Jane Austen wrote only a handful of novels, but that doesn't stop the BBC and PBS from filming multiple adaptations of them. This season, as part of "The Complete Jane Austen," "Masterpiece" is featuring a collection of both old and new versions of Austen's beloved stories. We've already seen fresh takes on "Persuasion," "Northanger Abbey," and "Mansfield Park," and a new two-part "Sense and Sensibility" begins on March 30. Meanwhile, the definitive "Pride and Prejudice" from 1995 continues tonight at 9 on Channel 2 with part two.
These remakes are cast with young British performers who know how to wear corsets and waistcoats with aplomb. They can blush on command and pout like nobody's business. Here's a guide to the next generation of Austen actors, the smart Lizzys and intriguing Darcys of tomorrow. Each is rated for his or her potential to be the next Emma Thompson or Colin Firth on a scale of 1-6, since Austen completed six novels.
SALLY HAWKINS
ANNE ELLIOT IN "PERSUASION"
PBSsence: Oh-so reticent lover.
Modern turn: Woody's Allen's "Cassandra's Dream" from 2007 and Mike Leigh's new "Happy-Go-Lucky."
The next: Kristin Scott Thomas,
without the upper crust bite.
Emma-bility: 3
RUPERT PENRY-JONES
CAPTAIN WENTWORTH IN "PERSUASION"
PBSsence: Gentleman heartthrob.
Modern turn: Woody Allen's "Match Point," 2005.
The next: Julian Sands - the sweet, pre-villain model.
Firth Factor: 4
JJ FEILD
HENRY TILNEY IN "NORTHANGER ABBEY"
PBSsence: Nervous, brainy hero.
Modern turn: In 2001's "Last Orders" as the young version of Michael Caine.
The next: Jeremy Irons with lighter hair.
Firth Factor: 2
CAREY MULLIGAN
ISABELLA THORPE IN "NORTHANGER ABBEY"
PBSsence: Cheerful lass.
Modern turn: The forthcoming Natalie Portman movie "Brothers."
The next: Susannah York, plus an
added dash of frivolousness.
Emma-bility: 2
FELICITY JONES
CATHERINE MORLAND IN "NORTHANGER ABBEY"
PBSsence: Headstrong beauty.
Modern turn: Daniel Craig's forthcoming "Flashbacks of a Fool."
The next: Helena Bonham Carter, sans big hair.
Emma-bility: 5
JAMES D'ARCY
TOM BERTRAM IN "MANSFIELD PARK"
PBSsence: Dark, dashing adventurer.
Modern turn: "Exorcist: The Beginning" in 2004.
The next: Alan Rickman, both good guy and bad guy.
Firth Factor: 4
DAN STEVENS
EDWARD FERRARS IN "SENSE AND SENSIBILITY"
PBSsence: Dreamy-eyed, vulnerable leading man.
Modern turn: The 2006 miniseries "The Line of Beauty."
The next: Hugh Grant, but coordinated.
Firth Factor: 6
CHARITY WAKEFIELD
MARIANNE DASHWOOD IN "SENSE AND SENSIBILITY"
PBSsence: Tempestuous young woman.
Modern turn: The Malcolm McDowell thriller "Exitz," 2007.
The next: Miranda Richardson without the sour puss.
Emma-bility: 3
