Old-Fashioned Charm

Period Films Song Quiz

2012-01-28T07:00:00.001-05:00

The Period Drama Theme Song Quiz in December was so popular I knew another song game was in order! Last time the songs were mostly from BBC period drama miniseries but this time the songs come from TV films, miniseries and movies. Also note that there might be songs from a couple miniseries that were used last time (just different songs).

To Play: Listen to the 20 clips and leave a comment guessing which period films you think the song clips come from (note: you don't have to guess the name of the song, just the film). I'll respond with your score. Guess as many times as you wish.

Scoring: 5 points will be awarded for each correctly guessed period drama so that a total of 100 points can be earned.

I think this quiz might be a bit harder than the first one in some ways but hopefully it will be just as fun. This quiz doesn't have as many breaks as the last one and is longer to fit in all 20 clips.

Enjoy! :)

Very Truly Your's

Bronte Sisters Unscramble Game - Answers!

2012-01-28T01:00:00.001-05:00

These are the answers to the Bronte Sisters Unscramble Game that was posted last week. I know their stories aren't as popular as other classic works but there were a very good number of you who played the game and got right answers!

Here are the answers (and novels characters come from if you're interested):

Female Characters
1. BRAMHGE INLANC - Blanche Ingram (a character in Jane Eyre)
2. HNAHA GELERM - Helen Graham (heroine of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall)
3. AREYS GGNE - Agnes Grey (heroine of Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte)
4. LOWU SCYNE - Lucy Snowe (heroine of Villette)
5. CARNSAINE EERHTHAW - Catherine Earnshaw (heroine of Wuthering Heights)

Male Characters
6. EOCRSD RDWERAHET - Edward Rochester (hero of Jane Eyre)
7. HFHCEATLIF - Heathcliff (from Wuthering Heights)
8. ENTOR LANIDG - Edgar Linton (from Wuthering Heights)
9. SV RSJN ROHTIE - St. John Rivers (from Jane Eyre)
10. RASORDA MICHN - Richard Mason (from Jane Eyre)

Novels
11. NYRE EJAE - Jane Eyre written by Charlotte Bronte
12. WNTSHEIEG HUTGHRI - Wuthering Heights written by Emily Bronte
13. VEETILTL - Villette written by Charlotte Bronte
14. SEYRLHI - Shirley written by Charlotte Bronte
15. LTI TELDEN AO WFANTHEL HLLF - The Tenant of Wildfell Hall written by Anne Bronte

The three Bronte sisters wrote under the pen names Currer, Ellis and Acton Bell when they were younger and a book of their early poetry was published in 1846. Charlotte Bronte wrote Jane Eyre, Shirley, Villette, The Professor and Emma (unfinished) among other Juvenilia works; Emily Bronte wrote Wuthering Heights; Anne Bronte wrote Agnes Grey and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall.

Much thanks to those who played:

Christine & Elsa - 37 points

Livia - 36 points

Melody - 37 points

Sarah Grace - 36 points

birdienl - 32 points

Miss Elizabeth Bennet - 32 points

Sarah - 32 points

Jemimah - 30 points

Miss Dashwood - 29 points

Emily Ruth - 17 points

Charity - 14 points

Ella - 7 points

I've read Jane Eyre and bits of Wuthering Heights and Villette (which I really want to finish some day). I really want to read Agnes Grey and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (which I've heard is much better than the film adaptation). I've seen almost all of the Jane Eyre film adaptations available in the USA, three Wuthering Heights film adaptations and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (1998).

Which of the Bronte sisters' novels have you read?

Have you seen film adaptations of their works?

A Jane Austen Devotional - Review & Giveaway

2012-01-27T00:00:00.002-05:00

Amazon Listing

A few months ago I posted about the impending release of A Jane Austen Devotional (see post with book trailer video here).
Because of the interested in it then and because I'm so delighted with my own copy I knew I had to write this review!

A Jane Austen Devotional

Compiled and Written by Steffany Woolsey

Synopsis: "For decades, the beautiful and classic works of Jane Austen have transported readers to a world of grace, wit and simplicity. In this unique devotional, her writing is newly illuminated by showcasing the biblical insights on living and loving.
More than 100 devotions accompanied by scriptures are paired with excerpts from Austen's best-known novels offering thoughtful reflections and delightful repose. Allow words from Pride and Prejudice to enlighten you on God's unconditional love, and let a selection from Emma encourage you to hope in the Lord.
Through these pages, you can revisit timeless Christian values and reflect once again on the true meaning of love, honor, and godly character. It all begins with a stroll through the garden with Jane Austen." - from back cover jacket

Binding: Although I was expecting a much smaller size, this volumes measures 7.7 x 5.3 inches. The hardcover is dressed in a canvas-like material that features a black and cream toile design with red title on the front and side (the back cover is especially pretty when you take the jacket off!). The 224 pages have a sturdy thickness to them and a clear readable font is used on each page. A cream colored ribbon bookmark makes keeping track of your place very easy.

Content: A well laid out Table of Contents lists each devotional by it's title and give the page numbers. An Introduction from the author mentions the lessons on true love and meaningful character that Jane Austen includes in each of her novels. The reader is encouraged to let the words of Jane Austen inspire you to meditate on God's Word and shape your own character. The devotionals fill up pages 2 to 209, each devotional is on two facing pages with the title of each devotional in larger letters. At the back of the books is a short biography of Jane Austen which especially mentions her own religious beliefs and to the "frequent - if subtle - allusions to her Christian faith and church up-bringing" in her novels. A Timeline of Miss Austen's major novels is listed. The book begins and ends with two of Jane Austen's Evening Prayers which she wrote as a young woman.

Devotionals: There are 104 devotionals in all (I counted!). Each devotional begins by quoting a good sized portion from one of Jane Austen's six major novels: Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Persuasion and Northanger Abbey. The devotional thought is on the facing page and is followed by a very of scripture. The devotional thoughts either contrast the mistakes made by Jane Austen's characters with scripture or praise the characters for following Christ's example to us. Scriptures are mentioned and usually quoted in each devotional thought and scripture references are given for further reading. Scripture passages quote in A Jane Austen Devotional are taken mostly from the English Standard Version of the Bible but other versions are used such as King James Version, New International Version and The Living Bible.

My Thoughts: I highly recommend this book! I was so excited when I heard this devotional was coming out and I was not disappointed! This is a very beautiful volume! Author Steffany Woolsey did a lovely job in her selecting the passages from Jane Austen's novels. Most quotes will be familiar to those who have read the novels, but even if you haven't read the novels the devotional thoughts Ms. Woolsey has written usually begin by summarizing what is happening in that particular scene. I haven't read all of the devotionals yet, but I've really enjoyed and been challenged spiritually by the ones I have read. Each devotional has the sweet mixture of quotes from Jane Austen's witty works and spiritual truths that are given clearly and in a way that inspires the reader to live according to God's Word. I love that the devotionals are short enough to read before bed or on a lunch break but long enough to give the reader a chance to pause for a peaceful moment's reflection.

Now, what you've all been waiting for!

Because I'm enjoying this book so much I am pleased to giveaway one copy of A Jane Austen Devotional to one luck reader!

Mandatory To Enter:

-Leave me a comment and tell me which Jane Austen character you think would be most interested in this book. (1 entry)

For extra chances to win:

-Post about this giveaway on your blog and comment with the link to your post. (1 extra entry)

-Put this giveaway button on your blog and leave the link to your blog. (1 extra entry)

Very Truly Your's,

Announcing: Charles Dickens Birthday Week!

2012-01-25T02:30:00.003-05:00

Author Charles Dickens was born February 7, 1812 and is one of the best loved writers in classic literature. This year marks the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens's birth. In honor of this event I'm hosting a Charles Dickens Birthday Week here at Old-Fashioned Charm from February 5-11.

The posts each day will include games, tag questions to answer, giveaways, reviews, guest posts and other delightful Dickensian things to read! I hope all of you will join me in celebrating the life and works of Mr. Dickens!

Birthday Week Posting Schedule

(Watch this spot - Specifics and Links to be Announced)

Sunday 5th: Charles Dickens Game

Monday 6th: Guest Post

Tuesday 7th: Charles Dickens's Birthday Post & Guest Post

Wednesday 8th: Guest Post

Thursday 9th: A Post By Me

Friday 10th: Guest Post

Saturday 11th: Charles Dickens Giveaway

Join In The Fun:
During this week I encourage you to post about Charles Dickens on your own blog. Tell about your favorite Dickens novel, share favorite moments from a Dickens film adaptation, write about a favorite Dickensian character, pen a birthday letter or poem to Mr. Dickens, or make some fan art with screencaps and quotes. If you post something related to Charles Dickens life or works be sure to let me know!

Want to tell others about this Charles Dickens Birthday Week? Use one of the buttons below.

Also feel free to use these buttons when you post anything related to Charles Dickens during his birthday week or when you post your answers to the tag questions!

Buttons:

Banners:

An Event and Some Voting

2012-01-23T17:09:00.000-05:00

Miss Elizabeth Bennet is hosting a Period Drama Advice Event at Elegance of Fashion! The event officially starts February 13th but Miss Elizabeth is already posting interesting tips for writing response letters in the style of period drama characters.

My Heigh-ho/P&P button has made it into the finalist in the Period Drama Button Contest at Yet Another Period Drama Blog. There are twelve finalist in all so I encourage all of you and vote for your favorites! ;)

Hope you're having a good day!

Bronte Sisters Unscramble Game

2012-01-21T08:00:00.001-05:00

This game was a suggestion from Livia of Rose Petals and Fairy Dust. Thank you, this was a wonderful idea!

The Bronte family was very talented in writing, painting and many other creative pursuits. It was their brother Bramwell who painted this portrait of the three literary sisters Anne, Emily and Charlotte Bronte.

To Play: Each of the 15 puzzles below contain names of characters and novels written by the Bronte sisters. Try to unscramble the words and put your answers in a comment. I'll respond with your score. Guess as many times as you wish!

Points: One point for each correctly unscrambled word / name for a total of 32 points. For 5 extra points name which sister wrote each of the five novels listed!

Female Characters
1. BRAMHGE INLANC (2 names)
2. HNAHA GELERM (2 names)
3. AREYS GGNE (2 names)
4. LOWU SCYNE (2 names)
5. CARNSAINE EERHTHAW (2 names)

Male Characters
6. EOCRSD RDWERAHET (2 names)
7. HFHCEATLIF
8. ENTOR LANIDG (2 names)
9. SV RSJN ROHTIE (3 words)
10. RASORDA MICHN (2 names)

Novels
11. NYRE EJAE (2 words)
12. WNTSHEIEG HUTGHRI (2 words)
13. VEETILTL (1 words)
14. SEYRLHI (1 words)
15. LTI TELDEN AO WFANTHEL HLLF (5 words)

The answers will be posted next week!

Period Film Quotes Game - Answers!

2012-01-21T03:30:00.000-05:00

These are the answers to the Period Film Quotes Game which I posted last weekend.

Many thanks to everyone who play and guessed the films and characters! Sorry it was a bit tricky compared to the last quotes game but I'm glad you all seemed to enjoy it just the same! :)

First things first, the answer to the Bonus question "which Jane Austen adaptation film set the photo above comes from" is Mansfield Park (2007). One big hint is the appearance of the harp (not sure why there's two harps there), which doesn't feature in many other adaptations. Also in the film Lady Bertram lounges on that sofa with her pug.

Now the answers to the quotes!

(High scores are at the bottom.)

_________________________________________________

Quote #1

Lucy Steele: Anne? What have you done?

Anne "Nancy" Steele: I'm sorry! It just popped out!

Film: Sense and Sensibility (2008)

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Quote #2

Citizen Chevalian: We shall execute our king instead, sir, and exalt our tailors.

Sir Percy Blakeney: More's the pity. Then your tailors will rule the land, and no one will make the clothes. So much for French fashion, and French politics.

Film: The Scarlet Pimpernel (1982)

_________________________________________________

Quote #3

Mr. John Jarndyce: You can love each other very well - from a distance.

Film: Bleak House (2005), said to Richard Carstone and Ada Clare

_________________________________________________

Quote #4

Thomas Brown: I assure you Margaret there is no cause for alarm. It is merely that my congested condition rendered the taking of a breath through my nose an impossibility since at the time I was also unable to breath through my mouth.

Margaret Brown: I am so sorry!

Thomas Brown: The sensation, I must report, was far from unpleasant, though the bump on my head does throb rather.

Film: Lark Rise to Candleford, Season 3, Episode 3
Said after a very nasal congested Thomas fainted while Margaret was kissing him!

_________________________________________________

Quote #5

Mr. Henry Tilney: Now I must give you one smirk, then we can be rational again.

Film: Northanger Abbey (2007)
Said to Catherine Morland by Henry Tilney, the king of smirks!

_________________________________________________

Quote #6

King George V: In the past all a King had to do was look respectable in uniform and not fall off his horse. Now we must invade people's homes and ingratiate ourselves with them. This family is reduced to those lowest, basest of all creatures, we've become actors!

Film: The King's Speech (2010)

_________________________________________________

Quote #7

Professor Kirke: You seem to have upset the delicate internal balance of my housekeeper.

Peter Pevensie: We're very sorry, sir, it won't happen again.

Susan Pevensie: It's our sister, sir. Lucy

Professor Kirke: The weeping girl?

Susan Pevensie: Yes, sir. She's upset.

Professor Kirke: Hence the weeping.

Film - Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (2005)

_________________________________________________

Quote #8

Sir Walter Elliot: I must say, though, the worst of Bath is the number of plain women. I frequently observe that one pretty face would be followed by five and thirty frights.

Film: Persuasion (2007), but said in the book and other adaptations.

_________________________________________________

Quote #9

Mrs. Hannah Thornton: A mother's love holds fast and forever. A girl's love is like a puff of smoke - it changes with every wind.

Film: North and South (2004)
Said to Mr. John Thornton by his mother after his proposal is refused by a certain young lady.

_________________________________________________

Quote #10

Colin Craven: Hair is dead.

Mary Lennox: If it's dead, why does it keep growing all the time, even after you're dead? Well, maybe not your hair. You'll probably be bald.

Colin Craven: Don't be daft. I'll die before I'm ever old enough to go bald.

Mary Lennox: I hate the way you talk about dying.

Colin Craven: Everyone thinks I'm going to die.

Mary Lennox: If everyone thought that about me, I still wouldn't do it.

Film: The Secret Garden (1993)

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Quote #11

Mrs. Austen: Affection is desirable. Money is absolutely indispensable!

Film: Becoming Jane (2005)
Sounds rather like Mrs. Bennet doesn't it? Thankfully Jane Austen's real mother was more like Fanny Price than Mrs. Bennet!

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Quote #12

Aunt Betsy Trotwood: Let me see you ride a donkey over my green again, and I'll knock your bonnet off. And tread upon it!

Film: David Copperfield (1999)

_________________________________________________

Quote #13

Mr. Edward Rochester: I knew you would do me good in some way. I saw it in your eyes when I first beheld you.

Film: Jane Eyre (2011), but said in the book and other adaptations.

_________________________________________________

Quote #14

Don Pedro: I shall see thee, ere I die, look pale with love.

Benedick: With anger, with sickness, or with hunger, my lord. Not with love.

Film: Much Ado About Nothing (1994)

_________________________________________________

Quote #15

Mr. Nicodemus Boffin: I already have in my employ a literary man with a wooden leg.

Film: Our Mutual Friend (1998)

_________________________________________________

Quote #16

Lady Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham: Oh my dears. Is it really true? I can't believe it. Last night he looked so well. Of course it would happen to a foreigner. It's typical.

Lady Mary Crawley: Don't be ridiculous.

Lady Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham: I'm not being ridiculous. No Englishman would dream of dying in someone else's house - especially somebody they didn't even know.

Film: Downton Abbey, Season 1, Episode 3

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Player Scores:
Abby - 35 points
Miss Elizabeth Bennet - 33 points
Miss Dashwood - 30 points
Livia - 23 points
Melody - 22 points
Stephanie - 19 points
Tillie - 17 points
Bea - 14 points
Anne-girl - 13 points
Emily - 12 points
Emily Ruth - 11 points
Emma - 11 points
Sarah Grace - 11 points
Charity U - 8 points
Ella - 5 points
Julia - 5 points
Naomi - 5 points
Eva-Joy - 3 points
Jemimah & Sarah - thanks for your guesses on the photos!

Thanks for playing everyone and making this game a huge success! :)

Three Emmas in Four Days!

2012-01-20T07:00:00.001-05:00

Recently my sister Bea finished reading Jane Austen's Emma for school. We were both excited about this particularly because it not only marks the second Jane Austen novel she's read but also because I promised her we could watch any Emma film adaptations she wanted to after she finished the book.
Well, we ended up watching three adaptations of Emma in four nights this past week! We had so much fun comparing Emma (1996), Emma (1997) and Emma (2009)! We did watch a few of the ending scenes from Emma (1972) but decided to forgo watching watching it all the way through.

Now Bea and I would like to share with you thoughts on our favorites actor portrayals and talk about which is our favorite adaptation and why.

So here are our favorites (with lots of photos of course!):

Our Favorite Actor Portrayals:

Mrs. Weston

Bea's Favorite: Jodhi May (2009) She was playful enough with Emma, sensible, but not extravagant. Just like she should be.

Miss Laurie's Favorite: Jodhi May (2009). It used to be just by default because I wasn't too keen on the other actresses who portrayed her. But on this recent viewing I found her portrayal kind, genteel, sensible but she also plays along with Emma's silliness.

Mr. Weston

Bea's Favorite: My picture of Mr. Weston always was friendly and outgoing, rich, but simple and that's how Robert Bathurst played him.

Miss Laurie's Favorite: Robert Bathurst sort of by default because other portrayals don't really capture Mr. Weston. But I found that his portrayal is kind, generous and concerned that people will like his son Frank.

Harriet Smith

Bea's Favorite: Samantha Morton (1997) does it best! She has the right looks, pretty, petite and mouse-like. I also liked how Louise Dylan played her.

Miss Laurie's Favorite: Samantha Morton! She is sweet, pretty, gentle, truly admires Mr. Knightley and looks to Emma for guidance. Louise Dylan was alright but I found her Harriet a bit flighty.

Robert Martin

Bea's Favorite: Jefferson Hall (2009) He's simple but friendly and good looking enough to suit Harriet. I love how they show him asking Mr. Knightley for his "approval".

Miss Laurie's Favorite: Jefferson Hall (2009). Good natured and kind, truly attached to Harriet and you feel very sorry for him being refused.

Mr. Elton

Bea's Favorite: Blake Ritson fits the look of Mr. Elton, but I like how Alan Cumming played him. My favorite part is when Blake Ritson was keeping time with the music during the ball scenes by bouncing up and down ever so slightly.

Miss Laurie's Favorite: Blake Ritson (2009) plays him very pompous, slimy, a bit funny and so full of himself! I also liked Alan Cumming (1996) who added a lot of comedy to the character, especially at the Weston's Christmas party!

Mrs. Elton

Bea's Favorite: Christina Cole is exactly how I see Mrs. E.

Miss Laurie's Favorite: I liked that Christina Cole is younger and shows a more youthful Mrs. Elton. But I really liked how Juliet Stevenson (1996) played her as very chatty and pretentious with more lines coming from the book.

Miss Bates

Bea's Favorite: I liked them all, Tamsin Greig looked right to me, I liked how Sophie Thompson played her, but I also liked how Prunella Scales "rambled" on and on. =)

Miss Laurie's Favorite: I like most of them but Sophie Thompson's Miss Bates is comical, chatters on, is a bit silly and has the right age and looks in the 1996 adaptation.

Mrs. Bates

Bea's Favorite: Valerie Lilley - quiet. I don't think Jane Austen had her saying or doing anything besides snoozing. But I liked at the end of Emma (2009) where she says something about little Anna Weston. =)

Miss Laurie's Favorite: The 2009 version for me is perfect. I love how she's quiet through most of it and then surprises her daughter by opening up at the end.

Isabella Knightley

Bea's Favorite: Poppy Miller did it for me. She actually had lines! She definitely seems like a mother but also elegant.

Miss Laurie's Favorite: Poppy Miller in the 2009 version is sweet, kind and a good wife and mother.

John Knightley

Bea's Favorite: Dan Fredenburgh was my favorite John Knightley. I loved how he was more part of the story like he was in the book.

Miss Laurie's Favorite: I really enjoy Guy Henry's dry wit and teasing in the 1997 version the best but also really like how Dan Fredenburgh in 2009 was given a lot more lines and just seemed more fatherly and more like he was Mr. Knightley's brother.

Jane Fairfax

Bea's Favorite: Laura Pyper IS Jane Fairfax. She's sweet and plays the part perfectly (she's also not too old).

Miss Laurie's Favorite: To me Laura Pyper (2009) is perfect! So sweet, pretty, elegant, sorry for the necessity of keeping secrets, and she just looks like Jane Fairfax! :)

Frank Churchill

Bea's Favorite: Rupert Evans (Rupert indeed! I detest that name!) is fun and attractive like Frank should be. He also plays good irritable scenes. =P Although I used to like Raymond Coulthard and he's actually the mental picture I saw of Frank while reading the book.

Miss Laurie's Favorite: Rupert Evans (2009)!! I love that he's young, friendly, open and flirtatious with Emma, goes riding round the countryside and plays the moody scenes very well!

Mr. Woodhouse

Bea's Favorite: Michael Gambon (2009) He worries, but he's not overly protective. It seems to me other Mr. Woodhouse's are played kind of "sickly" but Michael Gambon plays him perfectly.

Miss Laurie's Favorite: While I greatly admire Sir Michael Gambon and like his preformance as Mr. Woodhouse a bit more each time I watch the 2009 adaptation, I still find something wanting. My favorite is Bernard Hepton in the 1997 version because he has more lines from the book and seems truly concerned for everyone's well being.

Emma Woodhouse

Bea's Favorite: Kate Beckinsale reminds me a lot of Miss Laurie at times. Eye colors, hair color, shape of the nose...oh and the teeth. I do think she played the part well, but! I also must say, so does Romola Garai! I like her interpretation of Emma best I think.

Miss Laurie's Favorite: Ramola Garai's portrayal is my favorite and I like her more and more each time I watch the 2009 adaptation. She's youthful, fun loving, can be a bit annoying like Emma in the book but is also very kindhearted.

Mr. Knightley

Bea's Favorite: Jonny Lee Miller all.the.way! He's perfect! He is Mr. Knightley to a T!

Miss Laurie's Favorite: Johnny Lee Miller, how did he do it??? Every look, every comment, every move IS Mr. Knightley! He's the perfect older brother figure, kind, perceptive, corrects Emma gently but firmly. Every time I watch the 2009 adaptation I find myself learning something new about his gentlemanly character!

Our Favorite Adaptation:

Bea's Favorite: EMMA 2009!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *ahem*

Emma 2009 was my favorite of the three. I'll tell you why:

Best cast. Best Mr. Knightley. ever.

Best Hartfield & Donwell.

Best proposal scene. Best clothes!!

The scene's are just...right.

Oh, and I love how it starts out with little Frank, Jane and Emma.

And the dances are wonderful! Especially Ship's Cook!

Miss Laurie's Favorite: While I enjoy the other adaptations, Emma (2009) has been my favorite since the first time I watched it! It is playful, witty, filled with very sweet and delightful moments all while staying true to the book. I also love how much historical information is hidden in it with regards to social etiquette - little tidbits about traveling, dancing & balls, music, fashion, eating, decorating, country houses and so many other Regency things! The world portrayed in it is everything I enjoy reading about in Jane Austen's novels.
So delightful!

My sister Bea posts about her photography, crafts, baking and other musings at her blog Captured Thoughts. She is currently participating in a Project 365 - posting a photo each day this year!
Thank you for joining me in this post Bea! It's been so much fun watching and talking about Emma!

Now we want to hear from you!

Who are your favorite actors in the roles and why?

Which Emma adaptation is your favorite and why?

Miss Dashwood's Period Drama Button Contest

2012-01-19T19:13:00.000-05:00

Miss Dashwood at Yet Another Period Drama Blog has a fun Period Drama Button Contest going on for lovers of period dramas and witty sayings.

These are my entries for the contest. Hope you enjoy and are inspired to join in the fun!

(Click banners for larger image)

Photo: Actor Rupert Evans as Mr. Frank Churchill in Emma (2009)

Caption: Quote from Isabella Thorpe, Chapter 3 of Northanger Abbey (one of my favorites!)

Photo: Bennet ladies from Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Caption: Beatrice from Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing

Photo: Anne & Captain Wentworth after Louisa's fall in Persuasion (1995)

Caption: Mr. Knightley in Jane Austen's Emma

Photo: Mr. Rochester hurries Jane to the altar, Jane Eyre (2006)

Caption: Song Get Me To The Church On Time from My Fair Lady

Photo: Actor David Bamber as Mr. Collins, Pride and Prejudice (1995)

Caption: Said by Ruby to her sister Pearl in Lark Rise to Candleford, Christmas episode

Miss Dashwood, thank you for hosting this contest! It was so much fun seeing other people's entries and making my own buttons!

"More Worthy of Him"

2012-01-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

"What had she to wish for? Nothing, but to grow more worthy of him, whose intentions and judgment had been ever so superior to her own. Nothing but that the lessons of her past folly might teach her humility and circumspection in the future”
- Jane Austen, Emma, Vol. III, Ch. XVIII

I recently re-encountered this quote and was thinking how amazingly poignant it is. Mistakes and follies are part of each person's life but if we accept our mistakes and grow from them we will learn to be more humble, circumspect and wise.
In the life of the Christian we are striving to "grow more worthy" of Him who has called us, the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior. These words from the an old hymn come to mind:

More like the Master I would ever be,
More of His meekness, more humility;
More zeal to labor, more courage to be true,
More consecration for work He bids me do.
- Charles H. Gabriel

My sister Bea has just finished reading Jane Austen's Emma today. Now we have plans to watch all of the Emma adaptations and decided which is out favorite!

Tonight we re-watched Emma (1997) starring Kate Beckinsale and Mark Strong. This is an old favorite, I've watched it so many times with my family that I can quote it and hear the actor's voice in my head whenever I read certain lines from the book. It might not be the most accurate or best cast but it's the first Emma adaptation I saw and will always hold special memories. My favorite scene is still the ball in Highbury, it contains some of the best English Country Dancing I've seen in period dramas (with very catchy tunes!) and has the wonderful quote "Brother and sister? No indeed."

I pray you all had a blessed Sunday and that your week starts well!

Have you seen Emma (1997) before?

Do you have a favorite scene or actor/character?

Period Film Quotes Game

2012-01-14T08:00:00.001-05:00

The last quotes game I posted was quite popular so I decided to make another.

To Play: For each quote guess the character(s) speaking, film it comes from and (on some) guess the missing name or word. Put your guesses in a comment and I'll respond with your total score. You may guess as many times as you wish.

Points: Each correct guess is worth one point. The total number of points to be earned if all your guesses are correct is 45 points (or 50 points if you get the bonus).

Bonus: For 5 extra points, guess which Jane Austen adaptation film set the photo above comes from.

_________________________________________________

Quote #1

Character 1: [name]? What have you done?

Character 2: I'm sorry! It just popped out!

_________________________________________________

Quote #2

Character 1: We shall execute our king instead, sir, and exalt our tailors.

Character 2: More's the pity. Then your tailors will rule the land, and no one will make the clothes. So much for [nationality] fashion, and [nationality] politics.

_________________________________________________

Quote #3

Character 1: You can love each other very well - from a distance.

_________________________________________________

Quote #4

Character 1: I assure you [name] there is no cause for alarm. It is merely that my congested condition rendered the taking of a breath through my nose an impossibility since at the time I was also unable to breath through my mouth.

Character 2: I am so sorry!

Character 1: The sensation, I must report, was far from unpleasant, though the bump on my head does throb rather.

_________________________________________________

Quote #5

Character 1: Now I must give you one smirk, then we can be rational again.

_________________________________________________

Quote #6

Character 1: In the past all a King had to do was look respectable in uniform and not fall off his horse. Now we must invade people's homes and ingratiate ourselves with them. This family is reduced to those lowest, basest of all creatures, we've become actors!

_________________________________________________

Quote #7

Character 1: You seem to have upset the delicate internal balance of my housekeeper.

Character 2: We're very sorry, sir, it won't happen again.

Character 3: It's our sister, sir. [name].

Character 1: The weeping girl?

Character 3: Yes, sir. She's upset.

Character 1: Hence the weeping.

_________________________________________________

Quote #8

Character 1: I must say, though, the worst of [place] is the number of plain women. I frequently observe that one pretty face would be followed by five and thirty frights.

_________________________________________________

Quote #9

Character 1: A mother's love holds fast and forever. A girl's love is like a puff of smoke - it changes with every wind.

_________________________________________________

Quote #10

Character 1: Hair is dead.

Character 2: If it's dead, why does it keep growing all the time, even after you're dead? Well, maybe not your hair. You'll probably be bald.

Character 1: Don't be daft. I'll die before I'm ever old enough to go bald.

Character 2: I hate the way you talk about dying.

Character 1: Everyone thinks I'm going to die.

Character 2: If everyone thought that about me, I still wouldn't do it.

_________________________________________________

Quote #11

Character 1: Affection is desirable. Money is absolutely indispensable!

_________________________________________________

Quote #12

Character 1: Let me see you ride a donkey over my green again, and I'll knock your bonnet off. And tread upon it!

_________________________________________________

Quote #13

Character 1: I knew you would do me good in some way. I saw it in your eyes when I first beheld you.

_________________________________________________

Quote #14

Character 1: I shall see thee, ere I die, look pale with love.

Character 2: With anger, with sickness, or with hunger, my lord. Not with love.

_________________________________________________

Quote #15

Character 1: I already have in my employ a literary man with a wooden leg.

_________________________________________________

Quote #16

Character 1: Oh my dears. Is it really true? I can't believe it. Last night he looked so well. Of course it would happen to a foreigner. It's typical.

Character 2: Don't be ridiculous.

Character 1: I'm not being ridiculous. No Englishman would dream of dying in someone else's house - especially somebody they didn't even know.

_________________________________________________

I'll post the answers next week. Happy guessing! :)

Elizabeth Gaskell Unscramble Puzzles - Answers!

2012-01-14T06:00:00.001-05:00

These are the answers to the Elizabeth Gaskell Unscramble Puzzles that I posted last week.

A few questions arose among those who played the game.

The script for the Cranford (2006) BBC series was made up of stories from three stories: Cranford, My Lady Ludlow and Mr Harrison's Confessions.

Frank is the first name given Dr. Harrison in the Cranford (2006) but it seems in Mr Harrison's Confessions that his name was actually William "Will". Sophy Hutton is Dr. Harrison's love interest in the book as well. Dr. Morgan is also present and he replaces Cranford's Dr. Hoggins in Cranford (2006).

Harry Gregson is a character in My Lady Ludlow. Most of the other names stayed the same except for Mr. Carter replaces Mr. Horner of the original work.

A big thank you for everyone who played and discussed Mrs. Gaskell's novels. I've only read a bit of her work but want to read more because her style is entertaining like Jane Austen but filled with great social interests like Charles Dickens.

Female Characters
1. METALARG HEAR - Margaret Hale
2. ISMOL GLYONB - Molly Gibson
3. TYSS MKYAT JMIENNS - Miss Matty Jenkyns
4. SYUTT HOPHON - Sophy Hutton
5. CHKPAIA KRICYNTIRTK - Cynthia Kirkpatrick

Male Characters
6. HIGASOL NICHGINS - Nicholas Higgins
7. RMEYL HAOGER - Roger Hamley
8. DI FSONR HARKARNR - Dr. Frank Harrison
9. ORHN TTONHJON - John Thornton
10. HRRSY GGONARE - Harry Gregson

Novels
11. MU WAYO LDYLDL - My Lady Ludlow
12. WSAUG ARS IDEVEHTND - Wives and Daughters
13. RDNFCRAO - Cranford
14. MONT BARARY - Mary Barton
15. NDUTH ORT SOANH - North and South

Players Scores:

Christine - 15

Gracie - 15

Melody - 15

Miss Dashwood - 15

birdienl - 14

Sarah Grace of In His Wings - 14

Miss Elizabeth - 13

Livia - 10

Stephanie - 9

Ella - 8

Jemimah - 8

Naomi - 8

While searching for information for this post I found a few site of interest:

Have you seen all of lovely film adaptations of Elizabeth Gaskell's novels?
Which of Mrs. Gaskell's works have you read or plan to read?

I've read North and South and bits of Wives and Daughters, Cranford and Mr. Harrison's Confessions.

BBC Great Expectations (2011)

2012-01-13T10:44:00.002-05:00

The new TV adaptation of Great Expectations (2011) aired on the BBC in three consecutive days just after Christmas. There was a lot of hype about this film and it seems to have been received with mixed feelings and has even become a bit of controversy.

A British YouTube user posted the miniseries on their channel and this is how I've been able to watch it and review it so quickly. I know several of my readers are looking forward to this adaptation so my hope is that this review will give you some idea whether you want to see it when it airs on PBS in April.

Not having read the book (but I hope to later this year) I have little to compare it with. I have watched and reviewed two other adaptations, Great Expectations (1981) and Great Expectations (1999), which will be referenced in this film review.

Oscar Kennedy as Young Pip & Ray Winstone as Abel Magwitch

Plot: When the story begins Philip Pirrip "Pip" is an orphan being raised by his cantankerous sister and her mild-tempered blacksmith husband Joe Gargery. Visiting his parent's graves one dreary day Pip is jumped by escaped convict Abel Magwitch who instructs Pip, on pain of death, to bring him a file to loose his shackles. Afraid for his life Pip steals a file from Joe's forge and out of the kindness of his heart steals a piece of mutton pie for the starving convict. Touch by Pip's kindness Magwitch later covers for Pip and tells the authorities he took the file and pie. Shortly after this incident Pip is invited to visit rich Miss Havisham of Satis House to "play" with her young adopted daughter Estella. It later proves that Miss Havisham was deserted by her fiance on her wedding day and has been teaching Estella how to get back at men and Pip has just been an experiment for their cruelty. Pip has grown more genteel during his visits to Satis House and is quite disappointed when Miss Havisham pays for him to be apprenticed to Joe, thus confining him to the hard life of a blacksmith.
About ten years later Pip is called to Satis house again and falls for the beautiful grownup Estella at first sight. Soon after the lawyer Mr. Jaggers delivers the news that an unknown benefactor has provided for Pip to be made a "gentleman of great expectations" with the proviso that he live in London and not make inquiries into who his benefactor's identity. But Pip is convinced that Miss Havisham has provided for him to become a gentleman and means for him to marry Estella. Pip goes to London where he is trained as a gentleman and squanders his generous monthly allowance on trying to look like the rich people he meets. In London Pip sees quite a bit of Estella and falls in love with her and she begins to soften a bit but the attentions of rich scoundrel Mr. Bentley Drummle make Pip anxious. As Estella's mysterious past begins to unravel Pip's unknown benefactor also comes to light but the truth may put the two young people in danger.

Gillian Anderson as Miss Havisham

Script: This adaptation is very fleshed out and I'm not sure exactly how much of Charles Dickens' original dialog is present. On the other hand this adaptation helped me to understand the story better than I ever have before. It catches the spirit and truth of the story and brings out the interest of the story. There were some scenes left out which I had come to expect from watching other adaptations, in particular the tar water in the brandy scene and the "aged parent" scene were missing. Also a few characters, such as Pip's friend Betsey, were missing. But there were other funny scenes that brought much interest to this version (such as scenes in Mr. Jagger's office and Herbert Pocket teaching Pip to dance, both in episode two).

Pip's home and the forge

Scenes: Every scene is filled with great interest and beautiful cinematography. There's the bleak, muddy, rugged bareness of Pip's childhood home; the creepy, decaying grandness of Satis House; and the elegant drawing rooms of London. Wonderful details and props fill each scene with interesting things to look at. I was particularly interested in Pip's London lodgings because inside and out they reminded me of the Mashalsea Prison from Little Dorrit (2009). Some of the beginning scenes are dark and bleak but the scenes get much brighter and richer as the film progresses.

Costumes: The textures and colors of each character's clothing matches their personality and situation in life. Since the story spans some 8-12 years the styles, especially of the ladies' dresses, seem to be in keeping with the passing years. Miss Havisham's empire-waist wedding gown shows that she was a bride of the Regency era but gowns worn by Estella, and other ladies, show the waistlines have dropped slightly. Many of Estella's gowns were lovely but a few of them showed bare shoulders and seemed almost ready to fall off (but were not low cut). Pip's new fashionable clothes are very elegant and in rich tones. His clothing is used to show how much he changes as it progressively gets fancier and more expensive looking. He also on occasion wears almost identical jackets (photos above) as Mr. Bentley Drummle, showing that Pip is trying to emulate him.

Music: The original music in Great Expectations (2011) was composed by Martin Phipps whose other work you might have heard in North & South (2006), Ruby in the Smoke (2006), Persuasion (2007), Oliver Twist (2007) or Sense and Sensibility (2008). The music throughout is very touching and speaks beautifully of the hope, expectations, despair and joy in the story itself. Estella plays a couple pretty pieces on the piano and there are a few lovely Waltzes danced. The theme songs are quite catchy and have been running through my head lately.

Great Expectations 2011 ThemesThis music video made by me contains the Opening titles music, end theme from episode one and beginning theme from episode two. The photos during the first half were not mine, the other screencaps I made from episode one and two. I would have added more photos and music but the film has recently been taken down from the YouTube channel.
Now for Actors, Quotes, Thoughts and Recommendations!

Actors In Their Roles: The amazing cast of talented actors is what really drew me to this adaptation and I was by no means disappointed! Let me mention a few of them.

Gillian Anderson as Miss Havisham - Having been blown away by Ms. Anderson as Lady Dedlock in Bleak House (2005) I looked forward to her taking on the role of the bitter Miss Havisham. She made the character a bit more approachable and vulnerable than other actresses I'd seen in the role. Miss Havisham's real motives and revengeful nature are made clear early on in Episode one and as the story progresses she becomes whinny and agitated when she doesn't hear of Estella's conquests or when something happens which she does not like. She ends up seeming quite insecure and a bit depressed by the end of the film, I like Ms. Anderson but I'm not quite sure if I liked the way this adaptation played out her story.
David Suchet as Mr. Jaggers - Jaggers is a stern lawyer who acts for Miss Havisham's interests and, coincidentally, those of Pip's benefactor. He is straight business and rather unfeeling to the many people who apply for his help. His story is a bit different in the end that he does seems to show some tenderness which I don't remember seeing in other adaptations. David Suchet is probably by favorite actor so I always look forward to seeing his prodigiously talented roles. The stern and straight-forward voice and character he donned quite surprised me at first but was completely Jaggers to me. There's one delightful scene at the beginning of Episode two that features Jaggers having a hasty lunch break at his office which results in some genius and slightly comical scrubbings and looks in the mirror. I loved Mr. Suchet in this role!
Douglas Booth as Pip - Pip is rather a young and unwise character who grows from his experiences but my viewings of other adaptations (particularly Ioan Gruffudd as Pip in the 1999 film) had made me rather dissatisfied with the character. Not being very familiar with actor Douglas Booth I wasn't quite sure what to expect but on the whole I found this version of Pip more likable. Because Douglas Booth is younger he gives the character a feeling of this being a young man who is making great mistakes but he still has a good heart that is devoted to his true friends. Overall I liked him very well.
Vanessa Kirby as Estella - Again from my experiences with other adaptations I didn't have a very good opinion of Estella, she seemed rather an anti-heroine. But in this film there is a change in her character towards the end of the film and she too learns from her mistakes. Vanessa Kirby brings makes Estella into a capable young woman who is growing increasingly tired of manipulation and restraint and sees in Pip kindness and friendship. I liked the Estella a lot better in this film and look forward to reading the book and finding out more about her character.
Harry Lloyd as Herbert Pocket - Herbert is one character that I've always liked in the various adaptations I've seen. He's a true kindhearted friend to Pip and helps him when he needs it most. My blogging friend Mel is a huge fan of actor Harry Lloyd so I was looking forward to seeing how well her favorite acted in this role. I have to say I absolutely loved Harry Lloyd in this role, he is charming, witty, positive spirited and plays a wonderful friend for Pip! Some of the best scenes feature him, one in particular where with good humor he lets Pip step on his toes while teaching him to dance - a very funny scene!
Shaun Dooley as Joe Gargery - Joe is another favorite character from other adaptations, he's like a father to Pip and a very kind and forgiving friend. Shaun Dooley's performance made the character much more of a father and a bit stronger and less good-humored than other adaptations but he was alright.
Ray Winstone as Able Magwitch - Magwitch is the escaped convict who young Pip helps and he shows up later in the story. I'd seen Ray Winstone play a few rough character roles before and this role was also very well done. Magwitch is a rough criminal who does have a bit of a softer side to him and this actor played him very well I thought. Also kudos to Mr. Winstone for rolling about in water and mud with bare feet for most of his scenes - some of the water scenes looked very cold!
Tom Burke as Bentley Drummle - Drummle is a rich society man who Pip tries to emulate in fashion. He is a black-hearted scoundrel who takes what he wants and cares very little for other people. He teases Pip calling him "Pippity Pip" and "Pippy" and tries to steal Estella's attentions away from him as well. Tom Burke played this villain so convincingly that I wanted to reach in and the screen and hit him almost every time he swaggered into view!

Harry Lloyd as Herbert Pocket

Quotes:

"If you can’t beat a boy at Christmas, when can you beat him?" - Mr. Pumblechook
"Imagine what a world is out there for someone different and extraordinary." - Miss Havisham
"It is the ghost of a wedding cake and I am the ghost of a bride. Time stands still and yet everything turns to dust." - Miss Havisham
"I do not want to know the truth, the law does not require it." - Mr. Jaggers
"Everyone is meant to love me. But I don’t love back. I do not have a heart." - Estella Havisham
"We will see this through together but see it through, we must." - Herbert Pocket

Miss Havisham: What is beauty?

Estella: A destroyer.

Miss Havisham: What is happiness?

Estella: A deception.

Miss Havisham: What is love?

Estella: Death.

-Episode 1

David Suchet as Mr. Jaggers

My Thoughts:
The bad - Even though this adaptation was shown in three parts I found that it moved rather quickly. It seems to have cut out a lot of the original novel and focused more on the overall theme of the story. There also seems to be essential characters and subplots that were left out. Very little time is spent getting to know some of the characters like Jaggers' clerk Wemmick or Herbert Pocket and his fiancee Clara. I suspect there are also a few scenes that have been added (especially between Estella and Pip) that would not be found in Mr. Dickens' original work. Also there's a lack of Dickensian sounding dialog in this film, there's more of a modern/updated feel to the words coming from the character's mouths.
The good - As I've said earlier I had a hard time really understanding the characters and storyline in other adaptations, but this adaptation brings the essential plot points to light and fleshes out the characters a bit more. Many of the characters are more likable as well, particularly the hero Pip and his love interest Estella which seems to me a very important point. Also this film seems to have more twists and turns and (dare I say it) more of a point or goal that it was working towards instead of just rambling along as other adaptations seem to do. Also this adaptation has a fairly happy ending which sees Pip & Estella free to marry, this ending is the one preferred by most except for Charles Dickens whose first ending was less idyllic.
So even though this adaptation may not be completely accurate I still liked it and it has inspired me to read the book.

Vanessa Kirby as Estella & Douglas Booth as Pip

Recommendations: As in most Dickens adaptations there are some mild thematic elements such as fighting, death, poverty and some cruelty so I don't suggest this film for younger children. Also there is one short scene in episode two where the villain Bentley Drummle takes Pip to his "other club" where a group of painted ladies parade in and Drummle encourages him to "take what he likes". The point of the scene is that Pip has been trying to emulate Drummle but discovers very quickly that he has chosen the very worst role model. The ladies are completely covered and Pip gets out as soon as Drummle gets done teasing him but the scene is also fairly easy to skip over. If memory serves there is also a derogatory word used for a woman in the last episode but I can't quite recall. Pip and Estella also kiss briefly. In the last episode there is a chase scene and two men fight with one of them dying. It's similar in this way to Little Dorrit (2009) and Bleak House (2005) but perhaps a bit rougher. Charles Dickens fans will not want to miss this beautifully filmed adaptation.

Links:
BBC's official Great Expectations page (clips not available in USA)
Masterpiece Theatre's Great Expectations page (will add offical when available)
My post with photos and the trailer
Wikipedia page (breaks down each episode)

Great Expectations (2011) will be aired in two parts, April 1st & 8th, on Masterpiece Theatre. I don't have information yet as to whether any scenes from the original will be cut out.

Was this review helpful?
Are you looking forward to seeing this film when it comes to Masterpiece Theatre?
If you've read the book how does this adaptation seem to compare?

Feel free to ask questions about details of the film!

"Young ladies are delicate plants."

2012-01-10T15:00:00.002-05:00

'"I am very sorry to hear, Miss Fairfax, of your being out this morning in the rain. Young ladies should take care of themselves. Young ladies are delicate plants. They should take care of their health and their complexion. My dear, did you change your stockings?'

'Yes, sir, I did indeed; and I am very much obliged by your kind solicitude about me.'

'My dear Miss Fairfax, young ladies are very sure to be cared for. I hope your good grandmamma and aunt are well. They are some of my very old friends. I wish my health allowed me to be a better neighbour. You do us a great deal of honour to-day, I am sure. My daughter and I are both highly sensible of your goodness, and have the greatest satisfaction in seeing you at Hartfield.'

The kind-hearted, polite old man might then sit down and feel that he had done his duty, and made every fair lady welcome and easy."

- Mr. Woodhouse & Jane Fairfax, Jane Austen's Emma, Chapter 34

In reading some of the books I received for Christmas I was interested in the fact that "a nice basin of gruel" was actually quite a common repast for a late evening meal, especially those with poor digestion.

"You must go to bed early, my dear -- and I recommend a little gruel to you before you go. You and I will have a nice basin of gruel together. My dear Emma, suppose we all have a little gruel."

- Mr. Woodhouse (to Isabella & Emma), Jane Austen's Emma, Chapter 12

Dear kind-hearted Mr. Woodhouse! Even though he does sometimes take too much care he is truly solicitous for everyone's good health and a considerate friend to his neighbors.

It's not new but, a fun site for those interested in Emma and Mr. Woodhouse in particular is The Woodhouse Defense League and in particular their page on The Wit and Wisdome of Mr. Woodhouse.

Would you like to join Mr. Woodhouse in a "basin of gruel"?

(or perhaps just a bowl of oatmeal?)

What are your favorite Mr. Woodhouse quotes?

Jane Austen: The Unseen Portrait?

2012-01-09T17:30:00.002-05:00

Source, image not mine

Many of you might have heard of the new portrait that has been under debate lately regarding whether or not it is a portrait of Jane Austen. There has been great interest and speculation by many Janeites as to whether the "Jane" portrayed in the piece has the famous Austen nose (that can be seen in paintings of her brothers) or whether the composition is even historically accurate.

I first heard about this portrait from Miss Elizabeth Bennet at Elegance of Fashion. I must confess that I have not been of a mind to give it any credence as it portrays a very different image from the Jane Austen in my mind or even of the Jane Austen painted by her sister Cassandra.

But I was very interested when I found the BBC special Jane Austen: The Unseen Portrait? on YouTube. This is an in-depth investigation of the newly discovered piece using modern scientific tests, expert opinions on fashion and method, as well as opinions from highly respected Jane Austen experts. Of great interest are the interviews with esteemed authors Deirdre LeFaye and Claire Tomlin. Also after all the investigations there is a conference at the end to determine whether or not the portrait is to be an accepted figure of Jane Austen.

Jane Austen: The Unseen Portrait?

I encourage all Janeites to watch this interesting program which last about 59 minutes. The Unseen Portrait? aired Monday 26th December 2011 in the UK on BBC Two and was commissioned by the BBC Arts department.
My Thoughts: I found all of the information given in the program quite interesting. There are many points in favor of the lady being Jane Austen but still quite a bit of room for doubt. I was most interested in the fashion expert's advice on the historical accuracy of the dress portrayed in the portrait and the description of Jane Austen's height and figure. I was also quite struck by how they were able to narrow down the time period of when it was drawn to within a few years time and were able to fairly accurately pin point which building is sketched in the background. In my mind the idea that it might have been drawn by a family friend, who might not have known Jane that well, is most probable. I do have a couple other theories which weren't really mentioned in the program: Perhaps the portrait was drawn without Jane's knowledge, and that might explain why she doesn't mention having her portrait drawn in any of her letters, or maybe the "Jane Austin" in the portrait is another lady who was later mistaken for The Authoress, hence why the frame is labeled with Jane Austen's name, year of birth and year of death. I would also have liked it if they had tried to trace the ownership of the portrait a little bit more.Although I appreciate Deirdre LeFaye's fervent denials that the portrait could at all be Miss Austen and Dr Paula Byrne's exuberance that the portrait is the unseen Jane, my own conclusions are more uncertain. There are several facts (era, dress fashion, drawing methods, "Austen-like" facial features) that could back up the case for the lady in the portrait being Jane Austen , but there is also a lack of conclusive evidence (letters, history of previous owners, artist identity) that the face is Jane Austen's. So I'm an official "maybe" because it could be her, but I'm not quite ready to accept this bolder looking Jane Austen.
Two interesting articles:AustenBlog - 'Fan art might not be fan art, but it’s hard to tell'Mail Online - 'Is this what Jane Austen really looked like?'

What do you think of this discovery of "the unseen Jane Austen" portrait?
Do you think this face really is Jane Austen?

Elizabeth Gaskell Unscramble Puzzles

2012-01-07T06:00:00.002-05:00

Joining my favorites authors is Victorian author Mrs. Elizabeth Gaskell who was a contemporary of Charles Dickens and Charlotte Bronte.
Her thoughtful and well told tales are filled with humorous characters of small English village but also speak of the social changes and problems.

Here are some puzzles for you to unscramble, puzzles are the names of characters and novels from Mrs. Gaskell's works.

Put your guesses in a comment below. I'll respond telling how many you got right. Guess as many times as you wish.

Female Characters
1. METALARG HEAR (2 words)
2. ISMOL GLYONB (2 words)
3. TYSS MKYAT JMIENNS (3 words)
4. SYUTT HOPHON (2 words)
5. CHKPAIA KRICYNTIRTK (2 words)

Male Characters
6. HIGASOL NICHGINS (2 words)
7. RMEYL HAOGER (2 words)
8. DI FSONR HARKARNR (3 words)
9. ORHN TTONHJON (2 words)
10. HRRSY GGONARE (2 words)

Novels
11. MU WAYO LDYLDL (3 words)
12. WSAUG ARS IDEVEHTND (3 words)
13. RDNFCRAO (1 word)
14. MONT BARARY (2 words)
15. NDUTH ORT SOANH (3 words)

Answers will be posted next week.

Happy puzzling! :)

Answers to the Jane Austen Eye Quiz

2012-01-07T00:30:00.001-05:00

"I have been meditating on the very great pleasure which a pair of

fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow."

- Mr. Darcy, Pride and Prejudice, Chapter 6

The popularity and of the Jane Austen Fine Eyes Quiz took me rather by surprise this week!
It was very exciting to see my little quiz tweeted by a few popular Jane Austen Twitter pages and re-blogged by Vic at Jane Austen Today (one of my favorite Jane Austen blogs)!

The number of people who took the quiz was also a surprise:
-Ten people here at Old-Fashioned Charm
-Five at YouTube
-Four at Jane Austen Today

If you haven't yet played the quiz or want to review it you can comment with your answers here and I'll still tally your score.

And here are is what you've all been waiting for, the Answers Video:

Answers Video - Jane Austen Fine Eyes QuizOn this video: The original photo puzzles followed by the full sized answer photos with character name, actor name and film name. At the end the five dance songs are listed with their titles and film names.

Player Scores: Julia - 224 points
Melody - 198 points
Miss Elizabeth Bennet - 178 points
Miss Dashwood - 173 points
birdienl - 161 points
Sarah Grace of In His Wings - 150 points
Bea - 149 points
Emily Ruth - 44 points
Mom Wald - 29 points
Stephanie - scored her own answers, I'd be interested to know what your score was! :)

Thank so very much to all who played and made this game a success!

Joining in the Charles Dickens Reading Challenge

2012-01-04T01:29:00.000-05:00

February 7, 2012 marks the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens' birth. Abby of Newly Impassioned Soul has issued a Charles Dickens Reading Challenge where she is encouraging others to join her, over the next year, in reading (or re-reading) 3, 5 or 10 of Dickens' books.

As "I am not a great reader" I have decided to take the easier challenge of reading 3 Books. I'm excited to join in this challenge because I've only read A Christmas Carol and have long wanted to read more Dickens!

Right now I'm planning on reading A Tale of Two Cities (which sits on my book shelf), and hopefully Great Expectations but I'm unsure what the third book will be - overall I'm going to stick with shorter books instead of attempting any of the longer ones.

Thanks to Abby for hosting this challenge, I look forward to reading your Charles Dickens related posts and joining in the challenge! I'm hoping to do some posts about my reading and some other Dickens related things this coming year as well.

If you haven't heard about this challenge I encourage you to visit Abby's blog and join in reading Dickens!

Have you read much Charles Dickens?
Which of his books do you most want to read?

New Year Header

2012-01-03T00:29:00.000-05:00

Christmas is over and it seems like it's time for the Christmas decorations to come down.

This is the header used for December 2011:

My current theme is Charles Dickens' Bleak House with the heroine Esther Summerson shown prominently on my header. Other characters from Bleak House are featured on my left sidebar.

Also, here is a corresponding blog button for those of you who don't have my blog button or wish to change it up a bit.

What do you think of the new design?
Have you seen Bleak House?

A Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T03:37:00.001-05:00

You simply have to read the postcard poem - very sweet!

2011 was quite a year! Many exciting and interesting things happened in both the blogging world and my world too.

In the blogging world:

A total of 203 posts were posted here at Old-Fashioned Charm!

Old-Fashioned Charm has reached 255 followers!

I was interviewed by a couple of people including Jen Corkill at Victorian's Dream.

Miss Elizabeth Bennet and I collaborated on the Period Drama Film Tournament this past Summer.

I held my first blog event in August - Anne Elliot's Birthday Party - and participated in many lovely events at other blogs. (see My Events page)

I hosted my first giveaway in August.

I started a Twitter page for Old-Fashioned Charm.

My Austen Efforts was launched this Fall.

And most importantly, many dear friends were made this past year. It's hard to believe I've only known some of you a little less than a year! Thank you so much for all of your support and encouragement!

In my own life:

I took at least five trips out of state this past year to visit friends and family.

I had a very special time being in my friend's wedding the end of April.

I started caring for my dear elderly friend in June (aka "my job").

I've been writing, reading and crocheting more than ever.

The Lord has blessed in so many other ways it would take too much time to mention everything! God is so good!

My dear readers, you have been a huge part of my life this past year. I am so blessed to have a place and a community of blogging friends who share my love of old-fashioned things, literature, good movies and faith as well. Your comments and participation in various events mean so much to me!

I look forward to more exciting events, interesting discussion and delightful discoveries in 2012!

A very Happy New Year to all! I pray that the year ahead brings closer friendships, new experiences, good health, spiritual growth and many blessings from the good Lord for each of you!

As we move to a new year what blessings, in the blogging world and your own world, are you most thankful for?

Jane Austen Eye Quiz

2011-12-31T00:40:00.002-05:00

"I have been meditating on the very great pleasure which a pair of

fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow."

- Mr. Darcy, Pride and Prejudice, Chapter 6

I recently took the Fine Eyes in Period Drama Quiz from Gsbohn on YouTube and tremendously enjoyed guessing which period drama characters the 140 pairs of eyes belonged to.

So this is my Jane Austen Fine Eyes Quiz, inspired by the other quiz. For this quiz I chosen pairs of eyes from Jane Austen films because I thought they would be more recognizable for all of you.

To Play:

Watch the video below and try to guess which character, actor and film the 75 pairs of eyes belong to.

Put your guesses in a comment.
Guess as many times as you wish.

For bonus points, try to guess which Jane Austen films the five dance songs that play during the quiz come from.

Scoring:

1 point will be awarded for each correctly guessed character, actor and film (for a total of 3 points per pair of eyes).

5 points will be awarded for each correctly guessed dance song (for a total of 25 bonus points if all five songs are guessed correctly).

The highest possible score will be 250 points (if all eyes and dance songs are guessed correctly.)

Have fun!

Edited 1/7/2012: Answers video posted here. See how well you scored!

My Christmas In Photos

2011-12-30T16:00:00.000-05:00

Did all of you had a Merry Christmas with your families and friends?

I came down with a bit of a fever and stomach bug on Christmas Eve but was feeling a bit better on Christmas Day and had a fun and blessed time with my family. I've had this whole week off from work and have enjoyed the rest and relaxation.

Last year I shared photos of the Christmas gifts I received (from friends and from family). This year I've decided to do the same thing because I think many of my gifts will be of interest to my readers.

So here are my gifts in my photos:

From my mom's friend: Her gifts reflect the things I enjoy collecting: a LadyBug kitchen timer to add to my collection of LadyBugs; a lovely cameo broach (my first real cameo!); and two books that reflect my love of all things Jane Austen. I've really been wanting to read some of Amanda Grange's Austen Hero Diaries so I was very excited to receive my own copy of Captain Wentworth's Diary which I'm really enjoying and hope to review soon! I was less excited but still appreciative of A Woman of Influence by Rebecca Ann Collins, Book 9 in the Pemberley Chronicles Series. I may read some of it but from browsing the back cover, introduction and character appendix, I have the feeling that it will veer quite far from the original Pride and Prejudice story and annoy me no end.

Click to see closeup of the cameo broach.

From my friend Sarah: Ten Victorian Christmas Cards in five lovely designs, I can't wait to use them! The Reading Woman 2012 Engagement Calendar; Sarah gave me one of these lovely day calendars last year and I'm so excited to receive one again this year. Each month features a lovely classic painting of a lady reading and an accompanying quote from a classic author or historic figure. Tea With Jane Austen by Kim Wilson - an in-depth look at the tradition of tea and dining in Jane Austen's time. In The Garden With Jane Austen by Kim Wilson - about the type of gardens that Jane Austen would have been familiar with, and a foreword by the head gardener at Jane Austen's house museum in Chawton. I'm hoping to review both of these books in future, they have so much history in them!

From my parents: A lovely porcelain travel mug with my first initial on it, the warmest pair of thermal long-johns (not pictured but they are from L.L. Bean) and four books from my wish list! After reading The Lighkeeper's Daughter I've been longing to read the next two books in the series. Mama and daddy gave me The Lightkeeper's Bride and The Lightkeeper's Ball by christian author Colleen Coble and I can't wait to start reading! Another book I've been longing to read since it was first released is The Jane Austen Handbook by Margaret C. Sullivan (aka Mags). I have followed Mags's AustenBlog.com for many years and greatly enjoy her knowledge of Jane Austen and her quick wit which fills her writings. This is a lovely book which I'm greatly enjoying! Also on my wish list was What Jane Austen Ate And Charles Dickens Knew by Daniel Pool, a wonderfully informative book about customs and facts of daily life in Regency and Victorian times. I love this book! Everything I've always wondered about the history behind my favorite novels. I've haven't been able to read straight through this book because a question will form in my mind I must turn to another chapter to have it answered before I continue. So far I've learned the details and history of: marriage licenses, rank, lawyers, calls and callings cards, dinner parties and much more!

From my sister Bea: The warmest pair of red gloves, a travel edition of Farkle (one of our favorite games), That's Life CD the debut album of Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. (he sings all the old Frank Sinatra classics), and two lovely bags which she crocheted for me. And what a surprise the crochet was!

I knew Bea was crocheting this handbag because we had tried the pattern together first but she messed up and had to try again. When she tried the pattern again she bought a new color yarn and didn't let me see it's progress. I love the red and gold yarn in this design and can't wait to use it!

For this project I knew Bea was using the purple/green variegated yarn and guessed that it was a bag of some sort but I was so surprised to open the wrapping paper and find this beautiful case with my crochet hooks inside! I absolutely love the colors, pattern, buttons, everything! How she was so clever as to make up the pattern and so sneaky as get my crochet hooks away from me I'll never know! :)

From my brother Andy: The prettiest pair of flannel pajamas (picked out with the help of mama), the movie Source Code on DVD (it's a pretty interesting action flick) and Michael Buble's Christmas CD! I especially excited about Michael Buble's new Christmas album and I was not disappointed, his voice is amazing and the songs are beautifully done!

I received a few more things from other friends, and it seems to me as if I'm missing something my family gave me but maybe I'll think of it later. It was an amazing Christmas all in all with some lovely gifts. I am so blessed with wonderful family and friends, God is so good!

Did you get any Jane Austen related Christmas gifts?
Which of your Christmas gifts were your favorites?
Have you read any of the books I mentioned?

Merry Christmas Dear Friends!

2011-12-25T01:50:00.001-05:00

I pray that all of you have a very Merry Christmas with your family and friends.

Remember that the reason for the season is the birth of Christ Jesus who was born into this world to take the punishment for our sins. If you've never asked Jesus to be your Savior from sin I'd love to show you from God's Word the Bible how you can know that your sins are forgive.

Love and prayers from me and my family to yours!

I'll be back posting sometime the week after Christmas.

It's A Jane Austen Christmas!

2011-12-24T20:00:00.001-05:00

Ever wonder how Jane Austen and her characters celebrated Christmas?

In Regency times Christmas was a less popular holiday than it is today or even in the Victorian times. There was time off from work and school where families and friends would gather together for evening parties, dinners or balls but no Christmas trees were to be found and few gifts were given. Attending church service on Christmas day was a must but few of the Christmas Carols we sing now would have been sung.

Yet, even though Christmas was used as more of a reference point by Jane Austen, she does mention Christmas in each of her six major novels and in Lady Susan and one of her surviving letters.

Take a look at how the characters in each story

celebrated Christmas:

"At Christmas every body invites their friends about them, and people think little of even the worst weather. I was snowed up at a friend's house once for a week."

- Mr. Elton, Emma, Chapter 13

Emma: Emma Woodhouse spends Christmas with her family and friends. Her sister and brother-in-law, John & Isabella Knightley, come to stay at Harfield over Christmas with their five little children. They have a family dinner which includes Mr. Knightley on the 23rd, on Christmas Eve they all go to Randalls for a Christmas dinner with Mr. & Mrs. Weston and the odious Mr. Elton. On Christmas Day it has snowed so bad that the roads are impossible to cross for the Christmas service at the church so Emma has a snug day visiting Mrs. Weston instead. (Emma, Chapters 9-16)

“...a ball you would have this very Christmas.”
- Mrs. Norris, Mansfield Park, Chapter 26

Mansfield Park: Very near to Christmas Fanny Price's brother William visits Mansfield Park and they are very honored when their uncle Sir Thomas Bertram holds a ball in their honor. But William leaves on the 23rd in order to spend Christmas with his parents and siblings in Portsmouth. Edmund Bertram leaves the same day to stay with his friends the Owens in Peterborough and is ordained in the course of the Christmas week. (MP, Chapters 26)

Northanger Abbey: While Catherine Morland was spending a snug Christmas at home with her family in Fullerton her eldest brother James was on break from his college and spent Christmas visiting the Thorpe family. James falls head-over-heels for Isabella who remembers looking lovely in her "yellow gown, with my hair done up in braids". (NA, Chapters 4 & 15)

"I sincerely hope your Christmas in Hertfordshire may abound in the gaieties which that season generally brings, and that your beaux will be so numerous as to prevent your feeling the loss of the three of whom we shall deprive you."

- Caroline Bingley, Pride & Prejudice, Chapter 21

Pride and Prejudice: Mrs. Bennet's brother Mr. Gardiner and his wife and children always spend Christmas visiting her at Longbourn. The Bennets enjoy an evening at their Aunt Phillip's house where Elizabeth has the happy task of introducing her Aunt Gardiner to Mr. Wickham. Meanwhile Caroline Bingley has written to Jane Bennet wishing her Christmas will abound in gaieties and completely happy to spend Christmas in London. But the next year's Christmas might be different, perhaps the Bennets will be spending Christmas at Pemberley!

"Mr. Darcy sends you all the love in the world that he can spare from me. You are all to come to Pemberley at Christmas."

- Elizabeth Bennet, Pride & Prejudice, Chapter 60

Persuasion: Anne Elliot has an extended visit with Lady Russell at Kellynch Lodge over Christmas. On Christmas day they go over to Uppercross where they find the Musgrove family and the Harvilles making merry with noisy games and messy craft projects. Anne enjoys the noisy happy country life but Lady Russell prefers the noise of a town like Bath. (Persuasion, Chapter 14)

Sense and Sensibility: The Christmas before the Dashwood ladies settled at Barton Cottage Sir John Middleton held a Christmas ball at Barton Park where Mr. Willoughby reportedly danced with elegance and spirit from "eight o'clock till four, without once sitting down"! Sir John goes on to say "and he was up again at eight to ride to covert." Truly a young man with health and lively spirits who enjoys a ball as much as Marianne could do. (S&S, Chapter 9)

Lady Susan: It is shortly before Christmas that Lady Susan Vernon, tiring of her stay to the Manwarings, writes to her brother-in-law Charles Vernon informing him that she will be coming bag and baggage to stay for a long visit. Charles' wife Catherine is quite put out and writes to her parents that she and their children will be unable to make their usual Christmas visit. Although Churchill, the home of Charles & Catherine Vernon, would be such a lovely place to spend Christmas who really wants to celebrate the holiday with Lady Susan! (Letters 3 and 13)

Jane Austen's Letters: And Jane Austen herself hopes for warm weather for Christmas, she writes to her sister Cassandra in a letter dated December 2nd:
"I am sorry my mother has been suffering, and am afraid this exquisite weather is too good to agree with her. I enjoy it all over me, from top to toe, from right to left, longitudinally, perpendicularly, diagonally; and I cannot but selfishly hope we are to have it last till Christmas -- nice, unwholesome, unseasonable, relaxing, close, muggy weather."

Which of these Christmases sound the most interesting to you? Vote now!

Which Jane Austen Christmas did you vote for?

If you could invite any of Jane Austen's characters to Christmas dinner who would you invite?

Jane Austen Puzzles - Answers!

2011-12-24T11:46:00.000-05:00

These are the answers to the Jane Austen Puzzles that I posted last Saturday. The answers are in bold below.

Unscramble Character Names
(two names each)
1. CHOTUCATE LSARL - Charlotte Lucas
2. ILORPELA TSABEH - Isabella Thorpe
3. HAEITHT SRIMR - Harriet Smith
4. CUSGRES HARLMOVE - Charles Musgrove
5. RAWFH COENRYRD - Henry Crawford
6. JKNI GHTLOHNEY - John Knightley

Complete The Quotes
(also guess the novel it comes from)
7. "A large income is the best recipe for happiness I ever heard of." - Mary Crawford, Mansfield Park
8. "It darted through her with the speed of an arrow that Mr Knightley must marry no one but herself." - Emma
9. "Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure." - Elizabeth Bennet, Pride and Prejudice
10. "After all that romancers may say, there is no doing without money." - Isabella Thorpe, Northanger Abbey

Country Houses
(tell me which characters lives in these houses)
11. Kellynch - In Persuasion Kellynch is owned by Sir Walter Elliot who lives there with his daughters Elizabeth and Anne, later rented by Admiral and Mrs. Croft who have Captain Wentworth stay with them.
12. Delaford - In Sense and Sensibility Delaford is the country house owed by Colonel Brandon who later married Marianne Dashwood. Edward Ferrars and Elinor Dashwood live in the parsonage near Delaford after they are wed.
13. Southerton - In Mansfield Park Southerton is owned my Mr. James Rushworth who lives there with his mother. His new wife Maria never actually moves into the house because she runs away from her husband after a few short months of marriage.
14. Hunsford - In Pride and Prejudice Husford is occupied by Mr. William Collins who later brings his wife Charlotte Lucas there, and they are visited by Elizabeth Bennet, Sir William Lucas and Maria Lucas.
15. Woodston - In Northanger Abbey Woodston is the country parsonage home of Mr. Henry Tilney and is some 20 miles from Northanger Abbey. This is the house Henry Tilney & Catherine Morland will make their home after they are wed.

Much thanks to everyone who played!
Melody - 14 1/2 Correct
Julia - 14 Correct
Stephanie - 13 Correct
Jemimah - 12 Correct
In His Wings - 11 Correct
Livia - 10 Correct
Miss Dashwood - 9 Correct
Emily Ruth - 9 Correct
Anne-girl - 7 Correct

There will be no game this week because of Christmas but be on the look-out for an extra special game next week.

Very Truly Your's,

Sussex Carol

2011-12-22T10:19:00.000-05:00

Carol History: The Sussex Carol is a Christmas carol popular in Britain, sometimes referred to by its first line On Christmas night all Christians sing. Its words were first published by Luke Wadding, a 17th-century Irish bishop, in a work called Small Garland of Pious and Godly Songs (1684). It is unclear whether Wadding wrote the song or was recording an earlier composition.
Both the text and the tune to which it is now sung were discovered and written down by Cecil Sharp in Buckland, Gloucestershire and Ralph Vaughan Williams, who heard it being sung by a Harriet Verrall of Monk's Gate, near Horsham, Sussex (hence "Sussex Carol"). The tune to which it is generally sung today is the one Vaughan Williams took down from Mrs Verrall and published in 1919. - Wikipedia entry

On Christmas night all Christians sing,
To hear the news the angels bring;
On Christmas night all Christians sing,
To hear the news the angels bring:
News of great joy, news of great mirth,
News of our merciful King’s birth.

Then why should men on earth be sad,
Since our Redeemer made us glad:
Then why should we on earth be sad,
Since our Redeemer made us glad:
When from our sin He set us free,
All for to gain our liberty.

When sin departs before Your grace,
Then life and health come in its place;
When sin departs before Your grace,
Then life and health come in its place;
Angels and men with joy may sing,
All for to see the newborn King.

All out of darkness we have light
Which made the angels sing this night;
All out of darkness we have light
Which made the angels sing this night:
“Glory to God and peace to men,
Now and forevermore. Amen.”

-Words: Traditional English carol.
Music: Sussex Carol, traditional English carol, arranged by Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1919

"On the first day of Christmas the period drama fan watched..."

2011-12-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

Everyone has their own favorite Christmas movies to watch with family and friends. This year I encourage you to check out some of these favorite Period Films that feature delightful Christmas scenes.

Twelve Period Dramas for Christmas:

Little Women (1994)

Starting off at Christmas time this film is so full of family fun, sweet characters and stories! I watch this Little Women with my mom and sister almost every year. There's actually several Christmas and snowy scenes throughout. I highly recommend this film for the whole family!

A Christmas Carol (1984)

I've read Charles Dickens' classic tale a few times and wished that there was a close adaptation. Melody at Regency Delight suggested this as one of her family's favorite Christmas films and I watched it with my family for the first time just last week. We greatly enjoyed watching this version - it's faithful to the book, quite well cast, has beautiful music and charming scenes and costumes! For more information check out Melody's lovely film review. Another family favorite is The Muppet Christmas Carol which I also high recommend (read my review).

Cranford (2007) & Return to Cranford (2010)

I adore Cranford! My sister and I re-watched both of these miniseries last week and laughed and cried and generally had a very lovely time! Both films have Christmas scenes in them but Return to Cranford has more of a Christmas theme. At Christmastime the ladies of Cranford celebrate with their friends in sweet scenes filled with games, songs, snow and heart-warming stories. Great for any time of the year but especially fun at Christmas! These miniseries are good for almost all ages but there are a couple slightly scary scenes that younger children might not like.

Lark Rise to Candleford at Christmas

(Season 2, Episode 1)
As my current theme suggests I quite enjoy the Lark Rise to Candleford series, particularly the Christmas special episode. My sister and I watched all four series not too long ago (while crocheting Christmas gifts). We especially enjoyed the Christmas carols sung during the episode, so festive! There is a mysterious young lady who shows up during the course of the episode and her story is a bit ghostly but overall this is a very fun period set Christmas story!

Season of the Heart (1994)

This film is from Featured Films For Families (they sell great family films) and has been a family favorite for many years. The story centers around Jed and Martha Richards who agree to raise young a young boy after his parents tragically die from cholera. Martha is still grieving for her two sweet daughters, who died on their trek across the American Plains, and has a hard time getting used to young Daniel's awkward and boyish ways. Jed and Daniel bond fairly quickly but it will take a while for Martha to see the young boy's need for love and healing in her own heart. But spring sometimes comes unexpectedly, and for Martha it comes on a snowy Christmas Eve when Danny’s innocent heart is finally able to rescue hers.

This is a very sweet film which I recommend for all families.

Under the Greenwood Tree (2005)

This adaptation of the classic Thomas Hardy novel is much lighter and brighter than his other stories (read my review here). Most viewers might not remember that the films starts out at Christmastime when the country choir goes caroling. There are a few carols sung during the film including It Came Upon A Midnight Clear and a new favorite of mine Remember O Thou Man. Though the story continues mostly in the later part of the year (up to harvest time of the next year) it always has a Christmasy feel about it to me.

This is a sweet film that most everyone will enjoy, but younger viewers might get a bit bored.

A Little Princess (1986)

This version of Frances Hodgeson Burnett has been a family favorite for a long time. It's a very sweet film and actually closer to the book than any newer adaptations I've seen (even though Sara Crewe is a bit older than in the book). Much of the film is set around Christmastime and several lovely carols are sung including God Rest Ye Merry, Gentleman. It shows a lovely picture of Christmas for Victorian children both rich and poor. I highly recommend this film for all ages!

Victoria & Albert (2001)

Although many love The Young Victoria (and I do too!) the first film to introduce me to my favorite historical royal figure was Victoria & Albert. This miniseries is quite delightful because it spans Queen Victoria's life showing scenes from her accented to the throne of England, her courtship with Albert and marriage, the births up to young adult years of their nine children and ends with the death and mourning for Prince Albert. One of the lovely things they mention is Prince Albert introducing the Christmas tree to the palace and singing Silent Night in German with their children.

Although I first watched this film when I was 13 or 14, there are a few short scenes that might not be quite appropriate for younger children or young teens (on the royal couple's wedding night). But for those wanting to know more about Queen Victoria and get a good picture of a Victorian Christmas this sweet film is a must see!

Hercule Poirot's Christmas & The Theft of The Royal Ruby
A Christmas mystery? Yes, of course! Agatha Christie's Belgium detective Hercule Poirot is the hero of the day as he solves crimes at Christmas. These are two favorites of mine.
In Hercule Poirot's Christmas, Mr. Poirot's simple Christmas repast is disturbed by an invitation to visit the home of Simeon Lee, a repellent curmudgeon who thinks his life is in danger. Events snowball as Simeon is indeed killed, and a fortune in uncut diamonds stolen. As Poirot observes, a case can be made against any of the family members Simeon gleefully tormented, and it will take his "little grey cells" to unravel the web of mystery.
And in The Theft of the Royal Ruby, Mr. Poirot is in hopes of spending a quiet Christmas with a box of chocolates and his warm central heating and is quite upset when the government demands he find the stolen ruby of a foolish young Egyptian prince. Poirot begrudgingly spends Christmas with Colonel Lacey and family, one of the few people who knew about the ruby. When the royal ruby turns up in the Christmas pudding Mr. Poirot will have to set a trap to catch the thief.

Samantha - An American Girl Holiday & Felicity - An American Girl Adventure
My sister and I grew up reading the American Girl Books so we were both excited when the films came out. Even though they don't always stick close to the original stories these films are still quite delightful and a must see at Christmastime!
Samantha is a caring girl growing up in 1904 New York while Felicity is a spunky red-head growing up in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. Both have fun adventures and will find that family and friends are what truly matters. Both films start at different times of the year and end at Christmas.
Good fun and period goodness for the whole family but especially for mothers and daughters!

Jane Austen's Emma
Did Jane Austen mention Christmas in her novels? She certainly did but it is a truth universally acknowledged that Christmas wasn't as important a holiday in Regency England as it is now. Although Christmas is mentioned briefly in most of Miss Austen's novels it is Emma that is the most Christmasy! Emma Woodhouse spends Christmas Eve at the Weston's dinner party and visits Harriet Smith on Christmas day. The adaptation with the most holiday cheer is Emma (2009), but Emma (1997) and Emma (1996) also have lovely scenes centered around Christmas. I very highly recommend all three adaptations for all ages!

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (2005) or (BBC 198)
C.S. Lewis' classic book features four children that enter Narnia at a time when it is always Winter but never Christmas. One sign that Aslan is coming is that the children meet Father Christmas and are given gifts which are useful later on in the story. While the newest film version has the prettiest winter wonderland, the older BBC version is closer to the book and features a nicer Father Christmas. Either way this is a fun family story with spiritual truths hidden at every turn. Do read the book too!

Also I recently reviewed An Old-Fashioned Christmas (2010) which I recommend for period drama fans. This doesn't include my favorite silver screen Christmas films which I hope to post about fairly soon.

Which of these films have you seen? Do you have a favorite?

Do you have any other period films you'd suggest for Christmas viewing?

Birthday Wishes From Colonel Brandon

2011-12-17T23:30:00.002-05:00

Letter from Colonel Brandon to Miss Jane Austen on the occasion of her 236th Birthday.

Dear Miss Austen,
I earnestly hope that this letter finds you well.
There is joyful news of Mrs Brandon. After much foolish concern on my part she was delivered safely of a healthy baby girl. She is to be Elinor, after her dear aunt, and already shows a deal of her namesake's goodness. For my part I find the bonny babe to resemble her dear mama more in features and coloring. Although a son is usually to be preferred I must confess that I am glad to have a daughter if only for the Christening's sake. We had such a trouble thinking what to name a son, even though my wife's thought was that a son should have my first name.
Mrs Dashwood and Margaret were in time for her birth and and has agreed to a long stay.
Sister Elinor and brother Edward visit almost daily. Their own son Neddy has almost reached his second year.
As happy as it has been having the Ferrars living so near it can not be a permanent situation and Edward is happy at the prospect of being rector in his own Parrish.
Thank you for your kind inquiry after my ward. Our dear Eliza has formed an attachment with a young surgeon in her own village and will be married in the new year. We quite happy at her future prospects.
I am daily blessed in my darling Marianne. After my early disappointment in life I was sure true happiness was beyond my reach. How happy I am to have been proved wrong! All of my thanks must go to you, dear lady, for arranging my present bliss. Marianne is so much sweetness, loveliness and brightness of mind and certainly better than I felt myself to deserve. We two prove to be of such similar tastes and feelings. It has been a pleasure to watch her grow more fully into the elegant woman and tender mother that she is today.
Marianne has informed me that your birthday is fast approaching. Allow us to wish you joy! May the new year bring as many blessings for yourself as you have bestowed upon all of us. Marianne and everyone here send their fondest love.

I remain your humble servant,
Colonel Brandon

Much thanks to Miss Dashwood for hosting the Jane Austen Birthday Card Contest. It was fun thinking about how Jane Austen's characters were thank her for how she arranged their lives. I think Colonel Brandon would be one of the most thankful of her heroes, especially after his early disappointments with Eliza's mother.

Very Truly Your's,

Edit December 19, 2011:
Colonel Brandon's letter won 3rd place in Miss Dashwood's Birthday Card Contest. Thanks for hosting Miss Dashwood and thanks for this lovely image!

Jane Austen Puzzles

2011-12-17T08:00:00.002-05:00

As Jane Austen's Birthday Week concludes I'll leave you with variety of Jane Austen Puzzles to solve.

There are three different categories of games each have their own rules so read carefully.

Post your answers in a comment, feel free to guess as many times as you wish. I will respond with your scores. I'll post your comments and the answers to these games next Saturday.

Unscramble Character Names
(two names each)
1. CHOTUCATE LSARL (female)
2. ILORPELA TSABEH (female)
3. HAEITHT SRIMR (female)
4. CUSGRES HARLMOVE (male)
5. RAWFH COENRYRD (male)
6. JKNI GHTLOHNEY (male)

Complete The Quotes
(also guess the novel it comes from)
7. "A ___ ____ is the best recipe for happiness I ever heard of."
8. "It darted through her with the speed of an _____ that Mr ______ must marry no one but _____."
9. "Think only of the ____ as its remembrance gives you ______."
10. "After all that romancers may say, there is no doing without _____."

Country Houses
(tell me which characters lives in these houses)
11. Kellynch
12. Delaford
13. Southerton
14. Hunsford
15. Woodston

Have a good time puzzling!

Very Truly Your's,

Period Drama Theme Song Quiz - Answers!

2011-12-17T06:00:00.003-05:00

Many thanks to everyone who played my Period Drama Theme Song Quiz! I was quite delighted to have so many people here on O-FC and on my YouTube channel play this game! I'll definitely make another game like this one but it probably won't be until after Christmas.

Here are the answers to the Period Drama Theme Song Quiz:

(Click period drama titles below to listen to full theme songs)

Clip #1 - Sense & Sensibility (2008)

Clip #2 - Cranford (2007)

Clip #3 - Jane Eyre (2006)

Clip #4 - Wives and Daughters (1999) (theme starts at 1:10)

Clip #5 - He Knew He Was Right (2004)

Clip #6 - Bleak House (2005)

Clip #7 - Downton Abbey (2010) (clip I used was Season 2 "Did I Make The Most of Loving You")

Clip #8 - Emma (2009)

Clip #9 - Our Mutual Friend (1998)

Clip #10 - Lark Rise to Candleford (TV series)

Clip #11 - North and South (2004) (theme starts at 5:12)

Clip #12 - The Way We Live Now (2001) (theme starts at 1:50)

Clip #13 - Pride and Prejudice (1995) (theme starts at 2:57)

Clip #14 - Daniel Deronda (2002)

Clip #15 - Little Dorrit (2009)

Much thanks to everyone who played:

Melody - 15 Correct

Laura - 14 Correct

Bethany (Anonymous) - 13 Correct

Miss Elizabeth Bennet - 13 Correct

Ana Smith - 11 Correct

Miss Dashwood - 9 Correct

Ella - 8 Correct

Lauren - 8 Correct

birdienl - 7 Correct

Abby - 5 Correct

Anne-girl - 5 Correct

Allison - 4 Correct

Jemimah - 2 Correct

Livia - 2 Correct

New game to come!

Book Review: The Watsons

2011-12-16T16:00:00.004-05:00

As part of Miss Dashwood's Birthday Week for Jane Austen she issued a Book Challenge for participants to read one of Miss Austen's novels or short stories. I've long known it was time for a re-read of The Watsons, and once I began I became so enthralled with the characters and their stories! I took ever so many notes and knew I absolutely had to do a full book review!
The Watsons by Jane Austen

Penguin Classics Edition

Plot: The Watsons follows the large family of Mr. Watson, the sickly rector of Stanton. His youngest daughter, sweet and elegant Emma Watson, returns home to her family after being raised by her aunt. When Emma attends her first ball in the neighborhood her oldest sister Elizabeth drives her over to stay with the Edwards family who will be her chaperons. As they drive Elizabeth talks of their brothers and sisters who Emma barely remembers and advises Emma on the customs of the ball and the characters of the people she is likely to meet. At the ball much of the excitement happens when Lady Osborne and her large party comes in late. Among the party is ten-year-old Charles Blake who is disappointed when Miss Osborne breaks her promise to dance with him. Emma quickly asks him to dance the next two dances, thus earning the regard of the boy's widowed mother and his bachelor clergyman uncle. Emma is much looked at by awkward young Lord Osborne and flirtatious Tom Musgrave. The day after the ball Emma and the Edwards are visited by friends from the ball and Emma just escapes having to ride home to Stanton with Tom Musgrave, but is obliged to tell him plainly how little she thinks of Lord Osborne. The third day after the ball Elizabeth and Emma receive a mysterious visit from witty Tom Musgrave and Lord Osborne who sits next to Emma speaks only to talk about half-boots and hunting hounds. In the weeks that follow Emma and Elizabeth become great friends. Their sisterly felicity is interrupted by Emma meeting more of her estranged family including her troublesome sister Margaret, their snobbish lawyer brother Robert and his conceited wife Jane. Emma finds peace from her squabbling siblings by nursing her sickly father. When Robert & Jane go home Emma is much pressed to return with them for a long stay, but she decides to bear the odd humors of Margaret over the eccentricities of her brother and his wife. Jane Austen's writing ends here.

Characters: (with photos of how I imagine them)

Rev. Mr. Watson - The elderly rector of the village of Stanton and father of six children. He is widowed and rather sickly and sometimes unable to discharge his clerical duties. But he is "a man of sense and education".

Elizabeth Watson - Oldest Watson sister at age 28. She is passed her bloom and was disappointed in love, maintaining that her sister Penelope drove away her only love Mr. Purvis. She has a good heart and is sensible although not quite as refined as Emma.

Mr. Robert Watson - The oldest son of Mr. Watson. He went into the law and married the wealthy only daughter of his employer. He is "carelessly kind" and talks mostly of setting bills and arranging money.

Mrs. Jane Watson - Robert's wife who is "pert and conceited" - very pleased with her elevated position in life and her own finery. She and Robert have one daughter, Augusta, who is very spoiled.

Penelope Watson - Although only mentioned in Jane Austen's fragment I feel sure that she would have made an appearance later on. According to her oldest, Penelope is visiting a friend in hopes of marrying an elderly but rich Dr. Harding. Elizabeth advises Emma not to trust her.

Margaret Watson - Younger than Penelope but older than Emma. Margaret comes home from visiting brother Robert and is at first sickly sweet to Emma but her true nature soon comes out. She is convinced that flirtatious Tom Musgrave is in love with her and hopes to catch him.

Samuel "Sam" Watson - Elizabeth mentions this brother at the beginning of the story, he is just a few years older than Emma. Sam is reportedly a surgeon working in a nearby town and had been in love with Mary Edwards for two years.

Emma Watson - Youngest of Mr. Watson's children, age 19. Emma was raised by her Aunt Turner since the age of five and barely remembers her family. When her uncle dies her aunt marries again and the new husband whisks her aunt off to Ireland refusing to take Emma along. Disappointed in money and in her aunt Emma returns to her family a refined young woman. She is a very pretty young lady with great sense, kindness and elegance and thereby marked out as the heroine of the story.

Mr. & Mrs. Edwards - Great friends of the Watsons who live in the next town and are accustomed to having one or more of the girls stay overnight with them whenever there is a ball. Mr. Edwards is very courteous and enjoys sharing gossip with his wife, but he has a very clear sense of what he wants for his daughter's future. Mrs. Edwards is a kind woman and fond of her gowns.

Mary Edwards - The only child of Mr. & Mrs. Edwards, a pretty and sweet young lady. She blushes when Sam Watson is mentioned thus showing that she knows of his love for her but her. At the ball Mary dances every dance with officers, particularly with one Captain Hunter. Mary may seems confused on whether she likes Sam Watson or Captain Hunter best, but her parents seem to find neither young man quite suitable.

Captain Hunter & other officers - The first people Mary and Emma meet at the ball and dance with. I'm sure Captain Hunter would make an appearance later in the story when we find out who Mary Edwards chose to marry.

Tom Musgrave - A rich and charming young man who reportedly makes the rounds flirting with every young lady who crosses his path. He's toyed with the affections of Emma older sisters but she takes Elizabeth's warnings serious and is smart enough to dislike him from the start. Tom seems to find Miss Osborne's light features the model for female beauty.

Lady Osborne - "A handsome genteel lady of fifty" she is the widow of the country Lord and lives at Osborne Castle.

Lord Osborne - Lady Osborne's son and now the Lord of Osborne Castle. He is fine, cold, careless and awkward. Not fond of ladies company or dancing and rather out of his element in a ballroom. But when he sees Emma he is greatly attracted to her and makes a bother of himself at the ball (and later when he visits) by staring at her but speaking very little.

Miss Osborne - Lady Osborne's daughter who attracts the great admiration of Tom Musgrave. Jane Austen's idea was that she (or her mother) would be attracted to Mr. Howard who in turn would love Emma.

Miss Fanny Carr - Miss Osborne's friend who attends the ball and dances with Tom Musgrave. Not much is known of her but I feel sure she would be of importance to the story later on.

Mr. Howard - Lord Osborne's former tutor and now clergyman of the Parrish of Wickstead where Osborne Castle is located. He is "an agreeable-looking man, a little more than thirty" who asks Emma to dance as thanks for her kindness to his nephew Charles. Emma immediately likes him: "there was a quietly-cheerful, gentlemanlike air in Mr Howard which suited her" and he seems marked out as the hero of the story.

Mrs. Blake - Mr. Howard's widowed sister, she and her four children live at Wickstead with him. She is a cheerful woman and very thankful to Emma for dancing with

Charles Blake - The bright 10-year-old son of Mrs. Blake who is eager to dance at the ball. Miss Osborne promised him the first two dances but broke her promise and dances with Tom Musgrave instead. Charles is soon happy again when Emma asks him to dance and he chatters on about his siblings and Lord Osborne's horses. After the dance he informs he whispers loudly to Mr. Howard "Oh! Uncle, do look at my partner. She is so pretty!"

Austen Library Edition

Manuscript's History: When looking for information about The Watsons I scoured my bookselves and found a chapter devoted to it in Jane Austen: The World of Her Novels by Deirdre LeFaye which I highly recommend! Also there are two interesting portions about The Watsons in 101 Things You Didn't Know About Jane Austen by Patrice Hannon (facts 34 and 35) which were quite interesting.

It was in 1804, shortly after her novel Susan (an early edition of Northanger Abbey) was bought by a publisher, that Jane Austen began writing The Watsons. She already had two other novels fairly well completed but Elinor and Marriane (later Sense and Sensibility) as well as First Impressions (later Pride and Prejudice) would undergo some heavy revisions before being sent to a publisher. Similar to her other novels this writing would tell the tale of a young woman from a poor family who deserves much better than her circumstances and will later marry for love and money. But unlike her other stories The Watsons has a decidedly more serious tone, more in the vein of her later writings, and the Watson sister's circumstances were to get even more desperate before the story ended. The family's poverty gives the four Watson daughters little choice but to fight for a good marriage, as older sister Elizabeth tells young Emma "you know, we must marry." Jane Austen wrote about 17,500 words of The Watsons before abandoning it. The untitled manuscript was kept safe during Miss Austen's lifetime and inherited by her sister Cassandra who later gave it to their niece Caroline Austen telling her how "Aunt Jane's" story was to end. The fragment was published in 1871 in James Edward Austen-Leigh's second edition of Memoir of Jane Austen at which time it was given the title of The Watsons. The reason Jane Austen didn't finish The Watsons is said to be because in the story elderly clergyman Mr. Watson was going to die suddenly, a scene which Miss Austen couldn't bring herself to write after her own clergyman father died suddenly in January 1, 1805.

Emma Watson by J. Aiken

Continuations: There have been a few continuations of The Watsons written, most are out of print. I haven't read any of them but I did find a few of interest.
--The Youngest Sister by Catherine Anne Hubback, published 1850. Born Catherine Anne Austen she was a daughter of Jane Austen's brother Francis Austen but was born after Jane's death. Even though she never met her "Aunt Jane" her Aunt Cassandra seems to have done a very good job of impressing Jane's memory on the young woman, so much so that she would write this continuation and write several other books. Her continuation is mostly based on how Cassandra told their family it was going to end but also takes on other issues important of Victorian women and changes the names of some of the characters. I found this article about Mrs. Hubback very helpful.
--Emma Watson by Joan Aiken, published 1996. Ms. Aiken's continuations and retellings of Austen's novels are quite well known and this book is to most popular of the continuations of The Watsons. The book picks up where Jane Austen's original work leaves off but with in Joan Aiken's own style detailing the everyday life of sisters Elizabeth and Emma Watson. From reading excerpts of the book and particularly the prologue it seems that Ms. Aiken had little regard for how Cassandra Austen told her nieces the story was end. Instead she seems to add several new characters to make Emma Watson's ending adventurous and happy. Seems like it would be quite a disappointed for any Janeite hoping for a sensible continuation.

"...looked at her husband's head..."

Quotes:
"A woman never looks better than on horseback." - Lord Osborne

"Female economy will do a great deal my Lord, but it cannot turn a small income into a large one." - Emma Watson

'Emma was glad when they were joined by the others; it was better to look at her sister-in-law's finery than listen to Robert, who had equally irritated and grieved her. Mrs. Robert, exactly as smart as she had been at her own party, came in with apologies for her dress.
"I would not make you wait," said she; "so I put on the first thing I met with. I am afraid I am a sad figure. My dear Mr. W.," (to her husband) "you have not put any fresh powder in your hair."
"No, I do not intend it. I think there is powder enough in my hair for my wife and sisters."
"Indeed, you ought to make some alteration in your dress before dinner when you are out visiting, though you do not at home."
"Nonsense."
"It is very odd you should not like to do what other gentlemen do. Mr. Marshall and Mr. Hemmings change their dress every day of their lives before dinner. And what was the use of my putting up your last new coat, if you are never to wear it?"
"Do be satisfied with being fine yourself, and leave your husband alone."
To put an end to this altercation and soften the evident vexation of her sister-in-law, Emma (though in no spirits to make such nonsense easy), began to admire her gown. It produced immediate complacency.
"Do you like it?" said she. "I am very happy. It has been excessively admired; but sometimes I think the pattern too large. I shall wear one tomorrow that I think you will prefer to this. Have you seen the one I gave Margaret?"
Dinner came, and except when Mrs. Robert looked at her husband's head, she continued gay and flippant...' - Robert & Jane Watson

Holliday Granger
Jane Eyre 2011

My Musings: I really had so much fun reading this fragment of a novel! As always Jane Austen's style of writing is poignant, charming and witty. The characters are all very interesting and as the hero is marked out fairly soon in the story it is fun to imagine what twists and turns the plot would take in order to bring the heroine to her planned happy end.

Perhaps the most amusing thing for me was seeing how many different characters and plot ideas in The Watsons made in into later novels! For instance:

The heroine Emma Watson has a that sounds almost exactly like Emma Woodhouse, yet her character is more like Anne Elliot in her refinement, fortitude and sweetness.
Emma has a bit of conversation with Lord Osborne about differences between men and women which reminded me of Anne Elliot and Captain Harville's discussion of who loves longest.
Emma's history of having been raised away from her numerous siblings by a wealthy aunt have echos of Fanny Price in Mansfield Park.
Good Mr. Watson with his sickness and his bowl of gruel in the evenings reminds me greatly of Mr. Dashwood in Emma, although he doesn't have enough speaking scenes to truly develop his character.
Notes I read in the edition I read state that Tom Musgrave was originally christened Charles Musgrave in an earlier manuscript but the characters has little in common with the Persuasion character Charles Musgrove and more similarities than are desirable to the villain Henry Crawford in Mansfield Park!
The description and later reports of Mr. Howard sound very like Mr. Knightley but he is a clergyman like Edmund Bertram.
Elizabeth Watson's early disappointed love and loss of bloom sound very similar to Anne Elliot in Persuasion.
There was also one quote "I am no card player" which Anne later says in Persuasion but she means it, whereas when it is said by Emma's sister-in-law Jane Watson it has the exact opposite meaning.

But on the other hand there are many similarities to characters and plots which Jane Austen had already written in her early editions of Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice.

Five poor sisters (well only four) looking for good matches had been done in P&P.
Brother Robert and his conceited wife sound very similar to John & Fanny Dashwood in S&S.
Elizabeth and Emma become devoted sisters similar to Elinor and Marianne Dashwood or Jane and Elizabeth Bennet.
Emma was to refuse a proposal from rich and proud Lord Osborne in the same pattern that Elizabeth Bennet refuses Mr. Darcy's first proposal.
Also several of the names are used in a way that are similar to the other stories.

I'm not quite sure that the plot as it was running would have worked out quite convincingly and maybe Jane Austen was discovered that too. Perhaps in reviewing The Watsons after the publication of Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice Jane Austen found pieces there that she used to create new characters and plots in the three future novels. So as much as I wish she had finished The Watsons I'm also sort of glad she didn't because if she had we might not have Mansfield Park, Emma and Persuasion as they now are!

So I think this might be my favorite fragment piece by Jane Austen. It might be fun to hazard a continuation some day! :)

If you haven't read The Watsons or Jane Austen's other fragment works I encourage you to pick up a copy of Penguin Classic's Lady Susan, The Watsons and Sanditon (a delightful edition with lovely notes!). You can also read The Watsons at Pemberley.com.

Have you read The Watsons?
Has anyone else noticed these similarities to Miss Austen's other novels?

Very Truly Your Devoted Janeite,

Happy Birthday Dearest Jane Austen!

2011-12-16T05:00:00.000-05:00

"Steventon: December 17, 1775.

DEAR SISTER,--You have doubtless been for some time in expectation of hearing from Hampshire, and perhaps wondered a little we were in our old age grown such bad reckoners, but so it was, for Cassy certainly expected to have been brought to bed a month ago; however, last night the time came, and without a great deal of warning, everything was soon happily over. We have now another girl, a present plaything for her sister Cassy, and a future companion. She is to be Jenny, and seems to me as if she would be as like Harry as Cassy is to Neddy. Your sister, thank God, is pure well after it."

-Letter from Reverend George Austen, Jane's father

Born 236 years ago in the little village Parsonage at Steventon, not even Jane Austen's parents could have dreamed how popular and well known their daughter's name would become. In fact I'm sure all their hopes for their daughter would have centered around her health and goodness. Jane's family were her biggest supporters in her literary pursuits. She drew from what she knew and created characters and stories that were true to life.

I recently discovered this lovely quote:

"Miss Austen understood the smallness of life to perfection. She was a great artist equal in her small sphere to Shakespeare..." - Alfred Lord Tennyson, 1870

I love this quote because it perfectly sums up my sentiments on this occasion:

"Jane lies in Winchester -- blessed be her shade!

Praise the Lord for making her, and her for all she made!

And while the stones of Winchester, or Milsom Street, remain,

Glory, love, and honor unto England's Jane! "

- Rudyard Kipling, Epigraph to "The Janeites"

I do thank the Lord for creating Miss Austen and giving her such a clever mind to create all those amazing stories and characters. I could long sing her merits but all I simply wish to say is: Happy Birthday dearest Jane Austen!

What would you give Miss Austen for her birthday?

What would say if you got to wish Miss Austen "Happy Birthday" in person?

Jane Austen Birthday Week - Film Challenge

2011-12-15T14:01:00.000-05:00

As part of Miss Dashwood's Jane Austen Birthday Week she issued a Film Challenge to watch a Jane Austen adaptation that you haven't seen before or watch an adaptation with someone who hasn't seen that film before.

This proved to be a tricky challenge because I own all of the Jane Austen adaptations available on DVD and have watched them many times with my family. But I did find two adaptations that my younger sister Bea didn't remember seeing at all so we watched them together.

Mansfield Park (2007)
My family and I have only watched this adaptation together once (I've seen it a few times on my own), mostly because it is has such a modern air and severely shortens Jane Austen's original work.
But this was one of the adaptations that Bea didn't remember at all so we watched it together one evening last week while we finished up crocheting some Christmas gifts. Her opinion was that the film moves too quickly, we had to stop the film once or twice so she could get caught up on all that was happening (adapting one of Miss Austen's 48 chapter novels into a mere 90 minutes is not advisable - she deserves miniseries!). But she greatly enjoyed the sweet ending the the story (where Edmund finally wakes up and realizes Fanny is for him) so we watched the ending again. Bea also found that Blake Ritson (aka "Mr. Elton 2009") wasn't quite so repulsive as she thought he might be. (But she maintains that his hair usually looks greasy.)
My opinion still is that although they did make the story "romantic" and cast several of the actors correctly they missed out on the heart of the story which is Fanny Price. The film is just alright when it could have been SO much more! But we had fun watching it and there isn't anything inappropriate (minus a few low necklines) to make us blush.

Persuasion (2007)
This is another adaptation that I've only watched once with my parents, only once because one of their favorite movies is Persuasion (1995) so it's difficult to like a more "modern" flavored film.
Bea didn't remember seeing this film (except she said the Anne running scene looked familiar) , so we watched it together on another evening of crocheting and fun.
While watching she stopped the film several times at first asking who each character was. Since she hasn't read the book she could only relate the characters to the actors in the 1995 adaptation. My cast pages for both films on Austen Efforts was very helpful on this occasion!
Bea seemed to enjoy it, she laughed at Mary Musgrove and yelled at creepy Mr. Elliot in turn. I had to laugh at her reaction to the kiss at the end: "Eww! Just kiss him already!"
The ending scene was smile-worthy but not enough for a second viewing this time.
My opinion of this as an adaptation is still unchanged: although pretty and "romantic" in my mind it doesn't quite do the great story of Persuasion justice.

Very Truly Your's,

Jane Austen's Suitor: Tom Lefroy

2011-12-14T12:25:00.002-05:00

Ever since watching Becoming Jane I've had this nagging question about the particulars of the relationship between Jane Austen and Tom Lefroy. I must admit that when I began writing this article I was quite sure that all of the hype over their relationship was complete nonsense. After my research (articles linked below) I'm not as certain and perhaps have hit on a happy medium that is closer to the truth.

There were several questions which I asked. I hope that my other Janeite friends will enjoy traveling along with me as we find some answers to this mysterious Tom Lefroy.

Who was Tom Lefroy?
Thomas Langlois Lefroy was born January 8, 1776 (a month after Jane Austen's birth) in Ireland. Tom was the first boy born to Army officer Anthony-Peter Lefroy and his wife Anne Gardiner. Tom's four older sisters were Lucy, Phoebe, Catherine and Sarah (also a possible fifth sister died in infancy). His parents would go on to have six more children: Anthony, Elizabeth, Benjamin, Christopher, Anne and Henry. With such a large family the Lefroys were dependent on family, specifically on Tom's grandfather's in-laws the Langlois family who had purchased his father's commission in the Army in Ireland. It was Tom's great-uncle Benjamin Langlois who paid for his education at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. As the oldest son Tom was expected to rise through education and marry a rich wife, both of which he succeeded in doing.

What was Tom's personality?
'Great-uncle Benjamin describes him as having "everything in his temper and character that can conciliate affections. A good heart , a good mind, good sense and as little to correcting him as ever I saw in one of his age" (and great-uncle Benjamin had a sharp eye for things to correct in other people). Dr. Burrowes testified, "No young man has left our College with a higher character. Of his conduct in London, however seducing its idleness and its evils, you need not have the slightest doubt. He is, in his religious principles, in his desire of knowledge, in his just ambition, fortified in every place."' (quoted from Who Was The Real Thomas Lefroy?)
And Jane Austen told her sister Cassandra: "He is a very gentlemanlike, good-looking, pleasant young man, I assure you."
These opinions from people who knew him are in stark contrast to the worldly Tom Lefroy portrayed in the film Becoming Jane. Also Tom was said to have had fair hair instead of dark hair.

How did Tom Lefroy & Jane Austen meet?
In January 1796 Tom Lefroy, tired and ill from his hard studies at college, made a visit to his wealthy uncle George Lefroy, then rector of Ashe not too far from Steventon (where the Austen family lived). Tom's aunt Mrs. Lefroy was a great friend of the Austen ladies. It was while attending a balls in the neighborhood that Tom and Jane met and danced the night away. She must have written to her sister Cassandra, then absent from home, about the incidents because it seems (from her next letter written to Cassandra) that Jane had been scolded by her sister about their very "particular" behavior.

"You scold me so much in the nice long letter which I have this moment received from you, that I am almost afraid to tell you how my Irish friend and I behaved. Imagine to yourself everything most profligate and shocking in the way of dancing and sitting down together. I can expose myself, however, only once more, because he leaves the country soon after next Friday, on which day we are to have a dance at Ashe after all. He is a very gentlemanlike, good-looking, pleasant young man, I assure you. But as to our having ever met, except at these last three balls, I cannot say much; for he is so excessively laughed at about me at Ashe, that he is ashamed of coming to Steventon, and ran away when we called on Mrs. Lefroy a few days ago. ... After I had written the above, we received a visit from Mr. Tom Lefroy and his cousin George. The latter is well behaved now; and as for the other, he has but one fault, which time will, I trust, entirely remove—it is that his morning coat is a great deal too light. He is a great admirer of Tom Jones, and therefore wears the same colored clothes, I imagine, which he did when he was wounded. ..." - Jane Austen to Cassandra Austen, Saturday, January 10, 1796

Were the couple really in love?
From all the articles I've read online it's difficult to say whether she and Tom Lefroy were really in love or not. It seems that Jane Austen's family maintained that he used her ill and Tom's family maintained that she chased after him. What was the truth of their feelings for each other?

Jane Austen: Only three letters mentioning Tom Lefroy were saved. Five days after telling Cassandra how she and her "Irish friend" behaved she writes: "...Our party to Ashe to-morrow night will consist of Edward Cooper, James (for a ball is nothing without him), Buller, who is now staying with us, & I—I look forward with great impatience to it, as I rather expect to receive an offer from my friend in the course of the evening. I shall refuse him, however, unless he promises to give away his white Coat. Friday.—At length the day is come on which I am to flirt my last with Tom Lefroy, & when you receive this, it will be over—My tears flow as I write this, at this melancholy idea. [She makes over all her other admirers to a friend] "even the kiss which C.Powlett wanted to give me, as I mean to confine myself in future to Mr. Tom Lefroy - for whom I don't care sixpence." ..." (Thursday, January 14 - Friday, January 15, 1796)
In these letters, as in most of her letters, Jane's signature satirical wit predominates. Whether deeper feelings of disappointed love lie behind those words is somewhat hard to say. Though she jokes that she will refuse him based on the color of his morning coat perhaps she did care more than "sixpence" for him. Jane was not so upset as to keep her from writing though, she began a draft of Pride and Prejudice that same year.

Tom Lefroy: One article I read suggests that Tom may have already had an understanding with the sister of a dear school friend who he became engaged to a year later and eventually married. It seems Tom liked Jane a great deal, their behavior at balls was much talked about and Tom was laughed at because of it. He did call and he and Jane did discuss the book Tom Jones. But whether he liked Jane he didn't make an offer of marriage.
He would visit his uncle at Ashe Rectory briefly three years later but would not see Jane Austen on this visit. Whether he chose not to see her or was kept away by family is unclear. The Austen family had heard that he was in the country and after his aunt Mrs. Lefroy visited them Jane told Cassandra: "...of her nephew she said nothing at all, and of her friend very little. She did not once mention the name of the former to me, and I was too proud to make any inquiries; but on my father's afterwards asking where he was, I learnt that he was gone back to London in his way to Ireland, where he is called to the Bar and means to practise." Three months later Tom would marry Mary Paul who he had been engaged to for almost two years.
They both seem to have had a friendly interest in each other which carried into later life. After Jane Austen's death Tom Lefroy would travel from Ireland to England to pay his respects. Years later when publishers Cadell & Davies went out of buisness Tom would buy at an auction a letter of refusal to Mr. Austen who had sent one of Jane's manuscripts to them.
And the year after his death a nephew would write to Jane Austen's nephew Jame Edward Austen Leigh and say "My late venerable uncle ... said in so many words that he was in love with her, although he qualified his confession by saying it was a boyish love."

We know what happened to Jane Austen but what happened to Tom Lefroy?
Tom stayed with his great-uncle Benjamin Langlois in London and studied law and was called to read for the Irish Bar in 1797 at which time he asked for the hand of Mary Paul and they became engaged. Mary's family lived in a part of Ireland that was effected by outbreak of the Insurrection of 1798 so her father moved their family to South Wales where she and Tom were married in1799. Tom & Mary went to live in Dublin, Ireland where her began to practice at the Irish Bar. Family tragedy struck a year or two after when Mary's brother Thomas Paul, Tom's dear school friend, suddenly died. Mary now became heiress to the Paul estates, a position which she never expected because her brother was strong, robust and expected to marry and father many children. Tom quickly became prominent in the Irish Bar and in 1810 he bought his own estate CarrigGlas where he had a rambling Gothic house built. Tom served as a Member of Parliament for the constituency of Dublin University 1830–1841, as Privy Councillor of Ireland 1835–1869 and as Lord Chief Justice of Ireland 1852–1866. Tom and Mary had eight children: Anthony, Jane, Anne, Thomas Paul, Jeffry, George, Benjamin (died in infancy) and Mary Elizabeth. Most of his sons followed him in study of the law, his daughters never married. Tom Lefroy lived a full life and died Mary 4, 1869 at the ripe old age of 93.

Did Tom Lefroy actually name his daughter after Jane Austen?
At the end of Becoming Jane it is implied that Tom Lefroy named his oldest daughter after Jane Austen, but this is not known as fact.
Tom Lefroy married Mary Paul in March, 1799 and in all they had eight children. His second daughter Jane Christmas Lefroy was born June 24, 1802. Most likely Jane Lefroy was christened after her maternal grandmother Lady Jane Paul rather than Jane Austen.

Tom Lefroy - A Man of Faith
The Lefroy family were Hugenots, French Protestants who fled to England in 1587 because of religious persecution. Most of my interest in Tom Lefroy sprung from reading quotes from Memoir of Chief Justice Lefroy (published 1871 by his son Thomas Paul Lefroy) which are occasionally posted at Becoming Jane Fansite blog. While reading these quotes I am continually amazed by the fervency of Tom Lefroy's faith.

I'd like to share just a few of those quotes I greatly admired:

From The Memoir of Chief Justice Lefroy p 241, addressed by Tom Lefroy to his wife (Mary Paul):
"Carrig-glas, March 31, 1846
Here I am again, thanks be to our gracious Lord, who has been with me at my going forth and my returning, and followed me all the way with His mercy and goodness. Oh, how we ought to desire not to be left to ourselves." - (source)

Here's a small excerpt from a letter to his wife found in the "Memoir of Chief Justice Lefroy." The letter begins on page 28 where we find this report of his studies while traveling by coach:
"I read over and compared most part of the Epistle to the Romans, with all those to the Galatians and the Ephesians, and part of those to the Corinthians; every time I read and compare them new light breaks in, and I am determined I will work on without note or comment endeavouring to make out the meaning for myself, which I should think may be done by patience and attention." (source)

The following was written in 1852 (Tom was 76 years old) in a letter to his wife:
"Amidst all the gossiping rumours of the last few days these sweet words have kept my mind very quiet 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you : not as the world giveth, give I unto you - let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.' I cannot delay but a moment longer, except to send my love to all the dear ones around you." The quote within the quote is taken from the bible - John 14:27. (source)

Tom Lefroy's writes to his son Jeffry about reaching his 90th birthday:
Leeson Street, Jan. 9th, 1866
My Dearest Jeffry, - I have just received the congratulations of yourself, and your dear companions on God’s wonderful mercy in permitting me to see the ninetieth anniversary of my birth-day. It fills my heart with joy and thankfulness of no ordinary degree, when I find those I love ascribing praise for all our family mercies, to Him to whom all praise is due. I think I cannot do better in return than pray that the blessing which old Jacob gave to his loved son Joseph, may rest on my dear Jeffry, and his no less dear wife, who may well claim to be “a fruitful bough, and even a fruitful bough by a well.”
“May the God of thy fathers keep thee, may He bless thee with the blessings of heaven above, and bless thy progeny to the utmost bounds of the Everlasting Hills.” With fondest love from all the dear ones around me to you and yours, T.L." (source)

My Thoughts: It does seem that Mr. Tom Lefroy was just the sort of charming young man to attract Miss Austen's notice but that both would have known any attachment between them was doomed from the start. Jane might have liked him well enough to be quite disappointed but it does not seem that she suffered for very long. Tom Lefroy was a man of faith who was quite worthy of our Miss Austen's attention and even love. Perhaps Tom did love her in a boyish way but just three years later he was married and quite devoted to his dear wife Mary. There was a kind regard between Jane Austen and Tom Lefroy to be sure and no doubt he turned up from time to time, perhaps unawares, in one or other of her novels.

Other articles I read for this post:

Who was the real Thomas Lefroy?

JASNA's The boyfriend: Tom Lefroy

Jane Austen's Eleventh Letter

Becoming Jane Fansite's Tom Lefroy Quotes

Wikipeida's Tom Lefroy Page

Pemberley.com's Biography

A Walk with Jane Austen Expert

Thomas Langlois Lefroy - Find A Grave

A Six Part Series of Posts at Jane Austen Em Portugues

I hope you have enjoyed traveling with me as I researched some answers to these intriguing questions! I encourage you to read the articles listed above, they were of enormous help to me in putting together this article.

Do you think Tom Lefroy shows up in any of Jane Austen's novels? Which character would he be?

Jane Austen Birthday Week - My Tag Answers

2011-12-13T21:02:00.000-05:00

These are my answers to Miss Dashwood's Happy Birthday, Jane Austen Tag Questions, part of her Jane Austen Birthday Week.

1 - What was the first JA novel you ever read, and who introduced you to it?
The first Jane Austen novel I read for myself was Northanger Abbey. My parents had introduced me to several of the 1990's film adaptations (from age 10-13) and when I saw my mom reading Sense & Sensibility and Pride & Prejudice I wanted to try reading them myself. I chose Northanger Abbey because it was shorter than the other books and at age 13 it took me reading over the first couple of chapters a few times before I was actually able to understand the language and read the rest of the book. It fell in love with the characters from Northanger Abbey and it's still my favorite!

2 - Which is your least favorite JA novel, and why? (Everybody posts about their favorites... I want to know what's at the bottom of your list!)
Probably my least favorite novel would have to be Pride and Prejudice. "What!?!" you ask. "Are you CRAZY!?!?!?" Well let's just agree that I am. ;)
I'm not sure why it's my least favorite really. Perhaps it's a combination of a lot of little pet peeves I have.
I don't really identify with Elizabeth Bennet, even though I admirer her. I have quite a different personality than her (I'm more like an Elinor Dashwood) so on occasion her more out-going and feisty personality gets a bit tedious to me. Mr. Darcy is my least favorite hero mostly because although he is a gentleman he can also be quite a snob at times (sorry!). Also Mrs. Bennet, Lydia, Wickham and Mr. Collins drive me crazy! Yes they are funny but they also can make me mad (especially Lydia!). One definite reason that P&P has less appeal to me now is that I've probably watched too many film adaptations too often. Also it seems that many people have copied the story line of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy's romance in other books and films. I'm a bit sorry that P&P gets a lot of the attention from media and fans when Jane Austen wrote five other amazing novels. Sometimes I think that just once I'd like to say "I love Jane Austen. You know, she's the author of..." without having to mention Pride and Prejudice.
Now, all that being said (and lest you think me completely horrid), I would still adore Jane Austen if the only novel she had written was Pride and Prejudice. My love for Jane Austen's work as a whole far outweighs my love of every other author. Picking a least favorite Austen novel is very difficult!

3 - Who do you think is the funniest character JA ever created?
Wow! This is a tricky question. Miss Austen created such amazing characters and one of her great talents was creating comical characters! But on the other hand it's true that many of the characters we love to laugh at can also be annoying at times. I do love to laugh at the sayings of Mrs. Jennings from Sense and Sensibility, Miss Bates from Emma and Mr. Bennet from Pride and Prejudice. Mr. Tilney from Northanger Abbey is probably my favorite intentionally witty character.
Also one of my favorite funny scenes is in Persuasion when Admiral Croft talks to Anne Elliot of the improvements he's made to Kellynch Hall: "I have done very little besides sending away some of the large looking-glasses from my dressing-room, which was your father's. A very good man, and very much the gentleman I am sure; but I should think, Miss Elliot" (looking with serious reflection), "I should think he must be rather a dressy man for his time of life. Such a number of looking-glasses! oh Lord! there was no getting away from oneself." (Persuasion, Chapter 13)

4 - Which JA villain[ess] do you love to hate?
Currently the pair that are driving me crazy are Mary and Henry Crawford from Mansfield Park. I was actually starting to like Mary Crawford a little bit because of her kindness to Fanny but we soon find out that her kindness was motivated by her own selfish desires. Henry Crawford is driving me crazy too because he won't leave sweet Fanny alone! He must have his own way. The Crawfords are both very selfish and very worldly.

5 - What's your favorite JA quote?
Oh dear! Tricky one!
Perhaps this:
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort." - Mrs. Elton, Emma

or this:
"The person, be it gentlemen or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolderably stupid." - Henry Tilney, Northanger Abbey

or:
"We have all a better guide in ourselves, if we would attend to it, than any other person can be." - Fanny Price, Mansfield Park

6 - If you were to "start" someone on JA, which book would you recommend to them first and why?
I'd probably recommend Pride and Prejudice or Northanger Abbey because they seem easier to get into and easily identify with the characters. They start with very witty remarks and we very soon get into the meat of the story with lots of dialog. They are also shorter then Emma and Mansfield Park so they won't be as daunting for a Jane Austen "beginner".

7 - What is your absolute favorite JA film adaptation and why?
Another difficult question! But I always come back to Persuasion (1995) because I still find it to be so incredibly close to the book. I love the cast, the pace, the music and the script. My second favorite would probably be Emma (2009).

8 - If you could authorize a new film adaptation of one of JA's novels, which would it be and why?
Hmm...I'd definitely want a new Mansfield Park miniseries that would be in the style of Emma (2009) and Pride and Prejudice (1995). I wouldn't mind being a co-writer of the script and co-director.
Another I'd love to see made into a film is Lady Susan. I don't know why no one has made a film adaptation of it yet. Although written in letters and with a rather shortened ending, Lady Susan is a completed story. I'd love to see it done with lots of scenes of letters being written during the course of the film. The characters are quite interesting as well!

9 - Which JA character do you most identify with?
Although my personality is more like Elinor Dashwood, I find myself more and more identifying with Catherine Morland. She came from a close-knit family who schooled their children at home. She hard learned many things but found at how much she didn't know when she was put into the great city of Bath and made terrible blunders at Northanger Abbey. She also enjoyed reading romance and mystery stories like me.

10 - If you could have lunch with JA today, what question would you most like to ask her?
Lunch with Jane Austen would delightful! I hope there would be plenty of time to ask her many questions!
Maybe the first question I'd ask her would be "Which of your characters are you most like?" In hopes that her answer would give me more of an idea of her personality. I'd also want to ask her lots about how she came up the ideas for her characters and stories. I'd ask her the details of how exactly The Watsons and Sanditon were going to end. And I'd particularly ask her one question that still bugs me: "what was Colonel Brandon's first name?" :)

11 - Is there any one thing that you think could have been improved upon in one (or all) of JA's books? What is it and why?
Maybe in the way of adding extra scenes to the shorter books. I especially miss not having particulars about the proposal scenes in a few of her novels. It would be so interesting to find out how Henry Tilney, Edmund Bertram, Edward Ferrars and Colonel Brandon proposed to their beloved heroines. And I still feel that more information about Eleanor Tilney's viscount husband could have been given.

12 - If you could have lunch with one of JA's characters today, who would it be and why?
Well, it would probably be wise of me to choose a character like Mrs. Jennings, Miss Bates or Mrs. Bennet who is prone to gossip and thereby learn most by talking to them. But I'd love to have a tete-a-tete with Eleanor Tilney or Fanny Price, they would both be charming company!

13 - (optional) Why is Miss Dashwood so fond of asking "why"?
Perhaps like Miss Austen herself, Miss Dashwood is interested not only in what people think but why and how they came to those thoughts. But then again perhaps she just likes longer answers! ;)

Thank you Miss Dashwood! These questions were so much fun to answer!

It's Jane Austen's Birthday Week...

2011-12-13T18:39:00.000-05:00

...and there are many blogs that are celebrating our favorite authoress!

Check out these blogs that are celebrating Jane Austen's birthday:

The ladies at My Jane Austen Book Club & November's Autumn have organized Austen's Birthday Soiree which will be held on her actual birthday December 16. They have a long list of participating authors and bloggers who will each be hosting a giveaway. So don't forget to check out that list and the items being given away. Last year there were some lovely books and other giveaway prizes that you could enter for just by leaving a simple comment. Also many of the blogs had very fun and informative articles about Jane Austen's life and times.

Eva-Joy at Between The Covers hosted her own Jane Austen Week December 7-13. I encourage all of you to check out her lovely posts related to Jane Austen.

And Jane Austen Birthday Week has started at Yet Another Period Drama Blog! I'm quite excited about joining in the activities. I encourage you to join in the fun by answering the Happy Birthday, Jane Austen Tag Questions! And it's not too late to join in the Birthday Week Challenges by watching a Jane Austen adaptation, reading and posting about one of her shorter works or reading/watching a biography on Jane Austen.

Jane Austen posts in the works at Old-Fashioned Charm: -A book review of The Watsons-A post about one of Jane Austen's suitors-My sister Bea's reactions to watching Persuasion (2007) & Mansfield Park (2007)-My answers to the tag questions-and more!

Very Truly Your's,

Period Drama Theme Song Quiz

2011-12-10T02:00:00.000-05:00

Many thanks to everyone who took the Northanger Abbey Quiz! You can still tale the quiz as many times are you wish!

Here's a new game for you to enjoy!

We all love the music in period dramas but how many of these clips from period drama theme songs can you identify.

Watch the quiz video below and leave your guesses in a comment.
I'll respond with your score.

Feel free to guess as many times as you wish.

I'll post the answers and high scores next week!

Have fun! :D

An Old-Fashioned Christmas (2010)

2011-12-09T06:00:00.001-05:00

Last year I posted (post here) that the Hallmark Channel were premiering An Old-Fashioned Christmas which was to be a sequel to An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving (2008). Because they haven't released the film on DVD it wasn't until this year that I was able to watch it on YouTube. I watched this first with my sister and a day or so later watched it again with our mom. (You can read my review for An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving here.)

Synopsis: Picking up where An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving left off, Miss Matilda "Tilly" Bassett is traveling Europe with her wealthy grandmother Isabella Caldwell. It's Christmastime and Mrs. Caldwell has arranged for them to spend Christmas at Shannon Castle in Ireland the family home of the Earl of Shannon, a famous poet who she hopes will be able to Tilly's writings get published. But they find that Lady Shannon has other plans: the family fortune is spent so she is scheming for her son Cameron to marry Tilly who she thinks will inherit her grandmother's fortune. Scoundrel Cameron's attempts to woo Tilly don't go well at first but when he helps her to find her paternal grandfather she starts to look more kindly on him. Isabella worries that Tilly is falling for Cameron so she surprises her by inviting Tilly's fiance Gideon "Gad" Hopkins to join them at Shannon Castle. Although Tilly is glad to see Gad she is confused by Cameron's charms. Many misunderstandings ensue but it's Christmas to things are sure to end happily.

Script: Characters are based on Louisa May Alcott's An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving but the story is original and created by script writer Donald Martin for the Hallmark Channel. The language is fairly simple and more modern sounding but not too far removed from Victorian manners and customs.

Scenes: Filmed entirely in Ireland at a 200 year-old castle, there are many lovely views of the castle and surrounding grounds.

Costumes: Tilly and her grandmother have some lovely dresses made in taffetas and other gorgeous fabrics! Most of their dresses are also quite modest with higher necklines. The gentlemen have some lovely cravats, vests and jackets as well.

(Click Thumbnails for larger view)

Actors In Their Roles:

Catherine Steadman as Matilda "Tilly" Basset - British actress Catherine Steadman was perfectly spunky and sweet as Tilly and did a wonderful job of keeping up the American accent (though it sounded a bit Canadian at times). My sister and I actually preferred her over the actress who portrayed Tilly in the first film. Does she look familiar? Catherine portrayed a very sweet Julia Bertram in Mansfield Park (2007) and her photo was recently on my sidebar, header and blog button.
Jacqueline Bisset as Isabella Caldwell - Reprising her role as Tilly's elegant grandmother she is perfect, I'm so glad that she was able to play the same role in this film.
Kristopher Turner as Gideon "Gad" Hopkins - Gad is the true gentleman who loves Tilly for who she is and always acts honorably. My sister and I were very happy to see Kristopher Turner again in the role of Gad, he makes the character quite charming!
Leon Ockenden as Cameron Shannon - Cameron is a scoundrel who spends most of his time lounging about the rambling castle or staying out late drinking and carousing at the local pub. Leon Ockenden was a charmer in the role but we also have to wonder why Tilly is attracted to him when she has a true gentleman in Gad.
Ian McElhinney as Sean Bassett - Tilly's paternal grandfather who has hard feelings toward her grandmother and calls her "a witch". Ian McElhinney makes the character very funny and I adored his Irish accent!

My Thoughts: My sister and I really enjoyed this film! It's not a serious film, it's just a sweet, slightly cheesy, romantic TV film. There are so many fun and silly moments which we really enjoyed. There's even a sword fight! After watching it together we watched it a day or two later with our mom who laughed along with us. The characters are easy to like and the story of their Christmas together is very interesting.

My Recommendations: This film is family friendly with no swearing or inappropriate scenes. One thing that is slightly objectionable is the mention of Cameron Shannon's visits to the local pub and his carousing with barmaids - on my second viewing of the film I realized they mentioned "barmaids" several times. Also in one scene Cameron takes Gad to the pub and they are scene drinking from small glasses and Gad passes out. You can catch this film on the Hallmark Channel (look at their programming schedule, next showing December 10, 12am) or on YouTube here. (An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving can be seen here.)

Trailer:

Have you seen An Old-Fashioned Christmas or An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving?

How would you like to spend Christmas in Ireland like Tilly did?

Photos & Trailer for Great Expectations (2011)

2011-12-08T02:00:00.002-05:00

With two new adaptations of Charles Dickens' Great Expectations in the works publicity news abounds! But there have been some recent photos and even a trailer for the BBC TV adaptation that is to air this Christmas in England (Winter 2012 on Masterpiece Theatre). I'm quite interested in this adaptation particularly because the cast looks amazing!

Character photos:

(More photos at Period Films)

Douglas Booth as Pip

Vanessa Kirby as Estella

Gillian Anderson as Miss Havisham

David Suchet as Mr. Jagger

Two Publicity Stills:

Stills from a BBC Christmas Commercial:

(See more at Period Movies Facebook page)

And take a look at this first official preview!

I haven't read the book so I'm not sure if this adaptation will be very close to the original story, but I'm quite looking forward to seeing this film either way! It looks quite interesting!

Are you looking forward to seeing this Great Expectations adaptation?

What do you think of the bleak light that the clips in the preview seem to be bathed in?

Jane Austen Birthday Week!

2011-12-06T17:24:00.000-05:00

Jane Austen's birthday is right around the corner (December 16th to be exact) and Miss Dashwood is celebrating her 236th Birthday with a week long event!
All next week at Yet Another Period Drama Blog she'll be posting "feature posts about JA herself, quizzes and games, fun challenges for YOU, a guest post from my charming sister the Anne-girl, and possibly some guest posts from the lovely Melody of Regency Delight"!
Miss Dashwood has also issued three challenges which I will most gladly be joining it.For The Jane Austen Book Challenge I'm planning on re-reading her unfinished work The Watsons.In The Film Challenge I'll be watching a Jane Austen film adaptations with my younger sister, one that she hasn't seen before (or at least doesn't remember all of).And for The Biographical Challenge I'm going to re-watch The Real Jane Austen (or maybe another documentary, not sure yet)
I'm very excited to join in the fun and celebrate our dear Jane Austen! Head on over to Yet Another Period Drama Blog for more information.

Very Truly Your's,

Stylish Blogger Award

2011-12-05T00:27:00.000-05:00

Rachel at Hope's Treasures was so sweet in passing along the Stylish Blogger Award to me.

From what I've seen the rules for this award are:

-List 7 random facts about yourself

-Award 5 other blogger and

-Thank the blogger who awarded you and link back to them

Seven random facts about me:

Lately in the evenings my sister and I have been crocheting Christmas gifts and watching Lark Rise to Candleford, so much fun!
My least favorite household chore is probably folding laundry but I enjoy washing dishes. Crazy huh?
One day I'd like to own a conure. They are smart birds and so much fun!
I love Cranberry things at Christmas including Cranberry English muffins, cranberry ginger ale and my cranberry body splash!
One of my most favorite things is a girls day out with my mom and sister shopping and eating out. It's so much fun just to take our time browsing and spoiling ourselves a bit!
I prefer wearing my contacts over wearing my glasses most days.
Old-Fashioned Charm is currently up to 234 followers! I'm so thankful for each one you!

I'm passing along this award to:

Ella at The Door In The Air

Miss Dashwood at Yet Another Period Drama Blog

Maria Elisabeth at Miss Georgiana Darcy

Bea at Miss Bea's Scrapbook

Katie Wegner at Elegance of Drama

I've tried to award lovely bloggers who I haven't awarded recently, but if anyone else would like to do this award go right ahead! It was difficult choosing just five Stylish Bloggers. :)

Thanks again Rachel for this lovely award!

Northanger Abbey Quiz

2011-12-03T05:00:00.001-05:00

As many of you know Northanger Abbey is my favorite Jane Austen novel.
I always enjoy taking quizzes about Northanger Abbey and thought all of my Jane Austen fans out there might enjoy testing their knowledge of this delightful book as well!

I'm trying something new, I put all of the multiple choice questions into an online quiz maker at ProProfs.com so you can play the quiz in the comfort of my blog.

All you need to do is enter a name (any name will do) and click start to begin answering questions.

The facts shouldn't be too difficult but the answers do come from the book and not from either of the film adaptions.

Northanger Abbey Facts » Online exam software

What score did you get?
Have you met the characters of Northanger Abbey once or are you a frequent visitor?

Very Truly Your's,

Charles Dickens Unscramble Game - Answers!

2011-12-03T01:00:00.002-05:00

Two lovely quotes from Mr. Dickens:

"Out of my thoughts! You are part of my existence, part of myself. You have been in every line I have ever read, since I first came here,… " - Charles Dickens, Great Expectations

"I will never stir from your side,” said I, “when I am suffered to be near you. Please God, I will be as true to you, as you have been to me! " - Charles Dickens, Great Expectations

These are the answers to the Charles Dickens Unscramble Game from last week.
Thanks to everyone who played and commented that they enjoyed playing! I have plans for more of these type of unscramble games but am planning to wait a bit before posting another unscramble game.

Flora Finching - Little Dorrit

Female Characters
1. FINCA FHINGLOR - Flora Finching
2. LIZEXA HMZIE - Lizzie Hexam
3. CLA AERDA - Ada Clare
4. EVISLHA STELHAAM - Estella Havisham
5. KLEB NKAICTEY - Kate Nickleby

Ebenezer Scrooge - A Christmas Carol

Male Characters
6. ECROBEER GSOENEZ - Ebenezer Scrooge
7. MZLEWN CHUZIARTIT - Martin Chuzzlewit
8. ALENHR CRTNUAM - Arthur Clennam
9. ADODP CPERLDFIVIE - David Copperfield
10. OITWLI SVERT - Oliver Twist

Bleak House

Novels
11. LORTIE DTLRIT - Little Dorrit
12. PIC KWICAPEK PTHERS - The Pickwick Papers
13. O TEES FA TTI CWALOI - A Tale Of Two Cities
14. OUT RIEMUA FURNDL - Our Mutual Friend
5. OUSAK HBLEE - Bleak House

Much thanks to those who played:

Jemimah - 15 Correct

Laura - 15 Correct

Melody - 15 Correct

Miss Dashwood - 15 Correct

birdienl - 13 Correct

In His Wings / Sarah Grace - 10 Correct

Lauren - 10 Correct

Anne-girl - 9 Correct

Be on the look out for a new game very soon!

Very Truly Your's,

Book Review: Letters From Pemberley

2011-12-02T06:00:00.004-05:00

I love a bargain so when I found a copy of Letters from Pemberley: The First Year (Pride & Prejudice Continues) at our local Goodwill thrift store for only 99 cents I was very pleased!

In general dislike most sequels or continuations of Jane Austen stories. I find that quite a few sequels make several mistakes: trying too hard to invent a new exciting story, introducing Austen's fictional characters to historical ones, adding too many new characters, adding in modern agendas and sometimes even changing the personalities of the original characters!

So...the first thing that attracted me to Letters from Pemberley was what I read in author Jane Dawkins' delightful Introduction. She completely summed up my own thoughts saying that at the end of Jane Austen's novels she leaves her readers with a basic idea of how the character's lives will continue after their novel ends. After reading the lively Introduction I was very excited to start reading, and was not disappointed with what I found within!

Instead of making big leaps about the character's futures Ms. Dawkins focuses on the first year of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy's marriage.
As the title suggests the book is written in a series of letters from Elizabeth, now living at Pemberley, to her devoted sister Jane who is in residence as mistress of Netherfield Park.

The letters relate how Elizabeth fits into her role as mistress of such a great estate, her growing admiration for her husband and the friendship with her new sister-in-law, sweet Georgiana Darcy. Elizabeth's letters to Jane also follow up on the interesting lives of the many other Pride and Prejudice characters. I found futures of Kitty Bennet, Mr. Bennet, Georgiana Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam very delightful! She also describes the characters she meets in the villages and neighboring estates near Pemberley - many of these sounding very much like beloved characters from other Jane Austen novels (except with different names).

I found Letters From Pemberley to be all that could be wished for in a Jane Austen continuation!

It is perfectly in keeping with the time period, character's voices and quite a lovely tribute to Jane Austen's original novel. It was quite delightful to read more of these characters, this was one book that I devoured in a matter of hours and then immediately wanted to read it again! And I was so excited to find out there is a second book, More Letters From Pemberley, which I hope to read sometime soon!

In short, I highly recommend this book! A must read for any Jane Austen fan!

Have you read Letters From Pemberley?

What to you most look for in the Jane Austen sequels you read - exciting adventures or simple tellings of married bliss?

Which Pride and Prejudice character's future interests you the most?

Very Truly Your's,

Which Jane Austen Christmas would you choose?


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