Who wrote the screenplay for the 1995 BBC Pride and Prejudice series?

Andrew Davies wrote the screenplay for the 1995 BBC Pride and Prejudice series. His adaptation brought Jane Austen’s 1813 novel to television as a six-episode British drama directed by Simon Langton.

Davies and producer Sue Birtwistle had discussed adapting Pride and Prejudice since the 1980s. The finished serial retained much of Austen’s dialogue while expanding visual and private moments that are only implied in the novel. Davies also used voice-overs, flashbacks and characters reading letters to make the book’s narrative structure work on screen.

The series starred Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet and Colin Firth as Fitzwilliam Darcy. It was produced by the BBC with additional funding from the American A&E Network and first aired on BBC1 from 24 September to 29 October 1995. Its blend of wit, romance and detailed period production made it one of the best-known Austen adaptations.

Deborah Moggach wrote the screenplay for the 2005 feature film, not the BBC series. Sandy Welch later adapted Austen’s Emma for television, while Julian Fellowes is associated with other period dramas rather than this production.