The Best Pre-Twentieth Century Mini-Series

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If you love pre-twentieth century mini-series based on classic literature as much as I do, (can we all together say, "Pride and Prejudice with Collin Firth and Jennifer Ehle") here are some of the best ones made within the last 10 years. By the way, most of these can be reserved through the public library.

1) Emma (by Jane Austin; 2009 starring Romola Garai): I always loved Hollywood's version of Emma with Gweneth Paltrow, but then I watched this new mini-series put out by BBC video and was amazed at how much was missing in the former version. I much prefer drawing these stories out the way they were written instead of condensing everything into a 90 minute film. You must check this new version of Emma out.

























2) Cranford (by Elizabeth Gaskell; 2008 starring Judi Dench): This character-driven mini-series was brilliantly acted and was the sort of story that you want to hear/watch over and over again. I seriously have not cried and laughed as much in one series as I did in this.

























3) Little Dorrit (by Charles Dickens; 2009 starring Clair Foy): I absolutely fell in love with the characters of this heart wrenching story. While I have not yet read this book, I am sure that the mini-series gave Charles Dicken's writing due justice.

























4) Jane Eyre (by Charlotte Bronte; 2006 starring Ruth Wilson): Jane Eyre is one of my all time favorite books. I have seen several movie versions of this haunting story, but this 2006 Masterpiece Theater mini-series definitely tops the list.

























5) Wives and Daughters (by Elizabeth Gaskell; 2006 starring Justine Waddell) Another great story by EG. If you are a member of Netflix, you can find this on instant watch.

























6) Daniel Daronda (by George Eliot; 2003 starring Hugh Dancy): Ah, another beautiful and unpredictable love story. This is also on Netflix instant watch.

























7) Bleak House (by Charles Dickens; 2009 starring Anna Martin): The complex plot, desperate characters and quiet heroism mark this story as a masterpiece. Check it out on Netflix instant watch.

























I think that these will keep you quite busy and when you run out, there are several more that I can suggest.....

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