‘Masterpiece’ period drama hailed ‘best version’ of classic novel | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV

BBC iPlayer is home to a “masterpiece” adaptation of a beloved classic novel for the next month. After airing on Sunday (July 5) on BBC Two, the 1943 adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre is available on the streaming platform for the next 29 days.

Widely considered one of the finest novels ever written, this timeless tale follows a young woman who, after being orphaned at a young age, is sent to a brutal boarding school. 10 years later, she accepts a job as a governess for a young girl, the ward of the enigmatic and brutish master of Thornfield Hall.

Slowly but surely, she begins to fall for her erratic employer whilst she also starts uncovering his dark secrets.

Directed by Robert Stevenson, best known for helming Disney’s beloved film Mary Poppins, this underrated Gothic romance from the classic Hollywood era stars Joan Fontaine as Jane and Orson Welles as Mr Rochester.

Many film fans have claimed over the years that it’s one of the best adaptations of Brontë’s novel to ever be produced. It’s certainly a must-watch for viewers who have devoured recent period romances such as Wuthering Heights and The Other Bennet Sister or can’t wait for the upcoming iterations of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice.

One 10/10 review from an IMDb user claimed that, while other versions of Jane Eyre are just as breathtaking, fans should “see this to be fully satisfied”.

“This is simply an exquisite film,” they went on. “Film-making at its best in every respect; and while not as letter-perfectly definitive as the 1983 miniseries, I feel it is overall the best, truest version of JANE EYRE.”

Another film buff said: “While not staying completely true to the book, this is still the best version of Jane Eyre ever made.

“Joan Fontaine is plain but still beautiful and Orson Welles is absolutely powerful and alluring. The chemistry these two share is on screen phenomenal.”

If that wasn’t enough, they add: “The scene where they kiss is the most powerful and most beautiful kiss I have ever seen.”

Someone else hailed it “A masterpiece!” and wrote: “Magnificent is the only word that can be applied to this remarkable film. It represents Hollywood’s ability to make the occasional brilliant movie when all aspects of the film-making craft come together in such talented union.

“I first saw this film as a very young child, and it gripped and enthralled me then as it still does all these years later. Romantic, gothic and mesmerising, it is as near faultless as it is possible for any movie to be.”

And a final fan went even further, gushing: “In my opinion, this is the best movie ever made. It’s sweet and romantic, and true to the book. Joan Fontaine is great as the title role, and I think this is Orson Welles in his finest performance.”

Period drama fans, make sure this one is at the top of your watchlist before it stops being free to stream at the end of the month.

Jane Eyre is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.