Atmospheric Film Version of a Classic Novel

I have seen this film version of 'Jane Eyre' several times on television and it obviously has its defects as a screen adaptation of the original novel, principally by omitting and truncating much of the narrative detail and plot lines. That being said, the production is a thoroughly enjoyable movie experience for any viewer prepared to make allowance for the stylistic conventions and film interpretations of the era in which it originated.

Joan Fontaine is charming though perhaps a little too pretty and somewhat over subdued to portray Charlotte Bronte's heroine with full conviction, (Bette Davis might have been better cast in the role) but Orson Welles is totally convincing as the brooding, tormented and restless Mr Rochester. His performances from scene to scene vary from cynical indifference to anger, passion and despair. Indeed at times he seems possessed of an elemental almost demonic energy.

Being shot in monochrome the film allows much interplay between darkness and light with considerable overall dramatic effect. Some criticism may be made regarding anachronisms in costume and settings, but these can perhaps be overlooked as commonplace, contemporary features of such movies.

Other players in this production deserve to be mentioned. Agnes Moorehead as Jane's Aunt, Mrs Reed (a fine performance by this distinguished character actress) of a petty, mean spirited and heartless woman (until her deathbed scene with the adult Jane).

British born actor Henry Daniell was also superb in his (characteristic) portrayal of Mr Brocklehurst, the religiously fanatical, cruel and domineering overseer of Lowood school where the hapless young Jane is ignominiously consigned by her uncaring aunt.

In my opinion the finest performances in this film are given by the younger cast members. Peggy Anne Garner is quite outstanding in her part as the young Jane Eyre and watch out too for an (uncredited) absolutely heartbreaking short appearance by the twelve year old Elizabeth Taylor as Jane’s friend and fellow pupil Helen Burns.

Rochester’s young ward Adele is captivatingly portrayed by the awesomely talented (seven year old) Margaret O’Brien, presumably (like Taylor) on loan to TCF from MGM and by then well on her way to becoming (all too briefly) the leading child screen star of the 1940’s.