Overall,this is an inferior adaptation of the Bronte classic in comparison to the 1944 Orson Welles version. The acting by the supporting cast,especially Jack Hawkins as Mr.Brocklehurst, is campy to the point of near-parody. The cinematography is entirely too bright for this type of film,the gaudy oranges and reds made even tackier by the copious amounts of speckles and scratches that give the print a sometimes aggravating institutional-film quality.Thornfield Hall is supposed to be hiding a very malevolent aspect of Rochester's past and the wise filmmaker needs to mask the castle in gloom and shadow with only a few candles here and there so the cast doesn't trip over themselves. Instead Paul Beeson turns the place into a showplace for expensive furnishings and draperies with enough chandeliers to turn the place into an elitist sports arena. Thank God for George C.Scott! Fans of his Ebenezer Scrooge in the 1984 version of "A Christmas Carol" will be fascinated with his deep insight into the Rochester character and the unpretentious earthiness he brings to a role that due to its many blustering and eloquent speeches is often misinterpreted by many of the best actors. His best scene by far is not with Eyre but his candid conversation with his mad first wife which gives us a close-up look at a side of the character not usually explored in film versions of this story. So while the Orson Welles version undoubtedly stands as the definitve interpretation, this version despite its flaws is very much worth your time because of Scott's brilliant performance
Review of Jane Eyre
