Jane Eyre (1944)

Rushed and incomplete, yet compelling and interesting enough, this 1943 version of Charlotte Bronte's classic novel works as an adaptation only because of the actors who embody their respective characters with a fierce engagement. The film often reduces itself to rehearsing the major plot points of the novel without paying closer attention to what made characters like Jane, Mr. Rochester, Blanche or Mrs. Reed so memorable. As a result, the film has its shortcomings and could have used an addition of a few more minutes to its runtime, but thanks to Joan Fontaine and Orson Welles in the leading roles, as well as Elizabeth Taylor, Hillary Brooke and Agnes Moorehead in memorable supporting performances, Robert Stevenson's "Jane Eyre" is still worth watching - as long as you are familiar with the source material and don't allow this to become your first encounter with the story of Jane Eyre.

The black and white cinematography of Jane Eyre is awe-inspiring. It ranks up there with night of the hunter for me, both are some of the best ever captured. It also has the same eerie factory that creeps the audience out so well. The backstory of Jane Eyre, as a young girl, played by Garner is so well done that the adult Jane does not need to show that much expression, in her acting. It also fits the plane girl character better. Orson Welles' acting on this movie was not what I would expect of him. To be he seemed slightly disinterested at times, or slightly over the top during other times. The story and script, as well as the cinematography is what makes this movie great. Acting does factor into it, but not that much.

Jane Eyre (Joan Fontaine) survives a rough childhood at the worst orphanage ever and gets a job as a governess to the daughter of Edward Rochester (Orson Welles). At first she finds the brooding Rochester hard to get along with but over time he softens and the two begin to fall in love. Rochester has a secret, however, that may prevent their happiness.Entertaining adaptation of the classic Charlotte Bronte novel, beautifully filmed with noirish use of shadow. Great direction by Robert Stevenson and cinematography by George Barnes. Bernard Herrmann's score is quite nice. The cast is exceptional. Orson Welles is a perfect Rochester. I've seen some purists quibble with Joan Fontaine's performance but I thought she was very good in this. Henry Daniell always makes a strong villain. Peggy Ann Garner is fantastic as young Jane. Elizabeth Taylor has an early role as her friend. Margaret O'Brien is adorable as usual. For my money, this is the best film version of the novel. Also possibly the best film Welles starred in that he didn't direct.

My first impression- it was very Gothic. Quite dark and ominous with eerie music adding to the look and feel. This was quite a stark contrast to the 1934 version, that's for sure! It was much more faithful to the novel than 1934, but it still changed quite a bit as well.I found Joan Fontaine to be slightly too subdued in her performance as Jane. I know Jane is suppose to be reserved, but I think it was taken too far- almost to her having no emotions at all. Orson Welles as Rochester's performance stressed Rochester's dark and troubled side- completely ignoring the character's sense of humor. Once again, stressing the Gothic elements.Look out for a very young Elizabeth Taylor in an uncredited role as Helen Burns! This version was certainly more faithful than 1934 and much better made on the whole, yet I'm afraid I don't share the love a lot of people seem to have for it. It still changed a bit too much for me and was at times overly dark.