Below is my current list of favorite movies set in the 1870s: TOP TEN FAVORITE MOVIES SET IN THE 1870s
1. "The Age of Innocence" (1993) - Martin Scorcese directed this exquisite adaptation of Edith Wharton's award winning 1920 novel about a love triangle within New York's high society during the Gilded Age. Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfieffer and Oscar nominee Winona Ryder starred.
2. "The Big Country" (1958) - William Wyler directed this colorful adaptation of Donald Hamilton's 1958 novel, "Ambush at Blanco Canyon". The movie starred Gregory Peck, Jean Simmons, Carroll Baker and Charlton Heston.
3. "True Grit" (2010) - Ethan and Joel Coen wrote and directed this excellent adaptation of Charles Portis' 1968 novel about a fourteen year-old girl's desire for retribution against her father's killer. Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon and Hattie Steinfeld starred.
4. "Far From the Madding Crowd" (2015) - Carey Mulligan, Matthias Schoenaerts, Tom Sturridge and Michael Sheen starred in this well done adaptation of Thomas Hardy's 1874 novel about a young Victorian woman who attracts three different suitors. Thomas Vinterberg directed.
5. "Around the World in 80 Days" (1956) - Mike Todd produced this Oscar winning adaptation of Jules Verne's 1873 novel about a Victorian gentleman who makes a bet that he can travel around the world in 80 days. Directed by Michael Anderson and John Farrow, the movie starred David Niven, Cantiflas, Shirley MacLaine and Robert Newton.
6. "Stardust" (2007) - Matthew Vaughn co-wrote and directed this adaptation of Neil Gaman's 1996 fantasy novel. The movie starred Charlie Cox, Claire Danes and Michelle Pfieffer.
7. "Fort Apache" (1948) - John Ford directed this loose adaptation of James Warner Bellah's 1947 Western short story called "Massacre". The movie starred John Wayne, Henry Fonda, John Agar and Shirley Temple.
8. "Zulu Dawn" (1979) - Burt Lancaster, Simon Ward and Peter O'Toole starred in this depiction of the historical Battle of Isandlwana between British and Zulu forces in 1879 South Africa. Douglas Hickox directed.
9. "Young Guns" (1988) - Emilio Estevez, Kiefer Sutherland and Lou Diamond Phillips starred in this cinematic account of Billy the Kid's experiences during the Lincoln County War. The movie was directed by Christopher Cain.
10. "Cowboys & Aliens" (2011) - Jon Favreau directed this adaptation of Scott Mitchell Rosenberg's 2006 graphic novel about an alien invasion in 1870s New Mexico Territory. The movie starred Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford and Olivia Wilde.
Below is a list of my favorite movies and television miniseries set in Britain of the 19th century (1801-1900):
FAVORITE MOVIES/MINISERIES SET IN 19th CENTURY BRITAIN
North and South (2004) - This four-part adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's 1855 novel has become a major favorite of mine in the most unexpected way. Daniela Danby-Ashe and Richard Armitage are magic together, along with Sandy Welsh's take on this tale of romance, culture clash and labor politics.
Pride and Prejudice (1995) - Even after twelve years or so, this adaptation of Jane Austen's novel, which stars Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehrle, remains one of my all time favorites. I cannot describe it anymore than magic.
The Buccaneers (1995) - This adaptation of Edith Wharton's last novel about five American young women who marry into the British aristocracy is also another big favorite of mine. I especially enjoyed the performances of Carla Gugino, Cherie Lughi, James Frain and Greg Wise.
Without a Clue (1988) - This charming and witty comedy does a Remington Steele take on the Sherlock Holmes legacy in which the "famous detective" is a front for the real investigative brains of the "sidekick" Dr. Watson. Michael Caine and Ben Kingsley are magic together.
Jack the Ripper (1988) - This two-part miniseries chronicles the investigations of Scotland Yard inspector Fredrick Abberline of the infamous "Jack the Ripper" murders of the late 1880s. Excellent production and performances by Michael Caine, Lewis Collins and the supporting cast.
An Ideal Husband (1999) - A witty and charming adaptation of Oscar Wilde's play about a British politician who finds himself embroiled in blackmail, political corruption, and on the themes of public and private honour. The stellar cast includes Rupert Everett, Jeremy Northam, Cate Blanchett, Minnie Driver, Julianne Moore and John Wood.
Sense and Sensibility (1995) - This adaptation of another Jane Austen novel about two sisters who have difficulty finding love in Regency England. The movie starred Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, Greg Wise and Gemma Jones. Thompson won an Oscar for her screenplay.
The Forsyte Saga (2002) - I have never seen the famous 1967 version, but I was very impressed by this version of John Galsworthy's novel. This multi-episode miniseries starred the excellent Damian Lewis, Gina McKee, Rupert Graves, Ioan Gruffudd, Colin Redgrave and Gillian Kearney.
Around the World in 80 Days (1956/1989) - I tried to decide which version of the Jules Verne novel about an Englishman traveling around the world on a bet was my favorite - the Oscar-winning 1956 movie or the 1989 three-part miniseries. I discovered that I liked both versions. Neither is perfect, but both had that something that really appealed to me. But I must admit that the '89 version has a slight edge. David Niven starred in the '56 version and Pierce Brosnan starred in the '89 miniseries.
Angels and Insects (1995) - This adaptation of A.s. Byatt's novella about a Victorian naturalist who becomes embroiled in the lives of an aristocratic family through marriage. Very interesting. The movie starred Mark Rylance, Kristin Scott-Thomas, Patsy Kensit and Jeremy Kemp.
Jane Eyre (1983) - Adapted from Charlotte Bronte's novel, this version about a destitute, but strong-willed governess who falls in love with her mysterious employer remains my favorite. Zeulah Clarke and Timothy Dalton are superb, together.
Ten Favorite GILDED AGE/PROGRESSIVE ERA Movies
Below is a list of my favorite movies set during the periods dubbed as "The Gilded Age" and "The Progressive Era":
"THE AGE OF INNOCENCE" (1993): This Martin Scorcese movie is based upon Edith Wharton's award-winning novel about a man torn between two women in New York of the 1870s. Starred Daniel-Day Lewis, Michelle Pfieffer and Golden Globe winner Winona Ryder.
"HELLO DOLLY!" (1969): When first released in the late 1960s, this movie - based on the famous Broadway musical - was not very popular with the critics. But it has become more popular with them over the years and aquired new fans. Frankly, this movie features my favorite role by Barbra Streisand. Walter Matthau, Michael Crawford and Marianne Andrews co-starred.
"THE GREAT RACE" (1965): Blake Edwards directed this hilarious, yet long slapstick comedy about a 1908 road race from New York to Paris, between two daredevil rivals. Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis and Natalie Wood starred.
"ELLIS ISLAND" (1984): Based on Fred Mustard Stewart's novel, this three-part miniseries is about the experiences of four immigrants in early 20th century New York. Starred Peter Riegert, Greg Martyn, Judi Bowker, Alice Kriege, Faye Dunaway and Richard Burton.
"HEAVEN AND HELL" (1994): This three-part miniseries was based upon John Jakes' third novel in his "North and South Trilogy". Most NORTH AND SOUTH fans tend to dismiss it as inferior to the other two. However, I feel that the story was better adapted to the screen than the second miniseries. Starred James Read, Lesley-Anne Down, Kyle Chandler, Terri Garber, Rya Kilstedt and Philip Casnoff.
"TITANIC" (1997): This Oscar-winning film decipted a love story set during the tragic circumstances of the doomed trans-Atlantic liner that sank in 1912. Starred Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Frances Fisher, Bill Paxton and Gloria Stuart.
"IN OLD CHICAGO" (1937): Tyrone Power and Alice Faye co-starred in this tale of love and civic corruption in Chicago on the eve of the famous 1871 fire. Co-starred Don Ameche, Alice Brady and Brian Donlevy.
"THE MUSIC MAN" (1962): This musical was based upon the famous Broadway play about a con man in Iowa who brightens the lives of a small town's citizens through music and the promise of a school band. Robert Preston re-prised his Broadway role. The movie co-starred Shirley Jones, Paul Ford, Hermoine Gringold, Pert Kelton and Ron Howard.
"MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS" (1944): This famous movie musical is about a family adjusting to living one last year in their hometown of turn-of-the-century St. Louis. Directed by Vincent Minelli, it starred Judy Garland, Margaret O'Brien, Tom Drake, Lucille Bremer, Mary Astor and Leon Ames.
"THE GOLDEN BOWL" (2000): Based upon Henry James' novel, this is a tale of love, marriage and adultery amongst American expatriates and an Italian nobleman in turn-of-the-century England. Starred Uma Thurman, Jeremy Northam, Kate Beckinsale, Nick Nolte, Angelica Huston and James Fox.
