all day....bummer...

jess