When it comes to storytelling, I have a soft spot for old-fashioned narratives. That’s probably why period dramas are always welcome in my home and why I’m thrilled to celebrate them on The Silver Petticoat Review. The period drama genre is vast, with titles ranging from numerous Jane Austen retellings to stories by the Bronte sisters and many underrated gems waiting to be discovered. Despite this rich library, a few literary classics have yet to be adapted into proper period dramas for television. Here’s a list of 12 literary classics I believe deserve a spot on the small screen.
12 Powerful Literary Classics We Need on the Small Screen (A-Z):
1. Agnes Grey by Anne Brontë
This novel focuses on Agnes, a governess for wealthy families. Although I haven’t read it, I imagine it’s similar in tone to her sisters’ works. It’s high time Anne Brontë’s novels were adapted for TV.
2. An Old-Fashioned Girl and The Inheritance by Louisa May Alcott
“An Old-Fashioned Girl” is a serialized story about Polly, who gets involved in her wealthy friend Fanny’s world. “The Inheritance” had a lovely two-hour TV adaptation in the ’90s. Despite its charm, it deserves a more extensive adaptation, perhaps in a mini-series format.
3. The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery
I’ve heard great things about this novel, featuring a charming hero and a smart heroine. Although I own the book, I haven’t read it yet. It definitely needs a high-quality adaptation with a talented cast.
4. The Buccaneers by Edith Wharton
Edith Wharton’s novels often have bittersweet endings, and “The Buccaneers” is no different. The BBC adapted it in the early ’90s, but I’d love to see a less melodramatic remake that respects Wharton’s brilliant writing.
5. Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens
Though Dickens’ stories are frequently adapted, “Martin Chuzzlewit” deserves attention beyond its 1994 BBC miniseries. It’s a tale of a wealthy man with family members scheming for his inheritance, making it perfect for a modern retelling.
6. Mary Barton by Elizabeth Gaskell
Set in 1848 Manchester, it portrays the struggles of its titular character in an industrial world. Much like Gaskell’s “North and South,” which received an excellent adaptation, “Mary Barton” also deserves the period drama treatment.
7. Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens
While the ’90s adaptation starring Keeley Hawes was great, it’s time for another version. A new take by ITV or BBC would be fantastic.
8. Pat of Silver Bush and Mistress Pat by L.M. Montgomery
These novels have a bittersweet aura similar to “Persuasion.” With the right team, an adaptation could be visually and emotionally stunning. L.M. Montgomery’s works, beyond “Anne of Green Gables,” deserve more attention.
9. Persuasion by Jane Austen
Even though there have been several adaptations of “Persuasion,” I still feel we haven’t seen the definitive version. It’s a personal favorite that deserves another go.
10. Sanditon by Jane Austen
Though an adaptation is already in the works, I’m excited to see Austen’s unfinished novel come to life. It’s worth mentioning purely out of anticipation.
11. Villette by Charlotte Brontë
I’m not very familiar with “Villette,” but it follows Lucy, who moves from England to France and finds romance and adventure. Virginia Woolf even called it Brontë’s “finest novel.” It’s surprising we don’t have a proper adaptation yet.
These are just a few literary classics I yearn to see as beautifully crafted TV dramas. Many other authors like Elizabeth Gaskell, George Eliot, Charles Dickens, Dodie Smith, Thomas Hardy, and Jane Austen have works that would also make excellent adaptations.
Which of these classics, or any other literary work, would you like to see on screen? Share your thoughts below.
