Interesting CBS Studio One TV adaptation of this classic novel. At much less than an hour, it should come as no surprise to find this version extremely abbreviated. Eliminating her childhood completely, the film begins as Jane (Mary Sinclair) leaves Lowood School for Thornfield where she meets the mysterious Rochester (Charlton Heston). Their relationship has little time to develop in this shortened adaptation but the performances of Sinclair and Heston hint at the potential that existed if this had been a full-length film. The film is also completely missing the period Jane spent with her cousins after fleeing from Thornfield but it surprisingly manages to breech the gap to bring Jane and Rochester back together again. The filming is unfortunately shaky at best but to be expected for a TV film in the 40's. The sets and costumes are reminiscent of an old stage production but also in keeping with the era this was made. Although there is little time to become emotionally connected to the characters, this is still a wonderful part of the cinematic history of this story and worth at least one viewing. **
Although not available on dvd, this Studio One adaptation can be viewed through internet archives of classic TV, complete with Westinghouse commercials! :-)
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