An evening with Pride and Prejudice (1980)
This is undoubtedly an unpopular opinion, given the enormous fandom surrounding the 1995 Colin Firth Spectacle, but the 1980 mini series does just about everything better than any other screen adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, the reason being that this one is true to Jane Austen's novel.
Moray Watson's Mr Bennet jumps straight from the pages right onto the TV screen.
The actors portraying the protagonists may not be the "sexy picks" of later versions, but they excel in their roles without seeking the spotlight for themselves.
Elizabeth Garvie deserves all the praise she gets for her portrayal of Eliza Bennet.
The casting choices for Elizabeth, Mr and Mrs Bennet, Charlotte, Mr Collins and Lady Catherine etc. are all superb. Everyone involved is committed to a faithful representation of Austen's cherished story.
David Rintoul, looking at Colin Firth's fame for playing Darcy with either envy, admiration or contempt
David Rintoul's Mr Darcy is the epitome of a Regency nobleman, even if as a consequence his line deliveries seem stoic and his movements appear wooden. But it just wouldn't do for this Darcy to disregard his rank in society, not even around his future wife.
Yes, the 1980 production might be dull in comparison, its atmosphere stuffy and the characters buttoned-up, but this just reflects the stifling conservatism, the stern formalities and the reserved decorum of the era, when one misstep in society could ruin an entire life.
Most importantly, this series presents courtship and marriage not as a romantic endeavor (as is so often the modern perspective), but as social business negotiations between eligible candidates whose attractivity as spouses is measured by their virtue, reputation and respectability (with varying sums of money thrown into the bargain).
If you look at Pride and Prejudice less as an entertaining love story, but rather a truthful staging of the source material, this series is your best choice.
