Jennifer Ehle: To Play a Ghost

CBS is billing its new fall show "A Gifted Man" as a show "in the tradition of "Ghost Whisperer" and "Medium." Guess who plays the ghost of the doctor's ex-wife, Anna: Jennifer Ehle - Elizabeth Bennet in 1995s Pride and Prejudice!

Jennifer Ehle and Patrick Wilson in A Gifted Man

"Jennifer Ehle, about two decades older than when she played Elizabeth Bennet in the classic miniseries of "Pride and Prejudice," plays the ghost. Since only people (like me) with two X chromosomes sat through all six hours of "Pride and Prejudice", CBS probably figures Ehle will be another female draw. I hate to admit it, but they may have lured me into watching the first episode because of all those associations, because I liked "Ghost Whisperer" and "Medium" - Minot Daily News.com

Another scene form A Gifted Man

Jennifer Ehle in A Gifted Man

In the hour-long medical drama that is set for Friday nights at 8 PM ET on CBS, Martindale will play the assistant to Michael (Wilson), a competitive surgeon whose life changes when his ex-wife (Ehle) dies, but comes back to teach him life lessons.

Jennifer Ehle, Patrick Wilson, and Margo Martindale

Ehle won the Tony Award in 2000 for her work in The Real Thing and again in 2007 for her performance in The Coast of Utopia trilogy.

The air date is September 23 on CBS.

Jennifer Ehle: I Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You, Colin Firth

When I espied that photo of Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth, I could not stop myself from singing "I can't take my eyes off of youuuu!"

Jennifer Ehle, Tom Hooper (director) and Colin Firth, The King's Speech

They are lovely, aren't they?

Colin and Jennifer in 2011. Image from @Bonnets and Bustles

In 1995

Also see Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth 16 Years Later.

Posted by Raquel Sallaberry, Jane Austen em Portugues

Mr. Darcy Wins a Golden Globe

Colin Firth looking sartorially resplendent at the 2011 Golden Globe Awards

His Royal Firthness won a much-earned Golden Globe for his spectacular performance in The King's Speech. If you are a fan of good films and great acting, this movie is a must-see. I actually paid twice (unheard of, really) to see Colin Firth in one of the best roles in his life (it is hard to choose between this role and A Single Man.)

Colin's tribute to his wife Livia was touching

The evening was tarnished for me almost at the start, however, since Geoffrey Rush did not win for his role as Lionel Logue. Giving the Golden Globe to Colin Firth only was like giving one bookend as a gift. You need two bookends, everyone knows that, and The King's Speech REQUIRED Geoffrey Rush's remarkable portayal of the speech therapist for the story to work. Geoffrey'r role was ESSENTIAL. His performance equalled Colin's - they were like bookends - each needing each other, and bouncing off each other for the story to make sense.

Geoffrey Rush as Lionel Logue

So how could the Golden Globes have passed Geoffrey over? I am all puzzlement.

Below, Colin speaks about seeing Jennifer Ehle, his costar in Pride and Prejudice at about 3:17 in the video clip below (which is rather boring, actually, except for his comment about her and about Geoffrey Rush afterwards).

Jennier Ehle Video Interview: Discussion of Pride and Prejudice 2005

In this 3rd part of a 3-part A&E interview made in 2000, Jennifer Ehle discusses filming Pride and Prejudice 1995 and her role as Elizabeth Bennet.



The video is available on TerryKip's channel on YouTube, where many other Jennifer Ehle interviews and videos are available.

Jane Austen Movie Fashion Throwdown: Bonnets

Today is Easter, a time for celebration and family, and wearing hats and bonnets. Which bonnet is your favorite? I chose the three that have always caught my eye.

Front view (above), Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet at Rosings. And (below) back view.

Kate Winslet as Marianne, Sense and Sensibility, 1996

Carey Mulligan, Isabella Thorpe in Northanger Abbey 2007. Front view (top) and side view (bottom).

Which bonnet do you prefer?
	Jennifer Ehle, 1995 Elizabeth Bennet
	Kate Winslet, 1996 Marianne Dashwood
	Carey Mulligan, 2007 Isabella Thorpe
pollcode.com free polls

Pride and Prejudice: Lizzie's Diary,. Read by Jennifer Ehle

This image, drawn by Jane Odiwe, was used without permission on the YouTube video I had featured, and so I removed the video. (I did not create the YouTube video.)

Had the creator contacted Jane and asked for permission to use the image ahead of time, she would have said yes. I have always received a polite, "Please use it" (for Jane is always gracious), and then credited Jane for the artwork. In the years that I have been blogging, I have received only two no's and several silences when I sought permission. Usually people are quite glad to have their artwork used by others, since this is free publicity.

Jane's image of Elizabeth and Jane Bennet is much nicer than the mashed image we saw on the video. To view it and to read her take on the situation, please go to her site, Jane Austen's Sequels.

Jane Austen Movie Fashion Throwdown

Today I ask you to decide between Lizzie Bennet and Elizabeth Bennet, or Keira and Jennifer. Which actress's wardrobe best AUTHENTICALLY portrayed our favorite Austen heroine? The votes for Mrs. Bennet were hot and heavy and it wasn't until the 5th day that the tide began to sway towards Brenda Blethyn's side. This week I ask you: Whose wardrobe do you like best?

Jennifer Ehle or Keira Knightley dressed as Elizabeth Bennet?

Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet in P&P 1995

Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet in P&P 2005

Best dressed Lizzie
	Jennifer Ehle, 1995 Elizabeth Bennet
	Keira Knightley, 2005 Elizabeth Bennet
pollcode.com free polls

John Lithgow Tweets About Jennifer Ehle and Their New Play

Gentle Readers: On February 22, Jennifer Ehle (Elizabeth Bennet 1995) and John Lithgow are slated to star in the off Broadway production of Mr. & Mrs. Fitch, The Second Stage Theater, New York. The play, which is penned by Beane (The Little Dog Laughed, Xanadu), centers on two gossip columnists. A press release grandly announces: "When the social circuit no longer provides any scandalous news, they find that great celebrity can appear out of thin air." According to Playbill, the new comedy promises "a scathing look at who is in, who is out and who may not even exist at all."

John Lithgow's Tweets describe the rehearsals, which he says are going well. He has nothing but praise for Jennifer:

Questions about my play: MR & MRS FITCH by Douglas Carter Beane at 2nd Stage in NY, 1/26 to 3/21, with Jennifer Ehle. She and it are tops. - Jan 14

Just realized our first preview is in 13 days. Lines! Lines! - Jan 13

Rehearsals with Jennifer Ehle going great, and Richard Eyre's CARMEN at Met last night just tremendous, good NY dayz. - Jan 9


I"m such a sucker for CRANFORD on PBS, and I don't care who knows it. Haven't shed such tears since TERMS OF ENDEARMENT. - Jan 3

MR & MRS FITCH, that is. A new play at 2nd Stage Theatre in NY, starting on January 26. The entire cast is Jennifer Ehle and I. - Jan 3

1/3 of FITCH staged in a 5 hour rehearsal. Jennifer E. is fast, smart, and fabulous, Scott Ellis terrific. This is going to be some fun. - Jan 3

Saw pals Fey, Armison, S.Martin, J.Gleason, P.Wilson, C.Nixon, D.H.Hwang, F.Oz, et al in last 48 hrs. NY rules! (w. apologies for namedrops) - Jan 1

In NY, 3rd day of M/M Fitch (great!) Last night a great B'klyn: Vinegar Hill House followed by BRIEF ENCOUNTER at St. Anne's Warehouse. - Dec 31

Purchase the tickets at this site: Click here.

Posted by Vic, Jane Austen's World

Update on Jennifer Ehle

As this week's throwdown attests, Jennifer Ehle's characterization of Elizabeth Bennet is as popular as ever. The exciting news is that shooting on the new film, The King's Speech, will reunite Jennifer with Colin Firth. Yes they are to star in the same film, but will be married to different partners. Jennifer has just finished production on A Game of Thrones, and has signed to appear in Mr. & Mrs. Fitch, will will begin shooting in January.

Between her appearances onstage and becoming a new mother, Jennifer has been a busy actress indeed. One suspects she will have a long career, for she seems to choose her parts wisely.

For more about Jennifer's new films, click on this link to Jennifer Ehle (Still Made of Awesome)

Read more about the film at this Broadway World site

Jennifer Ehle

In 2007, Merchant Ivory productions presented a film by Santosh Sivan, Before the Rains, which has just come out in India. Set in Colonial India, one of the film's stars is Jennifer Ehle (Elizabeth Bennet in 1995's Pride and Prejudice.) Jennifer plays the wife of a British planter in Kerala, who lies to her about his Indian mistress. Click here to learn more about the film.

Mr. & Mrs. Darcy in the News

Our favorite Darcy couple Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle are making headlines this week.

Colin Firth, the quintessential Mr. Darcy, has been named ninth 'Sexiest Man on the Planet' in a Glamour Magazine's poll of 2000 British women. It was no surprise that Twilight star Robert Pattinson topped the list, but I am mifffed to see stars Ashton Kutcher and cutie Ryan Reynolds at the bottom.

Following Pattinson on Glamour's list are Johnny Depp, Hugh Jackman, David Beckham, Brad Pitt, Zac Efron, George Clooney, Chace Crawford, Justin Timberlake, Colin Firth, Channing Tatum, Wentworth Miller, Ed Westwick, David Tennant, Enrique Iglesias, Jensen Ackles, Colin Farrell, Josh Holloway, Chad Michael Murray, Paul Walker, Alex Pettyfer, Gerard Butler, Jake Gyllenhaal, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Josh Hartnett, Jude Law, Shia LaBeouf, Chris Pine, Christian Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo, Daniel Craig, Ewan McGregor, Matthew McConaughey, Orlando Bloom, Rafael Nadal, Clive Owen, James McAvoy, Leonardo Di Caprio, Milo Ventimiglia, Will Smith, Fernando Torres, Jason Statham, Keanu Reeves, Noel Fielding, Russell Brand, Ryan Reynolds, Tom Welling, Ashton Kutcher, Brandon Flowers, and last, but certainly not least, Cam Gigandet.

It has been fourteen years since Colin jumped into a lake and into our hearts in the 1995 miniseries Pride and Prejudice. It is interesting to note that of all the gentleman listed, Colin may be one of the oldest. Mr. Darcy certainly has staying power.

Jennifer Ehle, Elizabeth Bennet in the 1995 miniseries Pride and Prejudice, has snagged a plum role as Catelyn Stark in the pilot of HBO’s 'Game of Thrones'. Based on George R.R. Martin fantasy-book series, The Game of Thrones is the first book in the epic that also includes A Song of Ice and Fire. Ehle, a Tony and BAFTA award winning actress will portray the wife of Ned Stark (Sean Bean). The series is in pre-production and will begin filming in October. George R. R. Martin is a sci-fi phenom in the book world, so it will be interesting to see how the books are adapted for the screen. Other cast members already announced include Kit Harrington (Jon Snow) Harry Lloyd (Viserys) Jack Gleeson (Joffrey) and Mark Addy (Robert). I am looking forward to seeing Jennifer again in this interesting production.

Cheers, Laurel Ann, Austenprose

Marriage to Mr. Darcy

After fourteen years of marriage to Mr. Darcy, Lizzy's still dancing on the furniture and swinging for joy.

Posted by Vic, Jane Austen's World

Jane Austen Movie Throwdown

Poll of the week: Who is your favorite cinematic Elizabeth Bennet? I am including three choices this week, because each actress has given widely different interpretations of the role. She is also a product of her time, so that in 1939 Hollywood thought it was perfectly acceptable for a 30-something actress like Greer Garson to play Elizabeth in Civil War era garb. For these reasons, I am not including her in the mix. Plus, I can never forgive the producers for changing the ending and turning Lady Catherine de Bourgh into a nice person.

Favorite Elizabeth Bennet

Elizabeth Garvey, 1980 Pride and Prejudice

Ms. Garvey was for a long time my favorite Lizzy. A pretty and talented actress, her interpretation of a lady like Lizzy was wonderfully natural compared to the other 1980's BBC adaptations of Jane Austen's novels. When I think of her portrayal of Pride and Prejudice's famous heroine, I fondly recall her sparring conversations with Lady Catherine de Bourgh. There was fire in this Lizzy's eyes. Elizabeth, who is aging remarkably well, will be present at JASNA's annual meeting in Philadelphia. Lucky us.

Jennifer Ehle, 1995 Pride and Prejudice

A pretty and healthy looking Lizzy with the striking eyes so admired by her dashing Mr. Darcy, Jennifer was present in almost every scene of this 6-hour adaptation. One of Jennifer's more memorable scenes is when she is standing at the piano with Georgianna Darcy, who is playing. She and Colin Firth share a look that so perfectly captures their changing feelings for each other, that I very often use an image from that scene to represent her character.

Keira Knightley, 2005 Pride and Prejudice

A major film star today, Keira was just beginning to make her mark as an actress when she took on the role of Lizzy. Her interpretation of Lizzy is as a feisty and tomboyish young woman who prefers to dress in plain clothes. The rain scene, in which Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy proposes was made memorable by the crackling chemistry between the two actors. Even as her Lizzy is repelled by the way Mr. Darcy chose to propose to her, she is sexually atracted to him.

pollcode.com free polls

Favorite Elizabeth Bennet

Elizabeth Garvey Jennifer Ehle Keira Knightley

Seen on the Blogosphere

• The Clever Pup features Hugh Laurie's sartorial splendor as Mr. Palmer in Sense & Sensibility. Click here for your Hugh fix of the day.

• Apparently the Brontë patriarch,Patrick, was a mean old gorgon of a man. His children feared him and historians did not view him kindly, to put it mildly. A photograph of Patrick Brontë resurfaced recently in an antiques fair. Click here to read an interesting account of the journey that Patrick's image has taken over the years. Curiously, it is still in quest of a suitable home.

• Juliet Stevenson is wowing the audiences and critics onstage in Duet for One. Known as the mistress of the audio book and for her comedic portrayal of Mrs. Elton in Emma, Juliet continues to entertain us with her immense acting talent.

• Have you seen Jonny Lee Miller as Lord Byron in 2003's Byron? He's made a convert out of me, convincing me that he has the acting chops to play Mr. Knightley in the 2009 BBC adaptation of Emma. Watch his performance on Netflix On Demand. It's a 2-part BBC series also starring Vanessa Redgrave.

• Moving from compelling to cute, look at these Darcy and Lizzy die-cuts. Oh my.

• Lizzy Bennet, er Jennifer Ehle, gave birth to a daughter in March. She named her Tallulah Ryan. How cool.

• Finally, here's a polyvore image inspired by images from Jane Austen's World. Blush.

Posted by Vic, Jane Austen's World

The Austen Shopaholic: Great Deals on Mr. Darcy!

The Austen sweet deal of the week ...

The A&E Shop online is offering the 1995 BBC/A&E mini-series of Pride and Prejudice DVD set at 60% off retail price at an incredible value of $15.98 until September 17th! This two DVD set includes 300 minutes of Jane Austen's classic novel adapted by Andrew Davies and staring Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy and Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet. Don't miss out on your chance to own what is unarguably the ultimate movie adaptation of the greatest love story ever written or filmed!

Here are some great bargain books at $5.99 or less to fill out your Austen inspired library.

An Assembly Such as This: A Novel of Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman, by Pamela Aiden

These Three Remain: A Novel of Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman, by Pamela Aiden

Lost in Austen: Create Your Own Jane Austen Adventure, by Emma Campbell Webster

Happy viewing and reading to all!

Laurel Ann, Austenprose

Jennifer Ehle Speaks About Her Role as Elizabeth Bennet and Tracy Lord

In 2005 Jennifer Ehle spoke about her role in the Philadelphia Story at the Old Vic on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, as well as her turn as Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. Listen to this 9-minute interview with Jennifer, whose American accent is somewhat surprising. According to Jennifer's fan site, she was only 24 years old when she created the role of Lizzy.

In June, Jennifer won a Tony Award for The Coast of Utopia, and as you can see from the photo, she looked blond, lovely, and sparkling during her acceptance speech. Watch Jennifer and Colin Firth (see post below) as Lizzy and Mr. Darcy in Part 2 of Pride and Prejudice 1995 tomorrow night at 9 p.m. EST. - posted Ms. Place

The Men of Austen: Mr. Darcy Rules & John Thorpe Drools

I'm having a good giggle from reading the results of the 'The Men of Austen' poll on the PBS Masterpiece Classic web site. Darcy still rules, and John Thorpe drools! Ha! I am just amazed that the drippy Mr. Collins is seventh in the poll out of a possible 16 candidates! Really, Janeites, have you all gone all Charlotte Lucas on me?

It's reasuring to know that tastes in men haven't changed much in 200 years! What amiable qualities Jane Austen saw in Regency era men and endowed upon Mr. Darcy are still desirable today in 2008. Or are we influenced like Lizzy Bennet by his ample estate of Pemberley, and his 10,000 pounds a year income? Oh, and that's 6,000,000 a year in today's currency ladies!

One wonders if it is really Colin Firth's portrayal of Mr. D. in the 1995 Pride and Prejudice that inspires us to vote him our most suitable mate. Darcy is a bit of a stuffed shirt in the novel. His transformation into a caring, compassionate suitor for Elizabeth Bennet's affection is so much more compelling on the screen when you can watch Colin watching Lizzy. She is renown for her 'fine eyes', but his are more impressive.


Novel, movie. Movie, novel. They have both become so ingrained in our perception of Pride and Prejudice that they have melded together in my mind. It will be a pleasure to re-view the 1995 P&P staring Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet, and Colin Firth as Fitzwilliam Darcy, airing this Sunday, February 10th, and the next two consecutive Sundays in February on Masterpiece Classic at 9:00 pm on PBS. Be sure to watch Darcy watching Lizzy. He will tell the real story.

Posted by Laurel Ann, Austenprose

Oh, My, Look At These Jane Austen Icons from Kayla Daniels

Inquiring readers: Kayla Daniels sent in 13 lovely icons for the A Walk With Jane Austen contest. The winner will receive an autographed copy of Lori Smith's beautiful journal. By sheer dint of numbers, Kayla is a strong contender. Here, then, are Kayla's icons in the order she sent them!!

1 & 2 Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy

#3-7 Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet
#8-9 Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet
#10 Jena Malone as Lydia Bennet
#11 & 12 Emma Thompson as Elinor Dashwood
#13 Kate Winslet as Marianne Dashwood (To view this icon as you should, click here.)

Remember, you have until November 4th to send in your entries. Response has been such, that second and third place will also receive a prize, to be announced.

Win A Copy of A Walk With Jane Austen

Inquiring Readers:

Lori Smith has kindly offered to send the winner of my new icon contest a copy of her just released book: A Walk With Jane Austen: A Journey Into Adventure, Love, and Faith.

The contest will be open for two weeks, and it is simple: Just send me a copy of your favorite icon of a Jane Austen movie hero or heroine. I will choose the top icons, from which you will get to vote for your favorite. Tell me the name of the actor or actress, and the movie. If you did not create the icon, please include the attribution.

My email address sits on the side bar. Or, you may include the icon in a comment. You may also enter as many times as you like.
Here's a rather large icon I created: Jennifer Ehle as Lizzie Bennett looking contemplative. The overall effect is soft, like a watercolour.

Ready? Set. Go! You have until Sunday, November 4th to send in your icons.