Jane Austen Goes Hollywood

Jane Austen’s immortal novels have captured the minds and hearts of millions of readers around the world. Many have gone on to make film adaptations of those works, motivated either by love of literature or a desire to capture the ticket-buying dollars of a massive readership. Or, y’know, why not both? Nobody appreciates the competing urges of love and money like an Austen fan. Cinematic artists who’ve jumped on the Austen train range from Laurence Olivier to Gwyneth Paltrow, from Hugh Grant to Anya Taylor-Joy, from the BBC to the Hallmark Channel. And the results have included some of cinema’s most iconic moments, from Colin Firth’s soggy tunic to Mr. Collins’s “excellent boiled potatoes.”

The Toledo Library celebrates the life and legacy of Jane Austen and her works. Check out these movies inspired by the famous novelist and look for more blog posts and booklists highlighting the author’s most famous titles. Maybe you’ll find your next favorite film on this list.