Pride and Prejudice

Greer Garson was the unquestioned queen of the MGM lot. This was the first of her star vehicles to play New York's prestigious Radio City Music Hall, where she had more successes than any other movie star (except Cary Grant), in a run of movie hits spanning over a decade. This adaptation, co-scripted (with playwright Jane Murfin) by novelist Aldous Huxley, is set half a century in advance of the book's period, to take advantage of more glamorous costumes - a very MGM trick. Garson is a sprightly, lively Elizabeth Bennet, but Laurence Olivier, though dashing and handsome, seems slightly uncomfortable as Darcy; a Heathcliff in sheep's clothing. The supporting cast, notably Mary Boland's very funny Mrs Bennet and Maureen O'Sullivan as a very sweet-natured Jane, is utterly superb, and the art direction won an Oscar.