An American romantic drama; A story about a naive orphan who, in time, becomes governess in a mysterious Yorkshire mansion. Besotted with her charismatic but intimidating employer, she is unaware that the master of the house is concealing a dark secret.
Charlotte Brontë's novel is distilled to 90 mins of high level melodrama, dramatic contrasts in lighting, dramatic swells of music at key moments, and highly dramatic delivery of dialogue, in which each character replied immediately and powerfully to what another had just said. But, it also features fabulously stirring performances from Joan Fontaine who was believably passionate, chastened, firm, desperate, and loving; Orson Welles is awesomely dominating, and expressionistic as Rochester; Peggy Ann Garner gives us a heart-rending young Jane. Elizabeth Taylor's small part also adds much to the touching scenes of childhood.
The vivid black-and-white photography, dark visuals and bleak setting, together with the ominous soundtrack by Bernard Herrmann, combines to create an intimidating atmosphere and attractive viewing.
Review of Jane Eyre
