Sense and Sensibility

Synopsis

Sense and Sensibility is a 2008 British television drama, based on Jane Austen's 1811 novel of the same name. The screenplay was written by Andrew Davies, who said that the aim of the series was to make viewers forget Ang Lee's 1995 film version. As such, this series was more overtly sexual than previous Austen adaptations, and Davies included scenes featuring a seduction and a duel that are suggested in Austen's novel but absent from the feature film. A story of two sisters attempting to find happiness in the tightly structured society of 18th century England. Elinor, disciplined, restrained and very conscious of the manners of the day, represents sense. Outspoken, impetuous, emotional Marianne represents sensibility.

First Air Date: 2008-01-01

Last Air Date: 2008-01-13

Number of Seasons: 1

Number of Episodes: 3

Created By: Andrew Davies

Networks: BBC One

View Technical Specifications on IMDb

Top Cast

Hattie Morahan as Elinor Dashwood
Charity Wakefield as Marianne Dashwood
Dan Stevens as Edward Ferrars
David Morrissey as Colonel Brandon
Lucy Boynton as Margaret Dashwood
Janet McTeer as Mrs. Dashwood
Linda Bassett as Mrs. Jennings
Claire Skinner as Fanny Dashwood
Mark Williams as Sir John Middleton
Rosanna Lavelle as Lady Middleton

Seasons

Miniseries (2008)

A story of two sisters attempting to find happiness in the tightly structured society of 18th century England. Elinor, disciplined, restrained and very conscious of the manners of the day, represents sense. Outspoken, impetuous, emotional Marianne represents sensibility.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: Part 1 (2008-01-01)

When Mr Dashwood dies, he leaves his Sussex estate Norland – undivided, as the law requires – to his first marriage son John. John's wife, Fanny, convinces him to deny, in the name of their only son Henry's inheritance, his widowed stepmother and her three daughters the generosity understood at his father's deathbed. When the heiress-in-law's brother Edward Ferrars visits, he proves a perfect, understanding gentleman mutually drawn to eldest daughter Elinor.
Ep. 2: Part 2 (2008-01-06)

Marianne attracts the attention of stoic war hero Colonel Brandon, but herself is only interested in charming and glamorous rival Willoughby; their exclusive mutual attentions convinces most that they are engaged—until Willoughby suddenly departs for London. Edward keeps his promise to visit, but seems troubled and guarded.
Ep. 3: Part 3 (2008-01-13)

In London, Willoughby acknowledges no connection to Marianne and marries wealthy heiress Grey. Elinor must hide her heartbreak when she learns Edward is engaged to Miss Lucy Steel; but when his mother learns of the engagement, she disinherits him. Fortune ultimately smiles unexpectedly on both Dashwood sisters.