February 1 - 8, 1 9 9 6

This Saturday (February 3), from 10 p.m. to midnight, the A&E Network presents part two (out of three) of its new adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Wondering how it stacks up against the previous adaptations (a 1940 Hollywood version with Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier; a 1985 BBC effort with Elizabeth Garvie and David Rintoul)? Here's our rundown:

High for 1940 Hollywood; only major omission is the trip to Pemberley. Look for the Bennets' parrot, a proposed move to Margate, and a surprise from Lady Catherine toward the end.

Frequent dissolves let awkward situations peter out. And the interview between Elizabeth and Lady Catherine is cut. We do hear almost all of Darcy's letter.

Darcy doesn't acknowledge Jane's feelings in his letter; Elizabeth doesn't tell her father of Darcy's generosity. Still, there's lots of room for Austen's subtleties to come through.

Looks like something borrowed from A Christmas Carol or David Copperfield - Austen, Dickens, it's all the same.

Penelope Keith-era British sit-com - Good Neighbors, To the Manor Born.

No expense appears to have been spared. The country inn at Lambton is particularly inviting.

Bennet comings and goings represented by the Dance of the Unhatched Chicks, from Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition. Mary sings "Flow Gently Sweet Afton."

English Promenade Pops, with trippy, burbling woodwinds, even at serious moments. Mary sings "Oh Don't Deceive Me," Elizabeth "The Ash Grove."

Reminiscent of Brideshead Revisited, and almost as nice, with moody strings and winds and glowing horns. Netherfield orchestra includes serpents.

Waltzes and, worse, a polka-mazurka. Is this the Assembly Ball in Meryton or the Golden Palomino Saloon?

More authentic but not very interesting.

So lively it actually looks like fun. Elizabeth's one set with Darcy is an editing triumph, with the camera movement mirroring the cut and thrust of their conversation.

Ladies' gowns look like outtakes from Gone with the Wind. Hats appear to have been borrowed from the Royal Family.

Empire dresses; modest bonnets, caps, lace.

Same Empire dresses, and the ball gowns are fine, but the everyday dresses make the ladies look pregnant, which is hard to figure (see under "Sex"). Feathered caps suggest 1920s.

Piquet, billiards.

Backgammon, croquet.

Whist; romping with friendly dog at Rosings.

Dont be silly: this is a Jane Austen novel. Elizabeth and Darcy do smooch at the end.

Elizabeth and Darcy have to content themselves with walking side by side. Mrs. Bennet needn't hold her breath waiting for grandchildren.

Lydia flounces about in her slip; Elizabeth and Darcy kiss - after they're married.

Elizabeth: "I know exactly how I want my dress cut - very worldly."; Darcy: "If the dragon returns, St. George will know how to deal with him."; Lydia: "Oh Wicky!"

Miss Bingley to Jane: "It will always give me great pleasure to see you again - at our home, or even yours." Elizabeth: "Mr. Darcy would suit me perfectly."

Some odd bits here and there, but nothing for Jane to reproach anyone with.