This is the first well-known and widely-available Emma television adaptation, debuting on the BBC in 1972. The miniseries, which is highly regarded by many Emma fans, stars Doran Godwin as Emma and John Carson as Mr. Knightley.
- Episode airdates and synopses (From Amazon.com):
1. Emma Episode 1 07/20/1972 Emma Woodhouse has just attended the marriage of a dear friend and now fears that her own life will become boring & dull.
2. Emma Episode 2 07/27/1972 Emma has befriended Harriet Smith, a young teacher. Although an inveterate matchmaker, she has encouraged Harriet to reject Robert Martin.
3. Emma Episode 3 08/03/1972 After encouraging Harriet to fall in love with Mr. Elton, Emma now has to face the unpleasant task of telling Harriet about Mr. Elton's proposal to her.
4. Emma Episode 4 08/10/1972 Frank Churchill and Emma have been discussing Jane Fairfax and the mystery behind the piano that she has been given.
5. Emma Episode 5 08/17/1972 Mr. Elton has returned to Highbury with a bride, whom Emma dislikes. Mr. Knightley and Emma have disagreed about Jane, who has been taken up by Mrs. Elton.
6. Emma Episode 6 08/24/1972 Harriet has been rescued from an embarrassing situation and her susceptible emotions have been stirred again. Emma has been reprimanded by Mr. Knightley.
- Images from the film
- Proposal Scene Video
- Cheryl Sneed's review
- Notes on some of the music from the miniseries
- The BBC
site. This 1972 version was preceded by live, ephemeral productions
broadcast by the Beeb in 1948 and 1960.
- My review of the women's
costuming in the Emma adaptations
- For more information on Emma1, see:
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Lauritzen, Monica. Jane Austen's Emma on television: a study of a BBC classic serial. Goteborg, Sweden: Acta Universitatis Gothoburgensis, Gothenburg studies in English, 48 [series], 1981.
This "book" analyzes the role and value of literary adaptations in "mass media" societies. Lauritzen's research included extensive interviews with many involved in the production of the series.
- Wright, Andrew. "Jane Austen Adapted," Nineteenth Century Fiction. 1975 Dec., 30, 421-453.
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