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Category Archives: Pride and Prejudice

Merchandise Monday – Pride and Prejudice: Keepsake Edition

10 Monday Feb 2014

Posted by Tonya in Pride and Prejudice

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A&E, BBC, Colin Firth, Downton Abbey, Jane Austen, Jennifre Ehle, Merchandise Monday, PBS, Pride and Prejudice

Woohoo!!!

Okay, I know you shouldn’t start an article with “woohoo” but I am so excited I just had to “woohoo”.

There is a new version of Pride and Prejudice out on Blu-ray!!!  It is the Pride And Prejudice: Keepsake Edition Blu-ray and includes new featurettes.

The mini-series is the granddame of period costume dramas.  In my opinion, if this version of Pride and Prejudice hadn’t been made then Downton Abbey and other period costume dramas would never been made.  This film has inspired countless other period costume dramas and for good reason.

In 1995, the BBC and A&E collaborated in to bring Jane Austen’s clasic 1813 Regency romance Pride and Prejudice to television.  It stars Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy (((swoon))) and American Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth “Lizzy” Bennet.

I remember watching it on PBS and being mesmerized.  The costumes and the music were wonderful.  It was charming and captivated and you could lose yourself in Regency romance for a few hours.  The story was told almost just like the book which is always admirable.  And who can forget the Pemberly pond scene!!! Okay.  So, that wasn’t in the book but in my mind, Jane Austen would have approved of that little bit of delicious artist licesne.   I just had to buy the VCR version of the series.  It was 5 tapes long and was $89!!  That was a lot of money for 1995 but so worth it.  Shoot, that is a lot of money for 2014!  And then it came out in DVD and I bought that and that was worth the money.  The Blu-ray came out but I never got around to getting that version but it was always on my Christmas list.  But I will certainly be getting this version.

The Blu-ray extras include ” ’Pride and Prejudice:’ A Turning Point for Period Drama,” “The Definitive ’Pride and Prejudice,’” “Love or Money? Courtship and Marriage in ’Pride and Prejudice,’ ” “The Music of ’Pride and Prejudice,” “Lifestyles of the Wealth in Early 19th Century England,” “Technical Restoration,” and “Lasting Impressions.”

“Pride And Prejudice: Keepsake Edition” Blu-ray Set is $29.99 and available at Shop PBS.  And if you act quickly, you can get 20% off until 11:59pm PT on 2/10/14.

~~~ Happy Shopping ~~~

Rhys says No Wet Shirt Scene in Death Comes To Pemberley

09 Friday Aug 2013

Posted by Tonya in Death Comes To Pemberley, Pride and Prejudice

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Colin Firth, Death Comes To Pemberley, Jane Austen, Laurence Olivier, Matthew Macfadyen, Matthew Rhys, Mr. Darcy, P.D. James, Pride & Prejudice

Matthew Rhys is playing Mr. Darcy in the upcoming three-part mini-series of P.D. James’ novel by the same name, Death Comes To Pemberley.  The upcoming TV show is a continuation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and picks up six years later.

Ever since landing the coveted role, there have been comparisons between Rhys and Colin Firth who played Mr. Darcy in the BBC 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.  In the 1995 version, Firth became an international hear throb after his memorable Lake Scene where he takes a dip in the Pemberley pond and appears in a wet white shirt.  (((Sigh)))  It is a classic scene that makes hearts flutter whenever it is seen.

Unfortunately for viewers, but fortunately for Rhys, there will be no wet shirt scene in Death Comes To Pemberley.  And Matthew Rhys doesn’t have to be compared to the incomparable – a daunting task for any actor.  (Can you tell that Colin Firth is my Mr. Darcy?  And I don’t want anyone to ruin Mr. Darcy, especially my Lake Scene.)

Rhys admitted that “playing an iconic literary hero is always a little problematic”.

He told the Radio Times: “Coupled with that, the fact that the aforesaid iconic literary figure has been immortalised by Academy Award-winner Colin Firth makes for a louder gulp.”

He said his Mr Darcy would be “more mature” and “a family man”, adding: “I can wholeheartedly say I won’t be competing with Mr Firth emerging from a lake in a dripping white shirt – thankfully – because I don’t think anyone can top him.”

Other actors who have played the role of Mr. Darcy include Laurence Olivier in a 1940 film adaptation and Matthew Macfadyen in the 2005 film adaptation.

And don’t worry ladies, Rhys is single – although I don’t think he is ready to settle down quite yet.

“My mates who are in LA with their families or girlfriends have one main consideration: where does it shoot and for how long?

“I don’t have those considerations because I’m single. It’s lucky in a way – that I’m a bit late starting a family – not that my mum’s happy about it,” he said.

If you need a refresher on the Lake Scene in Pride and Prejudice:

As I reported just last month, the famous Lake Scene was recreated by a sculpture in the middle of the Serpentine to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Pride and Prejudice. Yes, it is that iconic and I am glad for it.

Jenna Coleman in Death Comes To Pemberley

08 Thursday Aug 2013

Posted by Tonya in Death Comes To Pemberley, Pride and Prejudice

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Death Comes To Pemberley, Doctor Who, Jenna Coleman, P.D. James

Jenna Coleman may be excited by the latest naming of the Doctor on Doctor Who and that she gets to be in a scene with three of the Doctors together in a scene on the upcoming Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special airing in November.  And we don’t blame her.  But we are excited that we finally get a glimpse of her as Lydia Wickham in the upcoming three-part mini-series Death Comes To Pemberley.

Jenna Coleman Films 'Death Comes To Pemberley'

She was snapped in her period costume on Sunday, August 4th during filming and looks quite fetching.  Death Comes To Pemberley has been filming in York and Beverly over the past weeks.

You aren’t familiar with Death Comes To Pemberley?  It is the TV adaptation of P.D. James’ novel of the same name.  It takes place five years after Elizabeth Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy have gotten married in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.  It will be airing around Christmas time.

Jenna Coleman filming 'Death Comes To Pemberley' in York

© WENN

Jenna Coleman filming 'Death Comes To Pemberley' in York

© WENN

Jenna Coleman filming 'Death Comes To Pemberley' in York

© WENN

Jenna Coleman filming 'Death Comes To Pemberley' in York

© WENN

Beverly Sees Death Comes To Pemberley Filming

03 Saturday Aug 2013

Posted by Tonya in Death Comes To Pemberley, Pride and Prejudice

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Anthony Ramwell, Beverly, Death Comes To Pemberley, Jane Austen, P.D. James, Paul Davis, Pete Szoradi, Pride and Prejudice, Rebecca Lindley

Filming of Death Comes To Pemberley may be over in York but it is in full swing in Beverly.

Origin Pictures producer Eliza Mellor said: “We were looking for a Georgian courtroom to film in and this one in Beverley was the best we saw.

“While on location in Beverley, we are filming some of the most important scenes of the drama, including the trial of George Wickham, which decides his  fate.

“We’ve had a wonderful time filming in Yorkshire and had such a warm welcome  from everyone, which we are very grateful for.”

The courtroom scene is being filmed at the Beverley Guildhall, which was the traditional seat of government in the town from 1501 until the late 20th century.

PERIOD DRESS:  From left, actors Pete Szoradi, Rebecca Lindley, Paul Davis, and Anthony Ramwell.    Pictures: Kate Woolhouse

PERIOD DRESS: From left, actors Pete Szoradi, Rebecca Lindley, Paul Davis, and Anthony Ramwell. Pictures: Kate Woolhouse

​ON LOCATION:  The cast and crew at Beverley's Guildhall.

Death Comes To Pemberley is the three-part TV mini-series adaption of P.D. James’ novel of the same name and picks up six years after Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.  It will air on BBC One around Christmas.

I’m still hoping to see a picture of Mr. and Mrs. Darcy together.  Anyone in Beverly have a camera and want to surprise me?  🙂

http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/BBC-TV-stars-shoot-Pride-Prejudice-sequel/story-19604745-detail/story.html#ixzz2atKk3MPd

Death Comes To Pemberley York Filming Finished

02 Friday Aug 2013

Posted by Tonya in Death Comes To Pemberley, Pride and Prejudice

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Death Comes to Pemberly, Matthew Rhys, P.D. James, Pride and Prejudice

Actor Matthew Rhys, who is currently starring in ITV’s Cold War drama The Americans, outside St Williams College during the last day of filming in York

The filming of the TV mini-series Death Comes To Pemberley finished its filming in York yesterday.  Actor Matthew Rhys, who plays Mr. Darcy, was snapped outside St Williams College in all his Darcy finery.  No doubt he was doing something involving his pride or his prejudices.  (Or did he overcome those character flaws already?)

Death Comes To Pemberley is based on the P.D. James novel of the same name.  It tells the story of Mr. and Mrs. Darcy (Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth) five years after Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice left off.  The TV mini-series is scheduled to be shown around Christmas in the U.K.  (I shutter to think how long it will take for U.S. audiences to finally see it.)

Actor Matthew Rhys, who is currently starring in ITV’s Cold War drama The Americans, outside St Williams College during the last day of filming in York

http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/10585298.Filming_of_BBC_drama_in_York_wrapped_up/

Death Comes to Pemberly Actress Nervous

28 Sunday Jul 2013

Posted by Tonya in Death Comes To Pemberley, Pride and Prejudice

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Anna Maxwell Martin, Colin Firth, Death Comes to Pemberly, Jane Austen, Matthew Rhys, P.D. James, Pride & Prejudice

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice has spawned many “sequels”.  Some good; some not so good.  P.D. James’ suspense novel “Death Comes to Pemberly” is one of the better ones and is being made into a TV mini-series.  Filming started last month in Yorkshire and due to air this Christmas.

The story picks up six years into Elizabeth and Darcy’s marriage as they prepare for their annual ball. When Lydia arrives, she brings a shocking halt to the proceedings and a murder investigation unfolds.

Matthew Rhys has been cast as Fitzwilliam Darcy and Anna Maxwell Martin has been cast as Elizabeth Darcy (Nee Bennet).  And it seems that Ms. Martin has confessed that she is quite scared about taking on such an iconic Jane Austen character – as she should.  Elizabeth Bennet is one of the most beloved and cherished literary characters ever.  But I have every faith in Anna’s abilities since she has already proven her acting chops playing Cassandra Austen, Jane Austen’s sister, in Becoming Jane.  (And I love her in Bletchley Park!!)

Anna Maxwell Martin is nervous about her reception as Elizabeth Darcy

Anna said: “I do feel quite a lot of pressure. The only kind of respite is that she is Elizabeth Darcy now, so it’s seven years on. But Matthew Rhys who plays Darcy and myself are both a bit ‘Ahh! we’ve been miscast.’ It’s quite scary.”

But she added Matthew was a “dream” as heartthrob Mr Darcy.

Now, between you and me, I am a little apprehensive about Matthew Rhys playing Mr. Darcy.  Don’t get me wrong, I like him.  He is a fine actor and I am sure with a period costume on he will become Mr. Darcy.  But that doesn’t mean I will be able to picture him in the role until I see him.  I will always and forever remain faithful to Colin Firth as my Mr. Darcy.  I can’t help it!!!  Don’t judge me.

Mr. Darcy Makes an Appearance in the Serpentine

12 Friday Jul 2013

Posted by Tonya in Pride and Prejudice

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Colin Firth, Elizabeth Bennet, Jane Austen, Lyme Park, Pride and Prejudice, Serpentine

Before there was Downton Abbey, there was Pride and Prejudice.  (((Sigh))) Be still my Austen loving Downtonian heart – Mr. Darcy.  Not just any Mr. Darcy: Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy in the A&E/BBC mini series.  Who could forget the now classic scene where Mr. Darcy dives in to the pond as Pemberly and emerges in all his glory in a wet white linen shirt.  (((Sigh)))  It makes me tingley just thinking about it.  🙂Colin Firth

And leave it to the Brits to immortalize that classic scene in the form of a 12 foot Mr. Darcy statue in the Serpentine lake in London’s Hyde Park as a promotion for the launch of a new TV channel, UKTV’s Drama, rebroadcast of 1995 BBC miniseries “Pride and Prejudice”.  And I have to say that I LOVE IT!!!  What could be better than taking a swim in your favorite park alongside a Mr. Darcy statue???  Apparently even the swans in the Serpentine love Mr. Darcy also.  Who knew???

The statue took three men two months to complete can be seen in London for a few more days before it tours the U.K.  First a stop in Scarborough for a dip in the sea and then a long visit to Lyme Park, a.k.a. Pemberly until February 2014.

View a video regarding this:  http://gu.com/p/3h6ak

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