Persuasion

6.2
197145m

Living with her snobby family on the brink of bankruptcy, Anne Elliot is an unconforming woman with modern sensibilities. When Frederick Wentworth – the dashing one she once sent away – crashes back into her life, Anne must choose between putting the past behind her or listening to her heart when it comes to second chances.

Production

Logo for Granada Television

Seasons

5 Episodes • Premiered 1971

Living with her snobby family on the brink of bankruptcy, Anne Elliot is an unconforming woman with modern sensibilities. When Frederick Wentworth – the dashing one she once sent away – crashes back into her life, Anne must choose between putting the past behind her or listening to her heart when it comes to second chances.

Still image for Persuasion season 1 episode 1: Part One

1. Part One

The Napoleonic Wars are over and Sir Walter Elliot, a vain baronet, facing financial ruin due to extravagant spending, is persuaded by his friend Mr. Shepherd and Anne’s mentor Lady Russell to lease Kellynch Hall to Admiral Croft. Anne Elliot reflects on her past decision - eight years prior - to break off her engagement to the then-poor Captain Wentworth, under Lady Russell’s persuasion. Admiral Croft's wife is none other than Captain Wentworth’s sister, setting the stage for their reunion.

Still image for Persuasion season 1 episode 2: Part Two

2. Part Two

Anne visits her sister Mary Musgrove at Uppercross, where she reconnects with the Musgrove family - Charles, his mother, and his two spirited sisters, Henrietta and Louisa. Captain Wentworth arrives, now wealthy and eligible, and quickly becomes a guest at the estate. Though emotionally restrained, Anne observes his growing interest in the younger Musgrove sisters, while tensions simmer beneath the surface of Anne and Wentworth’s restrained interactions.

Still image for Persuasion season 1 episode 3: Part Three

3. Part Three

The group travels to Lyme Regis, a coastal town, where social dynamics shift dramatically. Louisa Musgrove, eager to impress Wentworth, playfully insists he catch her as she jumps from a high step. He refuses, but she jumps anyway - striking her head and falling unconscious. In the ensuing chaos, Anne remains calm and takes charge, demonstrating her strength and composure. Louisa is taken to the home of Captain Harville, a naval friend of Wentworth’s. Anne stays briefly to help, but Mary, jealous of Anne’s competence, insists on taking over as nurse. Anne departs for Bath to rejoin her father and sister Elizabeth.

Still image for Persuasion season 1 episode 4: Part Four

4. Part Four

In Bath, Anne learns that Louisa has recovered and is now engaged to Captain Benwick, Harville’s brother. This news rekindles Anne’s hope for reconciliation with Wentworth. However, her cousin Mr. Elliot, the heir to Kellynch, begins courting her, winning the approval of Sir Walter and Elizabeth. Anne, however, grows suspicious of his true motives. She reconnects with Mrs. Smith, a widowed friend living in reduced circumstances, who reveals troubling details about Mr. Elliot’s character. Meanwhile, Wentworth visits Bath, and their paths cross again - charged with unspoken emotion.

Still image for Persuasion season 1 episode 5: Part Five

5. Part Five

Anne and Wentworth meet at the White Hart Inn, where she engages in a profound conversation with Captain Harville about constancy in love - arguing that women love more faithfully than men. Unbeknownst to her, Wentworth overhears and is deeply moved. He writes her a passionate letter declaring his enduring love. They are reunited and become engaged. At a celebratory gathering, it is revealed that Mr. Elliot and Mrs. Clay have secretly eloped, exposing their shared opportunism.

Cast

Photo of Ann Firbank

Ann Firbank

Anne Elliot

Photo of Bryan Marshall

Bryan Marshall

Captain Wentworth

Photo of Richard Vernon

Richard Vernon

Admiral Croft

Photo of Basil Dignam

Basil Dignam

Sir Walter Elliot

Photo of Rowland Davies

Rowland Davies

Charles Musgrove

Photo of Mel Martin

Mel Martin

Henrietta Musgrove

Photo of Noel Dyson

Noel Dyson

Mrs. Musgrove

Photo of Michael Culver

Michael Culver

Captain Harville

Photo of Paul Chapman

Paul Chapman

Captain Benwick

Photo of Helen Ryan

Helen Ryan

Mrs. Harville

Photo of Edward Jewesbury

Edward Jewesbury

Mr. Shepherd

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Reviews

N

Peter McGinn

7/10

I watched this miniseries adaptation of the Jane Austen classic many years ago and liked it just fine, and found it to be entertaining when watching it again recently. The actors do a credible job and the writing seems true to the novel.

The production does feel dated now, perhaps not aging quite as well as the content. The overall look of it not as vivid as the more recent version from 2007. It also feels a little restrained, not dramatic enough to jump off the screen and grab the viewer. But it is a product of its time and of the BBC’s treatments of Austen’s novels. I feel like I should watch the later version now to see if it is indeed more energetic as I remember it in comparison.

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