Jane Eyre (Cliffs Notes Version)

Overall Best film version of JANE EYRE
I've been having a "Jane Eyre-athon." There are many good versions of this gothic story of the fight between worldliness and virtue. Many have one really outstanding element, but this version, with Orson Welles and Joan Fontaine remains overall the best. Like most, it eliminates much of the second half of the book, which is the really important part for Bronte, who is one of the finest religious thinkers of her age. There are so many bests in this version, it will always be hard to top for getting Bronte right.

This version was shot when black and white filmmaking was at it's best, and Fox was known as the best at noir/gothic, with velvety blacks, and really crisp lighting and shading. One thing that helps this film be better is that it has the best script (by Huxley, Stevenson and Houseman). The script transitions well, and really captures the major emotional elements of the story. This version also has the best child Jane (Peggy Ann Gardner). I agree with many...

A Romantic Gothic Classic Brought Vividly To Life On The Big Screen
I was induced to read Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre," a beloved literary classic, at the relatively early age of eleven - all because I saw this movie. I stayed-up late on a Saturday night, with my favorite aunt as company, and we watched the 1944 version of Jane Eyre, with Jane Fontaine and Orson Welles, on TV. At the conclusion, I noticed I had cried my way through a box of tissues and had become a fan forever. The next day I visited the library. Although I have seen three or four cinematic interpretations of "Jane Eyre" since that time, Director Robert Stevenson's production, co-written for the screen by Aldous Huxley, John Houseman, and Mr. Stevenson is by far my favorite. The writers and director remained faithful to Miss Bronte's magnificent work and brought this darkly gothic drama to life on the big screen. Filmed in black and white, using noir techniques from the German Expressionist school, (chiaroscuro lighting, surrealistic settings, etc.), the movie's gothic nature is...

Do not miss this film!
Yes, this movie is perfect. I have seen this film more than a few times and it never ceases to amaze me and it leaves me with a sense of complete joy when the viewing is over. Infact I have been found to rewind it right after i just got through watching it. The flick start with Jane Eye as a child who has to endure a torturous aunt and is forced to leave to a cruel and harsh boarding school wher she witnessess her classmates death. As the years past she matures into a demure lady who seeks employment out side of the school as a governess and is hired by Mr. Rodchester (Welles). Welles plays Rodchester in such an all out full on bravado that you never question while Fontaine as Eyre falls in love with him! As she setteles into the house as governess she learns that things are not as they seem! The shadows in the house seem to be alive! One night Eyre is awakend by the stir of footsteps and she soon finds Mr. Rodchester's bed ablaze! After the fire is out, one of the most romantic...

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