The 'Sexy' Idea That Sparked the Iconic 'Pride and Prejudice' Series
The 1995 BBC adaptation of Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice', starring Colin Firth, owes its iconic status to a suggestion from a former student of writer Andrew Davies: to make it "really sexy." This adaptation became a cultural phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers worldwide.
The Genesis of a Cultural Phenomenon
Written by Cardiff-born Andrew Davies, the six-episode series aired in 1995 and quickly captivated audiences, drawing over 11 million viewers in the UK and millions more in the US. The adaptation's success was recognized with two BAFTA awards and an Emmy. Colin Firth's portrayal of Mr. Darcy catapulted him to stardom, and one scene in particular—his emergence from a lake in a wet shirt—became instantly iconic.
Despite its later success, Davies faced initial resistance. "It took years of perseverance and persuasion to get it on our screens," he said, recalling that commissioners initially considered costume dramas "out of fashion."
The 'Sexy' Adaptation
Davies adapted Jane Austen's 1813 novel into a series set in Regency England. The story focuses on Elizabeth Bennet and her complex relationship with Mr. Darcy, exploring themes of love, class, and social expectations. Sue Birtwistle, a former student and now a TV producer, encouraged Davies to create a "really sexy adaptation of Pride and Prejudice."
"I knew exactly what she meant, it would be an adaptation that acknowledged that the plot of the story is about sex and money when people had the idea that Jane Austen was all about politeness, witty remarks and everyone buttoned up to the neck," Davies told Radio Wales Breakfast.
The Infamous Lake Scene
Colin Firth's emergence from the lake became one of the most talked-about moments in television history. Davies, however, insists the scene wasn't intentionally sexual. "I never meant for that to be a sexy scene," he explained. "My thinking was all about giving an insight into Mr. Darcy as the novel is written entirely from Elizabeth's point of view."
Davies originally envisioned Mr. Darcy diving in naked, but the infamous "wet shirt" was a happy accident. He added, "I thought the viewers would see the scene as sweet and comical."
Lasting Impact
According to Andrew Davies, Colin Firth never escaped the impact of the role, despite initially feeling "quite uncomfortable playing a leading man and a romantic hero". Davies also noted that Firth "took on the role so well" and called his performance "extraordinary."
"I'm absolutely thrilled that people are still watching it," Davies concluded, acknowledging the enduring popularity of his adaptation.