"Pride and Prejudice" on film

Film adaptations of Jane Austen's 200-year-old masterpiece

Published January 31, 2013 10:55PM (EST)

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” is almost impossible to adapt to the big screen. Equal parts sedate period piece, erotically charged rom-com, and blistering social satire, Austen’s tale of matchmaking in Regent-era England is too nuanced and complex to condense into film -- at least, not without provoking the ire of millions of Austen fangirls and boys.

Despite the difficulties of adapting Jane Austen’s novel for the screen, a number of intrepid filmmakers have taken it on, releasing “P+P”-inspired romantic comedies, animated features, musicals and, yes, even an alliteratively titled porno or two. In honor of the novel's bicentennial this week, we look back at a few of the best and worst cinematic takes.

So, which film had the spunkiest Lizzie? The most dastardly Wickham? And the most swoon-worthy Darcy? (Hint: He’s the furriest on the list.)

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By Ej Dickson

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Books Jane Austen Movies Pride And Prejudice Slideshow