That was an excellent one.

I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

When this version of Jane Eyre is good, it is very good. But that is not the case in every respect.The opening sequence of Jane's miserable childhood is well done: curtailed, certainly, but it gives us enough misery to make its point.Joan Fontaine is an excellent adult Jane. Orson Welles, however, I'm not so sure about. Rochester is supposed to be brooding, but with a soulful centre which enables Jane to see his good heart. Welles, however, is all booming thyroidal presence in a performance of minimal subtlety.I would rather have seen some location work rather than all gothic interiors, even the exteriors!

The black and white cinematography of Jane Eyre is awe-inspiring. It ranks up there with night of the hunter for me, both are some of the best ever captured. It also has the same eerie factory that creeps the audience out so well. The backstory of Jane Eyre, as a young girl, played by Garner is so well done that the adult Jane does not need to show that much expression, in her acting. It also fits the plane girl character better. Orson Welles' acting on this movie was not what I would expect of him. To be he seemed slightly disinterested at times, or slightly over the top during other times. The story and script, as well as the cinematography is what makes this movie great. Acting does factor into it, but not that much.

Jane Eyre (1943) *** (out of 4)Good telling of the classic novel has the orphaned Jane Eyre (Joan Fontaine) finally escaping from a brutal school where she accepts a governess job for the mysterious Edward Rochester (Orson Welles). Once on the job Jane soon discovers that the mysteries surrounding Edward might come back to haunt both of them.JANE EYRE is an incredibly popular novel that has been turned into countless movies. While I certainly haven't seen them all, this here is considered by many experts to be one of the best versions out there. There's certainly a lot to like about this film thanks in large part to some nice direction, a terrific atmosphere and of course the legendary stars but the film is still far from perfect in a few other areas. With that said, fans of the novel or this period of Hollywood are still going to find this rewarding.Director Robert Stevenson does a pretty good job directing the film as he's able to bring some nice style as well as create a very good atmosphere. There are some fairly dark moments here that will almost remind people of what would follow in film noir but the darkness here is quite effective. The use of shadows inside the castle are also put to good use. I will say that I thought the flow of the story could have been handled better as it really did seem like a lot of stuff just happened way too fast. I say this because it just seemed the final third of the film was rushed including the ending, which is a tad bit forced. The screenplay's story structure could have also been handled better.With that said, the stars certainly shine here with Fontaine doing an excellent job in her role. I thought the actress fit the role perfectly and she also made you believe everything that this young woman was afraid of. I thought she played the scared victim quite well. As for Welles, he too comes across extremely good and especially the way he manages to be mysterious with just a few cracks of humanity, which of course is seen by Eyre. Margaret O'Brien is good in her supporting part as is John Sutton as a kind doctor and Henry Daniell as the religious nut. Peggy Ann Garner also deserves a special mention as she's terrific in the role of Eyre as a child.JANE EYRE certainly has a lot going for it even with the flaws that are scattered throughout. While the film is far from perfect, the atmosphere and the two leads make this worth watching.

Jane Eyre (Joan Fontaine) survives a rough childhood at the worst orphanage ever and gets a job as a governess to the daughter of Edward Rochester (Orson Welles). At first she finds the brooding Rochester hard to get along with but over time he softens and the two begin to fall in love. Rochester has a secret, however, that may prevent their happiness.Entertaining adaptation of the classic Charlotte Bronte novel, beautifully filmed with noirish use of shadow. Great direction by Robert Stevenson and cinematography by George Barnes. Bernard Herrmann's score is quite nice. The cast is exceptional. Orson Welles is a perfect Rochester. I've seen some purists quibble with Joan Fontaine's performance but I thought she was very good in this. Henry Daniell always makes a strong villain. Peggy Ann Garner is fantastic as young Jane. Elizabeth Taylor has an early role as her friend. Margaret O'Brien is adorable as usual. For my money, this is the best film version of the novel. Also possibly the best film Welles starred in that he didn't direct.