exquisite

An ‘exquisite’ period romance adaptation is available for free on BBC iPlayer and fans say it’s the best version of this classic tale

The iconic tome has been adapted many times over the years – could this be the best?

BBC iPlayer is currently hosting a “masterpiece” adaptation of a much-loved classic novel, available for just one more month. Having aired on Sunday 5th July on BBC Two, the 1943 adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre can be streamed on the platform for the next 29 days.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest novels ever penned, this enduring story follows a young woman who, after losing her parents at an early age, is dispatched to a harsh boarding school. A decade on, she takes up a position as a governess to a young girl, the ward of the mysterious and imposing master of Thornfield Hall.

Little by little, she finds herself falling for her unpredictable employer, all while beginning to unravel his deeply buried secrets.

Helmed by Robert Stevenson, best known for directing Disney’s much-cherished Mary Poppins, this underappreciated Gothic romance from Hollywood’s golden age features Joan Fontaine as Jane and Orson Welles as Mr Rochester.

Film enthusiasts have long maintained that it stands amongst the finest screen adaptations of Brontë’s novel ever committed to film. It’s an absolute must for viewers who have lapped up recent period romances such as Wuthering Heights and The Other Bennet Sister, or are eagerly anticipating the forthcoming versions of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice, reports the Express.

One glowing 10/10 review from an IMDb user declared that, while other renditions of Jane Eyre are equally stunning, fans should “see this to be fully satisfied”.

“This is simply an exquisite film,” they continued. “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 enthusiast commented: “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.”

As if that weren’t sufficient, they added: “The scene where they kiss is the most powerful and most beautiful kiss I have ever seen.”

Someone else declared 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 one final admirer 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 enthusiasts should make certain this gem is at the top of their watchlist before it ceases to be available free of charge at the month’s end.

Jane Eyre is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.