"Pride and Prejudice" (1940) - SPOILER ALERT

This is the third version of "Pride and Prejudice" that I have seen that can be considered a "true" adaptation of the book. While it is my least favorite of the three, it is still a great movie that has its own unique highlights.

This is the only version I have seen that is in black and white. I prefer the color versions. There's even a bit of a tease in the black and white version that makes me long for color. It's a reference to a "blue" dress. Why put that line in a black and white movie? I wanted to see the "blue" dress!

One thing I love about this version is at the beginning there is an introduction of the characters and where they all live. I could have really used that introduction before I watched any version. By the time I watched this version, I was already familiar with the main characters, but it was a nice touch.

The characters in this version are a bit older. If you're watching it for the first time, it probably won't matter much, but having seen the other two versions, I prefer the younger, more innocent looking versions of Lizzy and Mr. Darcy. That doesn't mean the acting wasn't good, because it was. Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier make a great pair as Lizzy and Mr. Darcy (although in the beginning I was confused because unlike the previous two versions I saw, in the 1940 adaptation, Lizzy's hair color is lighter and Jane's hair color is darker). Melville Cooper also gave a stellar performance as Mr. Collins. There was no confusion about who he was! Unfortunately, I was not as keen on Bruce Lester as Mr. Bingley. He isn't quite as jovial as Mr. Bingley is in the previous two versions that I saw. One character who was completely missing from this film was Mr. Darcy's sister, Georgianna. They speak about her, but never show her. I really liked her in the previous two versions I saw, so I missed not seeing her in this one.

One scene I missed in this movie was when Lizzy goes to the Bingley's to visit Jane. In the previous two versions I saw, she is shown making that trek to their residence. However, in the 1940 version, she just shows up there. It does indicate that she walked there, but she is not shown doing so. Maybe it's because I enjoy walking outdoors, but I would have liked to have seen her making that journey as we did in the other two adaptations.

Another scene I missed was when Lizzy speaks with Mr. Fitzwilliam about Mr. Darcy. Again, we know that she had this conversation, but in the 1940 version they are not shown speaking. Also, why was Jane not upset knowing that her mother opened and read her mail? I guess that shows a bit of Jane's character - she is forgiving and sees the good in everyone.

As I was watching this movie, I noticed that the costumes are much more flamboyant than they are in the previous versions. Although I prefer the more subdued fashion, it wasn't too much of a distraction because it fit with the tone of this version of the movie. However, I did some research and it turns out the costumes are from a later time period. The original Pride and Prejudice takes place in 1812. The 1940 adaptation takes place about 20 years later - in the 1830s. In fashion, that can make a huge difference.

There are two standout scenes in this movie that are not in the previous two. This version starts out in a store where Mrs. Bennet is with Lizzy and Jane. They find out from Mrs. Bennet's very enthusiastic sister and Mrs. Lucus that Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley are in town. The standout scene happens when the Bennet ladies race the Lucus ladies to get to their respective homes to share the news with Mr. Bennet and Mr. Lucus. The moms each want their husbands to call on Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy first. The racing scene between the two families in the horse-drawn carriages is hilarious! It really sets the tone for this version, as it is a bit more silly than the previous two. Flamboyant, like the costumes.

The second standout scene is a much more subdued, but still memorable, one. Anyone who has seen the 1940 version will most likely know what I'm referring to when I say "the archery scene". It is when Mr. Collins is desperately looking for Lizzy. She hides from him among the trees. Mr. Collins happens to see Mr. Darcy and asks him if he has seen Lizzy. Although he has indeed seen her, he knows she does not want Mr. Collins to see her, so Mr. Darcy tells Mr. Collins that he has not. Mr. Collins departs and Lizzy emerges from the trees. She and Mr. Darcy then practice archery. It turns out Lizzy is very good at it. Apart from the scene itself being memorable, it is a turning point in the movie. It is where Lizzy and Mr. Darcy are just beginning to understand each other.

The last part of the movie is different, too. In this version, Lady Catherine tells Lizzy what Mr. Darcy did. Lady Catherine also gives Lizzy her blessing, though not directly. She tells Mr. Darcy that she approves after she cross-examined Lizzy. Lizzy passed the test she didn't know she was taking with flying colors!

The last scene in this version is not very memorable to me. It ends with another one of the Bennet sisters singing, not with Lizzy and Mr. Darcy blissfully sharing a moment together. Since this movie is primarily supposed to be about their relationship, it would have been fitting to have it conclude with them, as the 1995 and 2005 versions do.

This isn't a horrible adaptation. If you enjoy the overall story of Pride and Prejudice, then to some extent, you'll probably enjoy this one as well. There are scenes that set it apart from the others, but don't expect the masterpieces that the other two are.