Top 15 Movies Made from Classic Books

 

Before I get into this list of best classic books-to-movies, a full disclosure: in my other life, I'm an adjunct English professor who specializes in nineteenth-century British literature. Consequently, I have amassed quite a collection of cinematic adaptations of Regency- and Victorian-era tomes. Given that 2009 opened with a thrilling Masterpiece Classic line-up including a highly vaunted new production of Little Dorrit, and given that the year is slated to close with Guy Ritchie's highly anticipated new Sherlock Holmes (not to mention looking ahead to Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland in 2010), I thought I’d take stock of those nineteenth-century stories that have been brought to film over the past century or so. I consulted my valued colleagues on the VICTORIA listserv and compiled this list of great movies based on nineteenth-century stories.

Of course there are some glaring absences on this list, like The Man Who Would Be King, Sherlock Holmes (played by either Basil Rathbone or Jeremy Brett), and even Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Also, the term "best" is vague; it could mean "most faithful," "most fun," or even "most creative." To me, the "best" adaptations are those that make me want to read—or re-read—the original story. But enough of these disclaimers—let's get to the list. 

1. Pride and Prejudice: It is a truth universally acknowledged that Colin Firth's famous gaze causes much swooning. Jane Austen purists prefer this six-part mini-series for its depth and detail, while viewers with a shorter attention span will enjoy the more modernized version of P&P.
2. Sense and Sensibility: I am convinced that Ang Lee and Emma Thompson can do almost anything. And Kate Winslet’s glorious talent more than makes up for that awkward wig.
3. Persuasion: Another triumph for Jane Austen fans.
4. The Tenant of Wildfell Hall: A compelling adaptation of a novel by the lesser known Brontë sister, Anne, about a woman trying to escape a rotten marriage to an alcoholic abuser.
5. Jane Eyre: Dear Reader, even I might marry Orson Welles' Mr. Rochester. While not the most "faithful" adaptation, this version of the classic novel by Charlotte Brontë remains one of my all-time favorite movies.
6. A Christmas Carol: This 1951 adaptation of Charles Dickens’ 1843 Christmas story features Alistair Sims in the role of Scrooge. A must-have for every DVD library.
7. Bleak House: Gillian Anderson plays Lady Dedlock in Charles Dickens’ scathing critique of England’s legal system of inheritance. This series is worth every minute (of the 510 total!).
8. Oliver Twist: David Lean’s 1948 adaptation of Dickens' novel is generally regarded as a masterpiece.
9. Little Dorrit: This BBC adaptation of Charles Dickens' novel garnered 11 Emmy nominations in 2009.
10. Our Mutual Friend: Adapted from Charles Dickens' last completed novel—the very novel that Desmond Hume carries around with him in that popular TV series Lost.
11. Middlemarch: Sadly, screenwriter Andrew Davies is not as well known in the U.S. as he is in England, but he's responsible for many of the finest cinematic adaptations of classic English literature, including this series based on the favorite novel by George Eliot.
12. Cranford: Mrs. Gaskell's charming little novel made into a movie featuring Dame Judi Dench: fabulous.
13. Tess of the D’Urbervilles: I hesitate between this adaptation of Thomas Hardy's 1891 "fallen woman" tale and the one by Polanski. It's worth noting that the fetching Gemma Arterton is now allegedly slated to play Cathy in the new Wuthering Heights (Natalie Portman pulled out of the project). Opinions, anyone?
14. Nosferatu: This 1922 silent-film rendition of Bram Stoker’s Dracula was actually an unauthorized adaptation—the director could not get a copyright agreement from the Stoker estate. Although some details are altered, this film remains a favorite of Dracula fans.
15. Vanity Fair: Some may prefer Mira Nair's gorgeous vision of Thackeray’s novel, but English professors tend to like this one best.

See more nineteenth-century novels made into feature films and TV series.

Now I'm curious: what literary film adaptations would make your top ten?  --Kellie

Comments

[Amy on August 20, 2009 at 01:10 PM]

Though I've already voted for my favorite adaptation, I'd like to add a vote for George C. Scott's A Christmas Carol now that I've seen the list.

All of the Sherlock Holmes episodes and films with Jeremy Brett are excellent too.

[Amy on August 21, 2009 at 08:16 AM]

Kellie, LOVE your list, your #1 and #2 are my #1 and 2 and I'm so looking forward to adding all the titles on your list to my wish list. If you ever do an online nineteenth-century British literature class, sign me up!!!

[Lee Hamilton on August 21, 2009 at 05:29 PM]

What a wonderful list! Very useful to 19c teachers/scholars. Thank you.

I would like to note, however, that Hardy's "Far From the Madding Crowd" (Terrence Stamp & Julie Christie, I think) has been omitted. Otherwise, this is terrific!

Thanks again,

Lee Hamilton

[Western Reader on August 25, 2009 at 10:10 AM]

One of my all-time favorites in this category would be Roger Corman's 1960 film, "Fall of the House of Usher," based on Edgar Allen Poe's tale. A real tour de force for Price in his prime. This is one film that has stood the test of time, and I have not forgotten the impact it had on me at first viewing.

This is not to say I dislike your listing, Kellie. It's excellent and it includes just about all of what would have been my choices. Those I've not seen are now on my "hope to see" list. Thanks!

[Kellie on August 25, 2009 at 10:28 AM]

I have very fond memories of watching Vincent Price in that super creepy adaptation of the Poe story "Fall of the House of Usher." Thanks for reminding me of those early thrills and chills, Western Reader!

And to Lee, yes I did indeed overlook that wonderful "Far from the Madding Crowd." But your comment brings it to the attention of the readers/viewers out there, so I thank you.

[SeattleReader on August 29, 2009 at 02:18 PM]

What a great list Kellie! The long version of Pride and Prejudice is indeed my favorite - I once had the DVD set in my possession for 1 week and watched it in it's entirety 4 times!

There are some here that I have not yet seen and will be putting on my list. And of course I anxiously look forward to the new Sherlock Holmes.

[cable on September 17, 2009 at 02:46 AM]

OH its simply awesome.
I had ever like the collections from classic books.From this i had watched christmas carol and our mutual friend.Simply this are some of my favorites.
Thanks for the post.

[joesen on November 09, 2010 at 09:38 PM]

Before I get into this list of best classic books-to-movies, a full disclosure: in my other life, I'm an adjunct English professor who specializes in nineteenth-century British literature.