Spectacular acting, a cast full of well-known actors and beautiful costumes are the highpoints of this film. Orson Welles is a perfect Mr. Rochester and wavers between being a tormented soul and an angry, overbearing "cur."
This version stays pretty true to the novel, only it is bit sanitized (Mr. Rochester comes out of the fire with both hands in tact) and leaves out the entire portion of the novel where Jane stays with the Rivers family. Joan Fontaine seems able to capture Jane's goodness, but not so much her passion. Even in the heart-wrenching scene where Mr. Rochester declares his love for her, she seems a trifle unmoved. Don't get me wrong, that is a wonderful scene. Orson Welles (I can't say enough about him in this role) is just stunning when he breathlessly utters "...I have the queerest feeling with regard to you, Jane." It's just too touching to describe with words. One has to experience it. Elizabeth Taylor is loyal to Bronte's picture of a forgiving, relenting, obediant Helen Burns. This movie is a classic, and is definitely worth watching.

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: None of the Above
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children up to Age 4
Special Effects: Well at least you can't see the strings