Synopsis
The year is 1795 and young Jane Austen is a feisty 20-year-old and emerging writer who already sees a world beyond class and commerce, beyond pride and prejudice, and dreams of doing what was then nearly unthinkable – marrying for love. Naturally, her parents are searching for a wealthy, well-appointed husband to assure their daughter’s future social standing. They are eyeing Mr. Wisley, nephew to the very formidable, not to mention very rich, local aristocrat Lady Gresham, as a prospective match. But when Jane meets the roguish and decidedly non-aristocratic Tom Lefroy, sparks soon fly along with the sharp repartee. His intellect and arrogance raise her ire – then knock her head over heels. Now, the couple, whose flirtation flies in the face of the sense and sensibility of the age, is faced with a terrible dilemma. If they attempt to marry, they will risk everything that matters – family, friends and fortune.
Images
Trivia
Shooting in Ireland during the spring and summer is always tricky since the weather can change within minutes. The cricket scene for this film was especially hard to shoot and edit for this reason; the light was different in nearly every shot.
Quotations
Henry Austen: What do you make of Mr. Lefroy?
Jane Austen: We’re honoured by his presence.
Eliza De Feuillide: You think?
Jane Austen: He does, with his preening, prancing, Irish-cum-Bond-Street airs.
Henry Austen: Jane.
Jane Austen: Well, I call it very high indeed, refusing to dance when there are so few gentleman. Henry, are all your friends so disagreeable?
Henry Austen: Jane.
Jane Austen: Where exactly in Ireland does he come from, anyway?
Tom Lefroy: Limerick, Miss Austen.
Mrs. Austen: How many times did you stand up with that gentleman, Jane?
Lucy Lefroy: Was it twice?
Henry Austen: Twice would have been partial. Thrice would have been absolutely…
Lucy Lefroy: Flagrant.