Introduction: A Glorious Coincidence
1995 saw the birth of modern Austen fandom. Four popular and critically acclaimed screen adaptations were released within mere months: Persuasion, Clueless, Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. For the first time, audiences could get to know Jane Austenâs best-loved novels through productions that featured witty screenplays, lively acting and gorgeous locations. No prior knowledge was required to appreciate the storytelling.
This extraordinary outpouring of contemporary takes on Jane Austenâs novels happened purely by accident. 1995 wasnât a notable anniversary year for the author. Each of the four productions had been in the works, separately, for years, with no guarantee of success. The last time an Austen novel had been adapted into a feature film was in 1940, with MGMâs Pride and Prejudice starring Laurence Olivier and Greer Garson.
The collective cultural impact of the 1995 adaptations was both immediate and far-reaching. In December 1995, the US publication Entertainment Weekly named Jane Austen one of the top ten âEntertainers of the Year.â In 1996, Jane Austenâs House received a record number of visitors: 58,439. Membership in Austen societies rose as well. A boom in Austen-inspired novels followed soon thereafter, including sequels to Pride and Prejudice, retellings from Darcyâs point of view, and metafictional portrayals of Austen fans. Enthusiastic audiences turned out for yet more screen adaptations in the coming years. An increasing number of Austen scholars directed their attention to adaptations and to fandom generally.
As we celebrate Jane Austenâs 250th birthday this year, itâs fitting to celebrate too the 30th anniversary of such an important year for her many fans worldwide, by reflecting on how these productions came to be. We encourage you to rewatch your favourites and to share them with people in your life who have yet to enjoy them.
Timeline
1995
28 Feb: Helen Fieldingâs first Bridget Jones column appears in The Independent, with no byline
16 April: Persuasion, a BBC production in association with WGBH/Boston and Millésime/France 2, airs in the UK
7 July: Clueless, from Paramount Pictures, premieres in the US
24 Sept: Pride and Prejudice, a BBC/ A&E Network co-production, begins airing in the UK
27 Sept: Persuasion released in US cinemas by Sony Pictures Classics
20 Oct: Clueless released in the UK
4 Dec: Sense and Sensibility, from Columbia Pictures, premieres in the US
1996
1 Jan: Bridget Jonesâs Diary published
14 Jan: Pride and Prejudice begins airing in the US on the A&E cable television network
23 Feb: Sense and Sensibility released in the UK
20 Sept: Clueless television show begins airing in the US