Orson Welles stars in this fine adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s classic novel, but may be too abbreviated for fans of the book. However, what this version offers are fine performances by Welles and Fontaine, but other faces and future faces of Hollywood.
What the back of the box says:
After spending her childhood in an orphanage, young Jane Eyre (Fontaine) becomes governess to the ward of an imposing older man named Edward Rochester (Welles). Ultimately, Jane's gentle influence forces Rochester to drop his foreboding veneer, and he proposes to her. But the discovery that Rochester is already married, and further, that his volatile wife is locked in the attic, prompts Jane to leave as a series of tragic events unfold in this riveting classic that also features Margaret O'Brien.”
When watching a more recent version for miniseries, you realize how much of a Cliff Notes version of Eyre compressing large chunks of text. However, the medium of film is not as forgiving to audiences as does the reading of a book. Hit the high points (or in Jane’s case perhaps the occasional horrible or low notes) and keep the audience interested. So it would be a mistake to try and compare and contrast the book and film since they’re entirely different mediums.
What this film offers is a grand performance from Joan Fontaine, dressing down, in the title role. Welles is Welles and those of us who are Wellesian posers (perhaps in girth only) always enjoy seeing the old boy on screen again. The film almost seems like a Welles directorial effort since we see frequent collaborator John Houseman (who contributed to the screenplay, along with Aldous Huxley and director Stevenson) and Agnes Moorehead as the wicked Aunt Reed (who appeared in many a Welles film).
Biographer Joe McBride notes on his informative commentary that Welles was a secret producer on the film. However, did no directorial duties. The film was directed by Robert Stevenson who would later helm Mary Poppins, a personal favorite, and that makes you almost feel as this film is an anti-Poppins film since Eyre has more of a spoonful of salt instead of sugar in her earlier and later life. Keep on the lookout for one of Welle’s trademark false noses, although how could you miss it. I think that there have been better Mr. Rochesters but one always finds something to enjoy in a Welles performance.
However, those villains are standouts as both Agnes Moorehead and Henry Daniell both chill the blood as the wicked aunt and fiendish schoolmaster (Daniell excels at these types of roles). Also look for an uncredited Elizabeth Taylor in her third film role as the young Jane’s doomed school chum. Mix this all together and top with Bernard Herrmann and you have a confection devoutly to be wished.
Jane Eyre is presented in fullscreen. This edition comes under the “Cinema Classics Collection” and adds a nice roster of special features. As I alluded to earlier, Welles biographer/bon vivant/M&C interviewee Joseph McBride provides an informative commentary with separate contributions from actress Margaret O’Brien (who plays Jane’s young charge). A second commentary includes film historians Nick Redman, Steven Smith, and Julie Kirgo.
A third track features Bernard Herrmann’s grand score and sound effects. The 18 minute featurette “Locked in the Tower: The Men Behind Jane Eyre” examines the making of the film and interviews film historian Scott McIsaac, author/actor Simon Callow (“Orson Welles: Hello Americans”), Hugh Stevenson (son of director Robert Stevenson), Venetia Stevenson (daughter of director Stevenson), Ursula Henderson (widow of director Stevenson), and author Bob Thomas (“Walt Disney: An American Original”). The 42 minute “Know Your Ally Britain” is a World War II propaganda film that Stevenson directed during his time with Frank Capra’s wartime film unit.
There’s also a 2 minute “Restoration Demonstration,” the film’s trailer, and 3 photo galleries (production, storyboard, and posters). The inside of the case contains some production notes and a set of lobby card reproductions.
Though it loses some portions of the novel, Robert Stevenson’s version of Jane Eyre is still entertaining. It features an interesting performance from Orson Welles and an excellent one from Joan Fontaine. Fox loads up the disc with a delightful selection of special features and comes highly recommended.
Jane Eyre is now available at Amazon . As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.
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