Jane Eyre
1944 | 97 minutes | Directed by Robert Stevenson
"My name is Jane Eyre... I was born in 1820, a harsh time of change in England. Money and position seemed all that mattered. Charity was a cold and disagreeable word. Religion too often wore a mask of bigotry and cruelty. There was no place for the poor or the unfortunate. I had no father or mother, brother or sister. As a child I lived with my aunt, Mrs. Reed of Gateshead Hall. I do not remember that she ever spoke one kind word to me."
Synopsis:
Small, plain and poor, Jane Eyre comes to Thornfield Hall as governess to the young ward of Edward Rochester. Denied love all her life, Jane can't help but be attracted to the intelligent, vibrant, energetic Mr. Rochester, a man twice her age. But just when Mr. Rochester seems to be returning the attention, he invites the beautiful and wealthy Blanche Ingram and her party to stay at his estate. Meanwhile, the secret of Thornfield Hall could ruin all their chances for happiness. (IMDb.com)
If you just saw Rebecca at the Rave Theater in Davenport last Monday, then you are fully primed for this week's offering. Like that classic Alfred Hitchcock film, Jane Eyre also stars Joan Fontaine in yet another fish-out-of-water role opposite onscreen (and behind the scenes) powerhouse Orson Welles.
The cast also includes Margaret O'Brien (best known for her portrayal of "Tootie" in Meet Me in St. Louis), Agnes Moorehead (better known in my family as my grandfather's school teacher in Wisconsin), and Elizabeth Taylor in an uncredited supporting role.
The screenplay was adapted from Welles Mercury Theater radio drama, rather than the 1847 novel by Charlotte Bronte, by John Housman and English writer Aldous Huxley (Brave New World). Welles was offered, but declined, a producer credit for his contributions offscreen. Some have suggested that Jane Eyre is more Welles' film than director Stevenson's or star Fontaine's.
Shot entirely on a sound stage in Los Angeles, the film is known for its atmospheric depiction of the foggy Yorkshire Moors. The film's score was written by my favorite film composer, Bernard Herrmann. Herrman, of course, went on to score many of Alfred Hitchcock's best films, including his most famous...Psycho.
Grab some smelling salts. These Monday afternoon matinees are still only $2.00! And, that includes popcorn and a drink!
1:00 pm - February 7, 2011
Rave Motion Pictures
3601 East 53rd Street
Davenport, Iowa
563.359.1314
http://www.ravemotionpictures.com/