
Jane Austen in Manhattan
Where to Watch Jane Austen in Manhattan

Jane Austen in Manhattan, produced and released in 1980, is a highly intriguing film that intricately blends both highbrow arts and popular culture through a distinct storyline. The film orbits around the theater world's zeitgeist in the 1980s, a nostalgic tribute to the combination of art and romance that is as enchanting as it is engaging.
The film stars the talented and highly acclaimed actors David Redden, Michael Wager, and Robert Powell. Each portrays their characters with a blend of charm, sophistication, and intensity that brings Jane Austen's sensibilities to the heart of Manhattan life. They inject a sense of vitality and nuance into their roles, their performances providing a layered exploration of the inherent drama and comedy found in Austen’s world.
Documenting the pursuit of two theater companies in Manhattan, each vying for the rights to a lost play by beloved author Jane Austen that recently came to light, the film wastes no time in cuing up the drama. At the center are the artistic directors. A flamboyant Broadway impresario portrayed convincingly by Redden hails one side. His ex-partner, a reflective and low-profile teacher, played flawlessly by Wager, helms the other side. The pair share a storied past; their personal history and strong egos drive the competition into high octane intensity.
Their objectives differ as starkly as their personalities. Redden's character wants to transform Austen's never-seen-before play into a modern musical opera, seeking to utilise its potential to create a commercial success. In contrast, Wager's character aims for a faithful rendition, adhering closely to Austen's original theme and style, considering it as a tribute to the illustrious author. This creative dichotomy demonstrates an enthralling clash between commercial success and traditional art integrity, and the film beautifully captures this debate.
Robert Powell plays the charming and enigmatic William, whose affiliation with both camp directors leads to several engrossing plot developments. He navigates the churning waters of theatre politics and romantic entanglement, dragging the audience along with him through the enthralling world of Broadway production, rehearsals, and the excitement of a new discovery.
Powell’s romantic entanglement with two women from the rival theater troupes only adds to the spiraling intrigue. One, played by the engaging Phoebe Nicholls, is a star actress from Redden's troupe, and the other, Cassie Stuart's character, a proponent of Wager’s team, contributes to the increasing complexity of the plot and deepening the personal stakes for the characters involved.
Underpinned by the elegant, classy milieu of Manhattan, the film evokes a unique atmosphere. It explores the city's rich arts culture and vibrant theater scene, juxtaposing it against exploring themes of loyalty, ambition, creativity, and love. Director James Ivory skillfully uses the cityscape to bolster the narrative's aesthetic charm.
Jane Austen in Manhattan still retains a classical echo of Austen's trademark wit and dramatic tendencies. It pays homage to Jane Austen's literary legacy while providing its own creative spin. The film carries a refreshing take on the dichotomy between purist art and commercial interest – questions that still resonate within the contemporary artistic landscape.
The film’s mise-en-scène, cleverly constructed dialogues, along with a well-curated soundtrack aids the narrative's momentum. They all heighten the cinematic experience, managing to mirror the old-world charm of Austen's writing, with the fast-paced energy of New York City.
Jane Austen in Manhattan ultimately serves as a captivating journey – somewhat of a love letter to the world of theater, literature and, of course, the ever-engaging tales spun by Jane Austen. It is a timeless film that presents an absorbing exploration of dichotomies between art and commerce, love and ambition, past and future, delivered through compelling performances and an engaging storyline. Audiences will find themselves captivated by the romantic charm of the narrative, the intriguing characters, and the eloquence with which it portrays the captivating world of theater.
Jane Austen in Manhattan is a Drama, Romance movie released in 1980. It has a runtime of 111 min. Critics and viewers have rated it mostly poor reviews, with an IMDb score of 4.6..
