Like most early Hollywood films based on classic novels, the script alters the novel considerably, but not as much as much as they usually were. As it happens, even with the changes this is a charming and endearing film.

Mary Boland as Mrs. Bennet, Edna May Oliver as Lady Catherine De Burgh, and Melville Cooper as Mr. Collins eat the scenery in their respective roles. They give some of the best supporting player performances that I ever remember seeing in early films. They manage to steal scenes from the greatest actor of the 20th century and making him look good at the same time!

Maureen O'Sullivan is charming as Jane, but of course Greer Garson is fabulous as Elizabeth even if she doesn't fit my idea of Elizabeth.

I recommend this movie highly as a nice addition to any classical movie collection.

To my mind, Pride and Prejudice was Jane Austen's most engaging novel. And to take it a step further, this 1940 production is perfection. There are so many literary dilettantes commenting here, taking off points because it isn't a total echo of the novel, the costuming doesn't gibe with the era it's set in, and that later films of P & P are far superior. Perhaps they do include more of the novel, but the bottom line is that this first version works so well because of the far superior players--both stars and character roles--that the modern-day actors can't hold a candle to. Every single one of them puts their line readings, their facial expressions, and even their physical movements on glorious display. There's nothing wooden in their performances, and you are swept up from the very first moments of the movie. None of the omissions from novel to script matter; This is high-quality entertainment to love and enjoy no matter how many times you watch it.

This is golden age cinema at its best. And these are actors whose talent still shines brightly 81 years on, long after they've passed away. They are unforgettable and so is this movie. We will never see their like again...not even close.