Women on Wednesday ~ Miss Marianne Dashwood

Today I’m looking at Miss Marianne Dashwood. I’ve never been a great lover of Miss Marianne, I think because she is just so selfish and self centered. Will I think so anyway, other’s may feel differently. It would seem that Marianne suffered the greater lost of being turned out of their home by their greedy and heartless sister-in-law.

The Dashwood women move to Devonshire, where Marianne is less impressed. That is until she meets and loses her heart to the dashing and charismatic John Willoughby. Willoughby shows every sign of returning Marianne’s affection until his aunt suddenly sends him away. When they meet up months later and after many letters written by Marianne, he snubs her breaking her already fragile heart.  

Waiting in the wings is Colonel Christopher Brandon. The Colonel doesn’t judge the much younger Marianne instead giving her someone to talk to about her beloved poetry and classic novels. In some ways in the end it is the Colonel that brings out the better side of Marianne.

The 1971 adaptation of Sense and Sensibility saw actress, Ciaran Madden play the role of Miss Marianne Daswood. My goal this year is to find a copy of this adaptation to watch.

Tracy Childs starred in the role of Marianne in the 1981 BBC series Sense and Sensibility. While Miss Childs was a bit whiny at times in the role she did play the self centre part well. I also thought her and Robert Swann worked well together as Marianne and the Colonel.

As I’ve said before Ang Lee directed the 1995 film version of Sense and Sensibility. Kate Winslet played the role of Marianne. Kate received nominations for a Golden Globe, an Academy Award and a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

Sense and Sensibility moved once again back to the small screen with another BBC adaptation in 2008. Charity Wakefield stepped into the role of Marianne this time round. This is another DVD I need to watch this year.

Catch up with you again on Friday.

Sandie