Northanger Abbey: A reason to love.

It all began one wintry night, when the sky was dark and the wind howled...

The movie showing (that wintry night) featured a film beloved by few: Northanger Abbey, the unsung Jane Austen flick.

Like janie the magnificent (who introduced me to this film), I have grown to harbor a great fascination and love for Northanger Abbey. There are far too many who fail to love it as they should, and each time I convert another follower I cannot help but rejoice. And so, I have decided to compose a list of reasons to love (the film).

Why I love Northanger Abbey (BBC)

1. The male lead's last name is Firth. Peter Firth. No relation to Colin Firth, unfortunately, but this point alone is important enough that I need not go on...(yet I do).
   
2. The theme music is excessively melodramatic. Quite laughable, actually. Not at all fitting for a jane austen.
3. There is a horrific saxophone and soprano duet during a nature walk that you just can't miss.
4. Peter Firth sings somewhat painfully out of tune, but at least he tries. With his own voice--which is more than most can claim.
5. All the actors and actresses are VERY ugly, except for the two leads who are so-so.
   
6. The film was made in the 1980s, with hair to match.
7. The male antagonist is super creepy, and far uglier than any other cast member, except possibly for the old guy in the giant yellow wig.
   
8. There is a woman in the ballroom with a beauty spot on her face 1 inch in diameter.
9. You can hear Darth Vader breathing in the background sometimes.
   
10. The female lead (often) wears her hair with tight curls poking out onto her forehead that looks like a claw.
    
11. There are daydream sequences (that don't always make sense)!
12. The male lead somehow wins the heart of the female lead by insulting her on the sly.
13. The male lead wrinkles his nose in one scene, which is positively delightful.
14. The male lead goes after the female lead, riding a long long way. She is sought. And all ends happily in Jane Austen fashion. Hurrah!

Really, I could go on and on. SO delightful. As a side note, your enjoyment will be magnified if you first read the book Northanger Abbey is a spoof of (mainly) (and which is alluded to throughout the film): The Mysteries of Udolpho, by Ann Radcliffe. 675 pages of wild and crazy Gothic fun. I should also say that you should read the book Northanger Abbey before you watch the movie, but I don't want to be too demanding, even if I am old fashioned.