‘Perfect’ Jane Austen classic with Downton Abbey icon now streaming
An “enchanting” Jane Austen remake that’s a “must watch” for period drama fans.
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Downton Abbey actor Dan Stevens stars in BBC’s 2008 Sense and Sensibility.(Image: BBC)
A “gorgeous” period drama has been hailed as a “visual feast”.
Period drama fans have enjoyed a bumper year with Wuthering Heights arriving in cinemas and BBC’s The Other Bennet Sister gracing television screens.
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However, an “enchanting” interpretation of a Jane Austen masterpiece has been quietly awaiting discovery on BBC iPlayer, featuring a Downton Abbey icon.
Set during the early 19th Century, Sense and Sensibility chronicles the Dashwood sisters Elinor and Marianne who, following their affluent father’s death, find themselves destitute and compelled to move to a humble cottage in Devonshire.
While restrained Elinor hides her anguish over Edward Ferrars who is already betrothed to another, Marianne becomes passionately infatuated with John Willoughby before he abandons her for a more prosperous woman.
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BBC’s 2008 series Sense and Sensibility stars Hatti Morahan and Charity Wakefield.(Image: BBC)
Though Sense and Sensibility takes place in Devon, this adaptation was shot throughout Surrey, with Ham House serving as the interior of both the Norland and Cleveland estates.
Meanwhile, the exterior sequences of Sir John Middleton’s property Barton Park were captured at Losely Park in Surrey.
Jane Austen devotees might instinctively recall the 1995 film adaptation featuring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet, yet it’s the 2008 series on BBC iPlayer that’s garnering enthusiastic praise.
This “gorgeous” three-part mini-series features Enola Holmes 3 star Hatti Morahan and The Great star Charity Wakefield as the Dashwood sisters Elinor and Marianne respectively.
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BBC’s Sense and Sensibility stars Tip Toe and Walking Dead actor David Morrissey. (Image: BBC)
The cast also features Tip Toe and Walking Dead star David Morrissey as Colonel Brandon, alongside Downton Abbey favourite Dan Stevens as Edward Ferrars.
An IMdB user praised the series as being “shot in stunning locations, making it a visual feast”, with one fan declaring it “knocked me over”.
Another viewer wrote: “Pure beauty…Characters, landscapes, music, costumes you name it.”
A third observer noted: “This BBC production of the beloved Jane Austen novel was wonderful. Even better than the very worthy 1995 film.”
Additional viewers described it as an “enchanting and superior adaptation”, as well as “impeccable” and the “perfect adaptation of Austen’s classic”.
Sense and Sensibility is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
SOURCE: WALESONLINE