Search - Classic Literary Films Collection DVD SET on DVD

Correction to amazon production notes

Joslyn | Rutherfordton, NC | 02/17/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"First, I must confess that I have not seen this collection, as a collection. Therefore cannot speak to the quality of the reproductions. But I have seen and thoroughly enjoyed 3 of these 5 TV adaptations of the classics, and feel justified in rating the collection at least 4 stars. Kate Beckinsale's "Emma" is refreshingly different from other productions of this Jane Austen classic. The production of "Tom Jones" is a very entertaining, and rather bawdy, romp through 18th century England, in 5 full-length episodes. Costumes, scenery, etc. are delightful. But it's the not-so-subtle comic acting that keeps this satire / mystery / romance among our favorites.

However, the actors are incorrectly listed in these (and other) blurbs. Tom Jones is played by a young and handsome Max Beesley, Samantha Morton is his love interest (or rather, one of many!). I am a big fan of Ciarin Hinds, and can assure you he is NOT in this "Tom Jones" production. Can only surmise that he is in the production of "Ivanhoe" (which I have not yet seen), and that his and Steven Waddington's names are inadvertently switched with Beesley and Morton of the "Tom Jones" cast.

It is easy to see how such mix-ups occur, as these fine actors are in so many worthwhile British productions. Samantha Morton is also in this version of "Jane Eyre", and so is Ciarin Hinds, along with other PBS/BBC/A&E stars such as Gemma Jones. And the adaptation of "Victoria & Albert" included in this collection draws on more of the same: Victoria Hamilton (Jane Austen's "Mansfield Park"), Sir Peter Ustinov, and Jonathan Firth (younger brother of "Pride & Prejudice" Colin Firth). All sumptuous British productions, with consummate British actors. Nothing but the best!

NOTE: While this A&E collection "Classic Literary Films" includes 'Emma', 'Ivanhoe', 'Jane Eyre', 'Tom Jones' and 'Victoria & Albert', there is another A&E collection called "The Romance Collection" which includes these same 5, plus an additional 3: 'Lorna Doone', 'The Scarlet Pimpernel', and Colin Firth's 'Pride & Prejudice'."