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When it comes to stories, I love old-fashioned storytelling. That’s probably why period dramas have a permanent place in my home, and why celebrating them on The Silver Petticoat Review is such a pleasure. The period drama genre has an endless library of titles. From numerous Jane Austen retellings to the works of the Bront\u00eb sisters, and other underrated dramas, there are many stories to discover. Despite this variety, there are a few literary classics I’d love to see adapted into proper period dramas for the small screen.<\/p>\n
This list primarily includes classics that have yet to be adapted, but I\u2019ve also included a few that deserve a more definitive or contemporary remake. From romances to Gothic dramas, here\u2019s a list of 12 literary classics I\u2019d like to see on TV. Maybe you\u2019d like them too.<\/p>\n
12 Literary Classics We Need on the Small Screen<\/p>\n
1: Agnes Grey
\nWritten by Anne Bront\u00eb
\nThis story, by one of the three Bront\u00eb sisters, centers on Agnes Grey, a woman working as a governess for wealthy families. Although I haven’t read the book, I suspect it shares similarities with her sisters\u2019 works. It\u2019s high time Anne’s novels were adapted for the small screen!<\/p>\n
2 & 3: An Old-Fashioned Girl and The Inheritance
\nWritten by Louisa May Alcott
\n“An Old-Fashioned Girl” might be a serialized story, but the right storyteller could craft a wonderful adaptation. It’s about a girl named Polly who gets caught up in her wealthy friend Fanny’s world.<\/p>\n
The 90\u2019s had a 2-hour TV adaptation of “The Inheritance,” which is an underrated but charming story. While I still love the film, it would be great to see someone like ITV or BBC adapt it into a 3-5 part series.<\/p>\n
4: The Blue Castle
\nWritten by L.M. Montgomery
\nI\u2019ve heard a lot of praise for this novel and have been told to read it often. Although I own a copy, I haven\u2019t read it yet. Its promise of a swoon-worthy hero and intellectual heroine has piqued my curiosity. This story definitely needs a quality production and a talented cast.<\/p>\n
5: The Buccaneers
\nWritten by Edith Wharton
\nEdith Wharton’s novels often have bittersweet endings, as seen in BBC’s early 90s adaptation of this story. Despite its sorrows, I\u2019d be eager to see a remake. The novel follows American heiresses navigating Dukes and Lords during an English season\u2014an excellent plot for a TV series. A less melodramatic approach could highlight Wharton’s brilliant writing.<\/p>\n
6: Martin Chuzzlewit
\nWritten by Charles Dickens
\nThere are countless Dickens adaptations, mostly of “Oliver Twist” or “A Christmas Carol.” In 1994, the BBC adapted “Martin Chuzzlewit” into a miniseries. The story involves a wealthy man whose inheritance is coveted by several family members. Though the BBC version is enjoyable, it feels dated and deserves to be retold for a modern audience.<\/p>\n
7: Mary Barton
\nWritten by Elizabeth Gaskell
\nSet in 1848 Manchester, this novel was initially published anonymously. It follows Mary Barton and the impoverished industrial world she lives in. Much like Gaskell\u2019s “North and South,” “Mary Barton” deals with themes of romance amid struggles, making it perfect for period drama treatment.<\/p>\n
8: Our Mutual Friend
\nWritten by Charles Dickens
\nAlthough I enjoyed the 90s adaptation featuring Keeley Hawes, I believe it’s time for another network like ITV or BBC to tackle this story again. Despite the phenomenal 90s cast, an updated version would be fantastic.<\/p>\n
9: Pat of Silver Bush and Mistress Pat
\nWritten by L.M. Montgomery
\nThese stories might have a bittersweet tone similar to “Persuasion,” but they also have the charm typical of L.M. Montgomery. With the right creative team, these tales could shine on screen, just like “Anne of Green Gables.”<\/p>\n
10: Persuasion
\nWritten by Jane Austen
\nThere have been several adaptations of this Jane Austen classic. Though somewhat recent versions exist, I\u2019m yet to see one that feels definitive. This one remains a personal favorite that I’d like to see done perfectly.<\/p>\n
11: Sanditon
\nWritten by Jane Austen
\nAlthough this has an upcoming adaptation, I couldn\u2019t help but include it. I\u2019m thrilled to see Austen\u2019s unfinished novel brought to life by the talented Andrew Davies. Austen fans are in for a treat!<\/p>\n
12: Villette
\nWritten by Charlotte Bront\u00eb
\nI\u2019m not very familiar with \u201cVillette,\u201d but it follows Lucy, who travels from England to France and experiences adventure and romance as a teacher. Virginia Woolf called it Charlotte\u2019s \u201cfinest novel,\u201d so it\u2019s a mystery why it hasn’t been adapted into a proper film or series.<\/p>\n
This is a brief overview of literary classics I’d love to see adapted into visionary masterpieces. Of course, there are many other works by authors like Elizabeth Gaskell, George Eliot, Charles Dickens, Dodie Smith, Thomas Hardy, Jane Austen, L.M. Montgomery, and more. These are the literary stories currently on my mind.<\/p>\n
Which of these 12 literary classics, or any other classic literature, would you like to see adapted for the screen? Share your thoughts below.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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