Comments on: A Case for Enjoying Northanger Abbey (1986)

By: Leona

Leona — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 12:02:35 +0000

your review is perfectly aligned with my thoughts to this movie. I absolutley adore the build up AND the chosen music for this last perfect scene. Love this very special adaption.

By: Carol

Carol — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 03:30:21 +0000

I, too, liked this version; not as much as the 2007 version, but I liked it nonetheless. It’s an odd production and the 2007 version does a better job of helping to understand the full story and all of the characters and their motivations. Yet it captures a very 80s music video sensibility. There’s something enigmatic about Peter Firth.

By: Tina

Tina — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 03:25:10 +0000

I couldn’t help but reply to your review of Northanger Abbey, as i too am particularly fond of this version. Sure, the music is bad, the make-up quirky, and the dream sequences are oddly shot, but Peter Firth is a delight as the unconventional hero in this Austen story. Glad to see i’m not the only Austen Fan who has enjoyed this version.

By: Dixie-Ann Belle

Dixie-Ann Belle — Sun, 04 Feb 2018 22:36:41 +0000

In reply to Mandy.

Hi Mandy, I’m late in replying, but thank you so much for your comment!

Your thought about Catherine seeming too dreamy is interesting. Perhaps the films were trying to depict Catherine’s busy inner thoughts with these dreamy depictions. Perhaps Catherine as a narrator describing her thought process might be a better idea.

When I was thinking about the movie for this article, the weird music loomed large in my mind. When I watched it again, I was surprised and glad to see that it doesn’t play in as many scenes as I thought from memory. However I wouldn’t mind if someone decided to re-do that soundtrack.

By: Dixie-Ann Belle

Dixie-Ann Belle — Sun, 04 Feb 2018 21:23:27 +0000

In reply to Nancy Miller. I wish I'd seen your comment earlier Nancy! I too am so delighted that there are others who feel the same as I do. Peter Firth was definitely very engaging. I am not at all surprised that Catherine would find him fascinating. Thank you for commenting!

By: Dixie-Ann Belle

Dixie-Ann Belle — Sun, 04 Feb 2018 21:14:08 +0000

In reply to NyssaTheHobbit. I was just going over my review today and saw your comment! I wish I'd seen it earlier. I know it's been awhile since you posted, but I had to respond and agree that the "rosebush" line was beautiful. I love everything from the moment Catherine walks through the mist until the end.

By: Mandy

Mandy — Mon, 11 Sep 2017 13:00:00 +0000

I enjoyed reading your great review of Northanger Abbey (1986) and agree with most of your points. I certainly liked the scenes of Bath where the story took place. Peter Firth displayed something of Henry’s sophistication and humour; though, as you say he is a bit old for Henry. A pity we couldn’t turn the music down! I will only add I had fewer problems with NA1 as Catherine’s fantasies are influenced by the same book she reads in the novel. Though, I think in both NA1 and NA2 Catherine is seen as too dreamy. Generally, you are quite right, Jane Austen fans should give NA (1986) a chance.

By: Nancy Miller

Nancy Miller — Sun, 23 Apr 2017 18:43:00 +0000

I was thrilled to find this review, which confirms so many of my thoughts about the 1986 Northanger Abbey. I too recorded it back in the ’80s on my VCR and watched it countless times. Although not true to Austen in all respects, I found the gothic horror aspects very appropriate for the story and well executed. I loved Peter Firth in this and the ending was fantastic. So glad to find there was at least one other person who enjoyed this as much as I did. So many thanks for the review, Dixie-Ann!!

By: NyssaTheHobbit

NyssaTheHobbit — Sat, 09 Jul 2016 05:19:00 +0000

I don’t get the hate for this movie, either. I first taped it in
probably ’89 or so, and then watched the tape over and over. Because of
this I have a little thing for Peter Firth. And the ending–The story
about the rosebush dying of grief is so good I wish it were in the book.