Persuasion [VHS]
This 1971 BBC version ofPersuasionmay not provide much competition for the excellent 1995 adaptation, but it's a thorough, faithful adaptation. At 27, Anne Elliot (Anne Firbank) has faded into  compliant spinsterhood. She's the voice of reason in her self-absorbed, class-conscious family, whose  excesses have brought them to near financial ruin. At 19, Anne loved a sailor, now the Captain Frederick  Wentworth  (Bryan Marshall), who, at the time, had little to recommend himself. At friend and neighbor  Lady Russell's (Marian Spencer) suggestion, Anne broke the engagement and has always quietly regretted it. Meanwhile, her father, Sir Walter Elliott (Basil Dignam), and elder sister Elizabeth (Valerie Gearon), finally realize  they must retrench and rent out their ancestral home, Kellynch. They take leave for Bath, at the  recommendation of Lady Russell. Ironically, Kellynch is let to Admiral and Mrs. Croft, the latter being  Wentworth's sister. While visiting with her younger sister Mary (Morag Hood) and Mary's husband Charles Musgrove  (William Kendall) on her way to Bath, Anne meets the now wealthy Wentworth, who appears to be  courting one of Charles's sisters, Louisa (Zhivila Roche). Eventually, in typical Austen fashion, true love finds its way.ThisPersuasionoffers lighter versions of Anne and Wentworth. Firbank is a little mature to play  Anne, but she's likeable. While the costumes seem right, if a little bright, the hair (especially  Firbank's) is definitely early-1970s party-do. The interior shots, done on tape, resemble a brighter Regency  version ofDark Shadowsand the exterior shots are done on film; it's a little disconcerting, but  forgivable. There's also clearer explanation and detail regarding Anne and Wentworth's actions, and, as  depicted in the original work, an explanation of Anne's friend Mrs. Smith's connection to Anne's duplicitous cousin  Mr. Elliot (Rowland Davies).--N.F. Mendoza