Emma (BBC, 1972) [DVD]

Movie / Show Details

Jane Austen’s Emma comes to life in this 1972 BBC television adaptation directed by John Glenister. Doran Godwin stars as the spirited title character, a young woman in Regency England who meddles in the romantic affairs of those around her, particularly her friend Harriet Smith, convinced she knows what is best for everyone. Surrounded by a cast including Donald Eccles as her indulgent father and John Carson as the principled Mr. Knightley, Emma navigates the complexities of love, friendship, and social standing while learning hard lessons about her own blind spots and manipulative tendencies.

This single-disc DVD release presents the complete four-hour miniseries from the BBC, allowing the story to unfold across multiple episodes with room to explore every nuance of Austen’s wit and social commentary. The adaptation balances romantic yearning with sharp satirical humor, capturing both Emma’s well-meaning nature and her exasperating self-satisfaction. A used copy gives you the chance to experience this thoughtful period drama at a fraction of the cost of a new release.