The latest version of 'Pride & Prejudice' follows in the footsteps of countless other literary favorites made - and remade - into films.
Here's how the film world's vision of this popular classic compares to other
"Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte 1944: Robert Stevenson creates a dark, glossy, romanticised picture without losing the story's heart. Could there be a more commanding figure to play Mr. Rochester than Orson Welles? The elegant Joan Fontaine is much too lovely to play Jane, even with the original hairstyle which may have inspired Princess Leia's coif in "Star Wars."
1983: Before he was James Bond, Timothy Dalton was a dab hand at iconic literary characters on both stage and screen. Though young for the role, the intense actor makes a great Mr. Rochester in the BBC production.
1996 ("Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre"): William Hurt seemed an odd choice to take on the overwhelming presence of Mr. Rochester, but he managed to capture the character's inner torment, with great subtlety. Charlotte Gainsbourg may well be the best Jane Eyre on film.
1997: This A&E adaptation starred Ciaran Hinds as a stern Mr. Rochester and Samantha Morton as the shy governess, with casting which is probably closest to Bronte's vision.
This is a great example of a classic that has been adapted exceedingly well. All versions are worth watching, but start at the beginning and work your way through to the present day to compare and contrast. | 
