Northanger Abbey Film Adaptations: Should You Have the Time…

In the world of Jane Austen adaptations, “Northanger Abbey” often plays second fiddle to its more famous siblings. But for those in the know, this sparkling satire of gothic novels offers a unique blend of romance, humor, and social commentary that’s ripe for the silver screen.

Let’s embark on a journey through the existing adaptations, ponder what could have been, and dream about future iterations of this underappreciated gem.

The Gothic Charm of Northanger Abbey

Jane Austen’s “Northanger Abbey” stands out in her repertoire as a playful jab at the gothic novels that were all the rage in her day. Our heroine, Catherine Morland, is a voracious reader of these sensational tales, and her overactive imagination leads her to see mystery and intrigue where there’s only mundane reality.

“The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.” – Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey

This quote encapsulates the wit and charm that make “Northanger Abbey” such a delight. It’s a story that celebrates the joy of reading while gently poking fun at those who take fiction too seriously.

Why Northanger Abbey Deserves the Spotlight

While “Pride and Prejudice” and “Emma” often steal the show, “Northanger Abbey” offers:

• A meta-commentary on literature that feels surprisingly modern
• A coming-of-age story that resonates across generations
• A sweet romance that develops alongside the heroine’s personal growth
• Sharp social satire that rivals Austen’s more famous works

These elements make “Northanger Abbey” a prime candidate for adaptation, offering filmmakers a rich tapestry of themes to explore.

1986 BBC Adaptation: A Nostalgic Gem

The 1986 BBC adaptation of “Northanger Abbey” might show its age, but it holds a special place in the hearts of Austen aficionados.

Katharine Schlesinger’s Wide-Eyed Catherine Morland

Katharine Schlesinger brings a wide-eyed innocence to Catherine Morland that perfectly captures the character’s naivety and enthusiasm. Her performance strikes a delicate balance between Catherine’s flights of fancy and her inherent good sense.

Peter Firth as the Dashing Henry Tilney

Peter Firth’s Henry Tilney is every bit the witty, charming hero Austen wrote. His dry humor and gentle teasing of Catherine feel authentic to the period while still resonating with modern viewers.

Read more about this: Guiding Emily – reviews

Budget Constraints vs. Period Authenticity

The 1986 adaptation was made on a shoestring budget, which is evident in some of the production values. However, this limitation often works in the film’s favor:

• Modest sets feel true to the story’s focus on middle-class characters
• Simple costumes allow the actors’ performances to shine
• The lack of flashy effects keeps the focus on Austen’s dialogue and plot

Hidden Charms for Die-Hard Austen Fans

For those who know their Austen inside and out, this adaptation offers some delightful Easter eggs:

• Faithful renditions of key scenes, like the carriage ride to Bath
• Inclusion of minor characters often cut from adaptations
• Subtle nods to Austen’s narrative voice through voiceover

2007 ITV Adaptation: A Modern Twist

The 2007 ITV version of “Northanger Abbey” breathes new life into Austen’s story, offering a fresh take for contemporary audiences.

Felicity Jones Breathes New Life into Catherine

Felicity Jones brings a vibrant energy to Catherine Morland. Her performance captures Catherine’s youthful exuberance while hinting at the mature woman she’s becoming.

Key aspects of Jones’ performance:

• Expressive eyes that convey Catherine’s inner thoughts
• Physical comedy that highlights Catherine’s awkwardness in society
• A palpable sense of wonder as Catherine experiences the wider world

JJ Feild’s Henry: Wit and Warmth Personified

JJ Feild’s Henry Tilney is a standout in this adaptation. He brings:

• Razor-sharp wit that matches Austen’s dialogue
• A warmth that makes his growing affection for Catherine believable
• A modern sensibility that makes Henry relatable to contemporary viewers

Lush Visuals and Heightened Gothic Elements

This adaptation leans into the gothic elements of Austen’s novel:

Gothic Element	How It’s Portrayed
Catherine’s Imagination	Vivid fantasy sequences
Northanger Abbey	Moody, atmospheric shots
Weather	Dramatic storms and mists

These visual flourishes add depth to the story without overshadowing Austen’s themes.

Capturing Austen’s Humor for Contemporary Audiences

The 2007 adaptation succeeds in translating Austen’s humor for modern viewers:

• Visual gags that complement the verbal wit
• Knowing glances between characters that convey subtext
• A brisk pace that keeps the comedy feeling fresh

Comparing the Adaptations: Which Reigns Supreme?

When it comes to choosing between the 1986 and 2007 adaptations, it’s not a simple matter of old vs. new. Each brings something unique to Austen’s text.

Faithfulness to Austen’s Text

• 1986: Sticks closely to the novel’s dialogue and plot structure
• 2007: Takes more liberties but captures the spirit of Austen’s satire

Chemistry Between Leads

• 1986: Schlesinger and Firth have a sweet, understated rapport
• 2007: Jones and Feild sizzle with romantic tension

Supporting Cast Standouts

1986:

• Robert Hardy as General Tilney brings gravitas to the role
• Cassie Stuart’s Isabella Thorpe is delightfully manipulative

2007:

• Carey Mulligan shines as the fickle Isabella
• Sylvestra Le Touzel’s Mrs. Allen is a comic delight

Production Values and Atmosphere

• 1986: Limited budget results in a cozy, intimate feel
• 2007: Lavish production design creates a more immersive experience

The Ones That Got Away: Unmade Adaptations

The world of “Northanger Abbey” adaptations is as much about what could have been as what actually made it to the screen.

Andrew Davies’ Scrapped 2004 Version

Andrew Davies, the mastermind behind many beloved Austen adaptations, had plans for “Northanger Abbey” that never materialized. Rumor has it that his take would have:

• Emphasized the meta-fictional aspects of the novel
• Included more of Catherine’s gothic fantasies
• Drawn parallels between Austen’s time and our own media-saturated age

Rumors and Whispers in Hollywood

Over the years, there have been tantalizing hints of other “Northanger Abbey” projects:

• A rumored big-screen adaptation in the early 2000s
• Whispers of a modernized version set in a film school
• Talk of an anthology series covering all of Austen’s works, including “Northanger Abbey”

Why Northanger Abbey Deserves More Screen Time

In an era of endless remakes and reboots, “Northanger Abbey” offers fresh ground for exploration.

Relevance in the Age of Media Saturation

Catherine Morland’s struggle to separate fiction from reality feels more relevant than ever in our digital age. An adaptation could draw parallels between:

• Gothic novels and today’s true crime obsession
• Catherine’s fantasies and the curated reality of social media
• The social pressures of Bath and modern influencer culture

The Timeless Appeal of Catherine’s Journey

At its heart, “Northanger Abbey” is a coming-of-age story that resonates across generations:

• Learning to think critically about the media we consume
• Navigating first love and heartbreak
• Finding one’s place in society while staying true to oneself

These themes are as relevant today as they were in Austen’s time.

Dream Casting: Who Could Star in a Future Adaptation?

Imagining a new adaptation of “Northanger Abbey” is half the fun. Here are some rising stars who could bring fresh energy to Austen’s characters:

For Catherine Morland:

• Milly Alcock: Known for her work in “House of the Dragon,” she could capture Catherine’s wide-eyed innocence and growing maturity.
• Sophia Anne Caruso: Her theatrical background would be perfect for Catherine’s dramatic imagination.

For Henry Tilney:

• Harris Dickinson: He has the charm and wit to bring Henry to life.
• Louis Partridge: His period drama experience in “Enola Holmes” would serve him well as the dashing Henry.

Directors Who Could Bring Fresh Perspective:

• Greta Gerwig: Her work on “Little Women” shows she can breathe new life into classic literature.
• Autumn de Wilde: After her stylish “Emma” adaptation, she could bring a unique visual flair to “Northanger Abbey.”

Beyond the Screen: Northanger Abbey in Other Media

While we wait for the next screen adaptation, “Northanger Abbey” has found life in other forms:

Stage Adaptations

• The Lifeline Theatre in Chicago has produced a well-received stage version.
• The UK’s Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds toured with a critically acclaimed adaptation in 2019.

Radio Plays

BBC Radio 4 has produced several radio adaptations over the years, including:

• A 2016 version starring Georgia Groome as Catherine
• A 1998 adaptation with Jasmine Hyde in the lead role

Web Series Potential

In the vein of “The Lizzie Bennet Diaries,” a modern “Northanger Abbey” could work brilliantly as a web series:

• Catherine as a book blogger or aspiring writer
• Henry as a literature professor or indie bookstore owner
• Isabella as a social media influencer

The Austen Effect: How These Adaptations Fit into the Broader Canon

“Northanger Abbey” adaptations occupy a unique space in the world of Austen on screen.

Comparisons with Other Austen Adaptations

Aspect	Northanger Abbey	Other Austen Adaptations
Tone	Satirical, playful	Often more romantic or dramatic
Setting	Mix of country and city	Primarily country estates
Heroine	Naive, imaginative	Usually more worldly or witty
Hero	Mentor-like, teasing	Often brooding or prideful

Northanger Abbey’s Unique Place in Austen’s Works

As Austen’s earliest completed novel (though published posthumously), “Northanger Abbey” offers:

• A glimpse into Austen’s developing style
• More direct commentary on literature and reading
• A lighter tone compared to her later works

Viewer’s Guide: How to Approach These Adaptations

To get the most out of your “Northanger Abbey” viewing experience:

Best Order to Watch Them

1. Read the novel (if you haven’t already)
2. Watch the 1986 version for a faithful adaptation
3. Follow with the 2007 version to see a more modern take

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details to Look Out For

• References to Ann Radcliffe’s “The Mysteries of Udolpho”
• The changing fashions as Catherine is introduced to society
• Background details that hint at characters’ true natures

Ideal Viewing Companions

• A cup of tea (preferably served in a delicate china cup)
• Bath buns or other Regency-era treats
• A cozy blanket for those gothic-inspired chills

The Future of Northanger Abbey on Screen

The future looks bright for “Northanger Abbey” adaptations.

Potential for a Lavish New Adaptation

With the success of recent Austen adaptations like “Emma” and “Persuasion,” the time is ripe for a big-budget “Northanger Abbey.” Imagine:

• Stunning Bath locations
• Elaborate fantasy sequences bringing Catherine’s imagination to life
• A star-studded cast to bring Austen’s characters into the 21st century

How Streaming Platforms Could Revitalize Interest

Streaming services are always on the lookout for content with built-in fanbases. “Northanger Abbey” could work well as:

• A limited series exploring Catherine’s journey in depth
• Part of an Austen anthology series
• A modern reimagining that brings Austen’s themes into contemporary settings

Your Turn: Engaging with Northanger Abbey

Don’t let your “Northanger Abbey” experience end when the credits roll!

Discussion Questions for Film Clubs

1. How do the adaptations handle Catherine’s vivid imagination?
2. Which version of Henry Tilney do you find more appealing, and why?
3. How do the films translate Austen’s commentary on gothic novels for a visual medium?
4. In what ways do the adaptations update the story for modern audiences?

Creative Projects Inspired by the Adaptations

• Write a short story imagining Catherine in the 21st century
• Create a mood board or playlist capturing the atmosphere of Northanger Abbey
• Design book covers for a new edition of the novel inspired by the adaptations

As we’ve seen, “Northanger Abbey” is a treasure trove of wit, romance, and social commentary just waiting to be rediscovered by new generations.

Whether you’re a die-hard Austen fan or a newcomer to her world, these adaptations offer a delightful entry point into one of literature’s most beloved authors.

So grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be charmed by the world of Catherine Morland and Henry Tilney. Who knows? You might just find yourself planning a trip to Bath before the final credits roll.