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Colin Firth’s wet shirt in ‘Pride and Prejudice’ sparked Austen-mania

CNN · 30 days ago
CNN
CNN
30 days ago

Mr. Darcy’s impromptu swim in the BBC adaptation of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ 30 years ago made the world swoon, earning actor Colin Firth – and his linen shirt – a place in the cultural canon. Australian historian Hilary Davidson explains why this moment was so significant, providing a template for sexual tension in subsequent interpretations of Austen’s work.

Breakdown
  • Colin Firth's wet shirt scene in the BBC's 'Pride and Prejudice' was not in Austen's novel.
  • The scene became unexpectedly iconic, earning Firth and the moment a place in cultural history. 16s
  • Producers researched period accuracy, but Firth declined to appear nude, resulting in the memorable shirt scene. 58s
  • The scene set a template for sexual tension and vulnerability in later Austen adaptations. 1m 17s
  • Modern adaptations continue to use similar moments to humanise romantic leads and signify emotional disturbance. 1m 43s
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