Films About Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Elizabeth Barrett Browning was a prominent Victorian poet, known for her passionate poetry and her tumultuous relationship with fellow poet Robert Browning. Her life, marked by personal struggles, literary success, and a famous love story, has inspired various film adaptations that explore themes of love, creativity, and societal constraints. The films often delve into her literary legacy, the dynamics of her relationship with Robert, and the societal challenges she faced as a woman in the 19th century.
List of Films About Elizabeth Barrett Browning
“The Barretts of Wimpole Street”, 1934
Director: Sidney Franklin
This film is a romantic drama that portrays the life of Elizabeth Barrett, her overbearing father, and her passionate love affair with Robert Browning. The film showcases Elizabeth’s struggle for independence and her journey towards self-assertion as a poet.
Starring: Norma Shearer, Fredric March, Charles Laughton, Maureen O'Sullivan, Katharine Alexander, Ralph Forbes, Marion Clayton Anderson, Ian Wolfe, Ferdinand Munier, Una O'Connor, Leo G. Carroll, Vernon Downing, Neville Clark, Matthew Smith, Robert Carleton, Allan Conrad, Peter Hobbes, Flush, Lowden Adams, Winter Hall, George Kirby;
Production year: 1934;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography;
Duration: 109 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “The Barretts of Wimpole Street” on the website imdb.com
“The Barretts of Wimpole Street”, 1934
Director: Sidney Franklin
A television adaptation of the same play, this version captures the essence of Elizabeth's relationship with Robert, emphasizing the emotional depth of their correspondence and the societal constraints they navigated in pursuit of love.
Starring: Norma Shearer, Fredric March, Charles Laughton, Maureen O'Sullivan, Katharine Alexander, Ralph Forbes, Marion Clayton Anderson, Ian Wolfe, Ferdinand Munier, Una O'Connor, Leo G. Carroll, Vernon Downing, Neville Clark, Matthew Smith, Robert Carleton, Allan Conrad, Peter Hobbes, Flush, Lowden Adams, Winter Hall, George Kirby;
Production year: 1934;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography;
Duration: 109 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “The Barretts of Wimpole Street” on the website imdb.com
“The Browning Version”, 1951
Director: Anthony Asquith
While not exclusively about Elizabeth, this film includes her influence through the character of Andrew Crocker-Harris, a schoolmaster who reflects on his life and the impact of the works of Browning and Barrett. It touches upon themes of love, regret, and the pursuit of artistic integrity.
Starring: Michael Redgrave, Jean Kent, Nigel Patrick, Wilfrid Hyde-White, Brian Smith, Bill Travers, Ronald Howard, Paul Medland, Ivan Samson, Josephine Middleton, Peter Jones, Sarah Lawson, Scott Harrold, Judith Furse, Michael Caborn, Vivienne Gibson, John Greenwood, Joan Haythorne, Michael Newell, Brian Nissen, Anton Rodgers, Johnnie Schofield, Dora Sevening, Russell Waters, Ian Whittaker;
Production year: 1951;
Genre: drama;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “The Browning Version” on the website imdb.com
“The Barretts of Wimpole Street”, 1934
Director: Sidney Franklin
This BBC adaptation further explores the passionate and tumultuous relationship between Elizabeth and Robert, highlighting their literary collaborations and the societal pressures surrounding them.
Starring: Norma Shearer, Fredric March, Charles Laughton, Maureen O'Sullivan, Katharine Alexander, Ralph Forbes, Marion Clayton Anderson, Ian Wolfe, Ferdinand Munier, Una O'Connor, Leo G. Carroll, Vernon Downing, Neville Clark, Matthew Smith, Robert Carleton, Allan Conrad, Peter Hobbes, Flush, Lowden Adams, Winter Hall, George Kirby;
Production year: 1934;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography;
Duration: 109 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “The Barretts of Wimpole Street” on the website imdb.com
“Love Among the Ruins”, 1975
Director: George Cukor
Although this film is primarily a romantic comedy featuring Katharine Hepburn and Laurence Olivier, it includes references to Elizabeth Barrett Browning's work and the timeless nature of love and art.
Starring: Katharine Hepburn, Laurence Olivier, Colin Blakely, Richard Pearson, Joan Sims, Leigh Lawson, Gwen Nelson, Robert Harris, Peter Reeves, John Blythe, Arthur Hewlett, John Dunbar, Ian Sinclair, Mervyn Pascoe, Colin Thomas, Lincoln Wright, Edward Arthur, John Bromley, Leslie Southwick, Stanley Platts, Philip Lennard, Peter Lund, Frank Forsyth, John G. Heller, Rosamond Burne, Carol Fairweather, Jacqueline Clarke, T.C. Hogan, Ernest Blyth, John Tatham;
Production year: 1975;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
Duration: 100 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Love Among the Ruins” on the website imdb.com
These films collectively capture the essence of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's life, her literary contributions, and the powerful love story that defined her legacy.
In the selection of films about Elizabeth Barrett Browning, we are presented with a fascinating exploration of the life and works of this renowned poet. Each film provides a unique perspective on Barrett Browning's struggles, triumphs, and her profound impact on literature. From the nuanced portrayal of her passionate love affair in “The Barretts of Wimpole Street” to the poignant depiction of her poetic genius in “The Cry of the Children,” these films capture the essence of Barrett Browning's brilliance and the societal constraints she defied. Through their storytelling, these films not only honor her legacy but also inspire a deeper appreciation for her enduring contributions to the world of literature.
