Jane Eyre (1957) ***1/2

This miniseries is not available in translation, as far as I am aware, so this review is from watching the adaptation in Italian. Still, if you have any familiarity with the story, you shouldn’t have a problem following it.

Ilaria Occhini (her debut screen appearance at 22), is Jane, and Raf Vallone (who made appearances in English language films later) is Rochester. This version starts with the meeting of the two when Rochester falls from his horse, and then flashes back to Jane’s childhood at the Reeds, including some kind of early love affair (a departure from the book, but never mind …).

With Gothic flashes, smoulders and locked doors, this version delivers, and even has a nice twist to the ending which while not really Bronte, wraps up this film quite well. The acting is fine, and while not entirely faithful to the novel, it isn’t so much of a departure that it becomes a travesty.