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Middlemarch [VHS] [1994]
 
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Middlemarch [VHS] [1994]

Juliet Aubrey , Douglas Hodge , Anthony Page    Universal, suitable for all   VHS Tape
4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
RRP: £19.99
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Middlemarch [VHS] [1994] + Far From the Madding Crowd [DVD]
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Product details

  • Actors: Juliet Aubrey, Douglas Hodge, Robert Hardy, Peter Jeffrey, Trevyn McDowell
  • Directors: Anthony Page
  • Writers: Andrew Davies, George Eliot
  • Producers: Louis Marks
  • Format: Box set
  • Language English
  • Classification: U
  • Studio: BBC
  • VHS Release Date: 24 Jan 2000
  • Run Time: 375 minutes
  • Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
  • ASIN: B00004COFZ
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 43 in Video (See Top 100 in Video)

Product Description

Amazon.co.uk Review

This BBC adaptation of George Eliot's Middlemarch is so remarkable that after viewing it disaffected English Literature students may find themselves revisiting the once-dreaded novel with pleasurable anticipation. Over the course of six hours, we are immersed in the lives of Dorothea Brooke, Mr Ladislaw, Dr Lydgate and, by the end, you'll be wanting even more. Set in the fictional town of Middlemarch in the early 19th century, the stories of the townsfolk are woven seamlessly together, with strands of political fervour and social commentary subtly incorporated.

Dorothea (Juliet Aubrey) wants desperately to make something of her life; however, as a woman she is forbidden the study of Greek and Latin and no one takes her notions of societal improvement seriously. She chooses to marry the elderly Rev. Casaubon (Patrick Malahide), a scholarly man whom she can aid in his work. Meanwhile, new to Middlemarch is the handsome Dr Lydgate (Douglas Hodge), who has grand notions for running a free hospital and finding a cure for cholera. His plans are sidetracked, however, when the beautiful but materialistic Rosie Vincy (Trevyn McDowell) sets her sights on him. Other sub-plots run throughout, including Rev. Casaubon's dashing but disapproved-of cousin Will Ladislaw (Rufus Sewell), who has his eye on Dorothea; the scandals of banker Mr Bulstrode (Peter Jeffrey); and the prodigal son Fred Vincy (Jonathan Firth), who urgently wants the hand of Mary but can't find the money or an honest career to provide for her.

Each of the actors fully embodies his or her role, and none of the performances are standout because they are all wonderful. The locations are dark and fitting to the mood, and the costumes and set decorations are period perfect. For anyone who enjoys the BBC's adaptations of great novels or for those just looking for a great story to sink their teeth into, Middlemarch will not disappoint. --Jenny Brown, Amazon.com


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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
110 of 112 people found the following review helpful
By Lawyeraau HALL OF FAME TOP 100 REVIEWER
Format:VHS Tape
This is a superb adaptation of George Elliot's novel of the same name. Set in nineteenth century England in the rural town of Middlemarch, it follows the lives of several of its inhabitants, as the threads of their lives intertwine with those of others. Filled with memorable characters with whom the viewer becomes engrossed over the six hours that the series runs, it is a well acted, beautifully filmed period piece.

When an idealistic, ambitious, handsome gentleman, Dr. Tertius Lydgate (Douglas Hodge), moves to MIddlemarch with the expectation of running a charity hospital that will allow him the opportunity for medical research, he is teeming with anticipation at his prospects in this provincial backwater. He is quickly thrust into a situation not of his own making, however, as the town seems to be a family divided over who is to be chaplain of the hospital. Aligning himself with his benefactor, Mr. Bulstrode (Peter Jeffrey), the town's unpopular banker, he sets the path upon which he must travel. Moreover, when he freely states his opinions without regard for the existing medical establishment, he makes enemies without even realizing it, so pure of heart is he. Upon meeting the lusciously lovely and thoroughly spoiled social climber, Rosalind Vincy (Trevyn McDowell), daughter of the town's upstart mayor, he is lost to her charms and loses sight of the prize. He sets upon yet another path that will bring him ignominy.

The lovely and intelligent Dorothea Brooke (Juliet Aubrey) is a scion of one of the wealthy first families of Middlemarch. She, too, is idealistic and wants to leave her mark on the world. Her head filled with socialist ideas, she, being pure of heart, longs to set right wrongs perpetrated upon the poor by the wealthy landowners, a class of which she is a member. Moreover, having been denied the education available to men, she deeply admires learning in others. Unfortunately, she is taken in by the scholarly pretensions of a wealthy, middle aged cleric, the Rev. Casaubon (Patrick Malahide), and chooses to marry him over her other suitor. Thinking that she can assist her husband with his scholarly work, she discovers too late that he may have other ideas on this matter. When she meets his cousin, the romantically handsome Will Ladislaw (Ruffin Sewell), this sets into motion a future event that is to have a lasting impact on Dorothea.

One would think that Dorothea and Tertius would be a perfect love match. Alas, that is not to be, as the heart of each is captured by another. Scandals, romance, intrigues, politcs, and the wind of social change permeate this epic period piece. With numerous memorable characters and subplots that move the story along, the viewer remains enthralled, as the entire six hours melt away. With beautiful, lush cinematography, wonderful costumes, and ensemble ecting that makes this epic period piece flow, this video is a welcome addition to one's collection. Bravo!

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39 of 40 people found the following review helpful
A triumph 4 April 2001
By A Customer
Format:VHS Tape
An astonishingly accurate and comprehensive adaptation of George Eliot's great work. The near flawless peformances explore the range and subtleties of each character as fully as the medium could allow. Andrew Davies' superb screenplay somehow manages to weave almost every thread of Eliot's beautifully-constructed plot into six hours of engrossing television. The locations, sets and costumes are perfect. My only minor criticism is that the incidental music occasionally seems cliched and intrusive, especially when it is meant to reflect tension or joy. But this is perhaps more a comment on the strength of the performances than anything else.

One to keep beside I Claudius, Brideshead Revisited and the Singing Detective.

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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By pseudopanax VINE™ VOICE
Format:DVD
This adaptation isn't perfect, as Andrew Davies' script unravels a bit near the end as all the loose ends are tied up at lightning speed. But Juliet Aubrey is the perfect Dorothea Brooke and Davies' writing in the first two hours introduces the myriad characters in a controlled and effective pace. Middlemarch set a new standard for BBC costume dramas at the time of its broadbast, and its intelligence and spot on casting led the way for the best BBC dramas that followed it: Persuasion, Wives and Daughters and Vanity Fair. The production does look a bit dated now, but the performaces by Aubrey, Patrick Malahide, Douglas Hodge and the rest of the cast continue to impress. Middlemarch will always be a difficult classic to adapt for the screen, but this production mostly succeeds in being both intellectual and accessible.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Middlemarch dvd
Slightly confusing packaging and menu, which doesn't make clear that this is a 7-part series first broadcast on the BBC in 1994. Read more
Published 1 day ago by benski 86
bad adaptation
I think this serie is awful! The caracters are stiff and inconvincing, Dorothea is too old and serious. Hoping for a better version soon.
Published 1 month ago by Agnès
Very watchable
I probably wouldn't have watched this if I hadn't been studying Nineteenth Century Literature, but very glad I did. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Libby
VACUOUS AND BORING!
I have read most of the great European novelists except George Eliot. If this is a true representation of her work then I will not bother reading anything by her. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Thamesis
From 'Capital City' to Middlemarch
I really enjoyed this DVD. Saw it on TV originally. Previously lived in Stamford, Lincs, UK, where the Middlemarch scenes were filmed. Fine acting. Read more
Published 9 months ago by N. Smith
watched first time around on TV and loved it then
This was a very good TV series that I followed some years ago and enjoyed. It was lovely to relive the excellent acting and great story. Read more
Published 9 months ago by tiggycat
Excellent location
As far as I can see, none of the reviews (many of which are far too long!) mention that the exteriors were shot in and around the delightful Lincolnshire town of Stamford.
Published 10 months ago by Afficionado
Boring
I love my period dramas but afraid this just didn't cut it. I never felt attached to the characters and frankly although it is predictable, the main love affair was totally... Read more
Published 11 months ago by Ms. D. B. Neil-watters
Middlemarch (DVD) 1994
The very best 'Middlemarch' on DVD I love the book and this was the next best thing. Acting excellent I would recommend this DVD to anyone who loves the Classics. Read more
Published 12 months ago by theljam
Too short and/or oddly paced
If I have one complaint about Andrew Davies screenplays, it is that they almost invariably spend the bulk of the time available lovingly building up the various strands of the... Read more
Published 12 months ago by Graham R. Hill
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