Kate Beckinsale stars in the title role as the tireless matchmaker who professes no interest in matrimony for herself in the Jane Austen classic “Emma,” airing on Masterpiece Sunday, March 23 at 9/8 p.m. CT on KET1 and Thursday, March 27 at 9/8 p.m. CT on KET2.
Though Emma claims her efforts are solely focused on her orphaned protégée, Harriet Smith, she does feel a certain twinge for Frank Churchill (Raymond Coulthard, “He Knew He Was Right”) and a brotherly regard for Mr. Knightley (Mark Strong, “Prime Suspect 6”).
As the story opens, Emma has just attended the marriage of Miss Taylor, her old governess and best friend. Having introduced Miss Taylor to her future husband Mr. Weston, Emma smugly takes credit for their marriage, and decides that she rather likes matchmaking. Against Mr. Knightley's advice, Emma forges ahead with her new avocation, trying to find a match her new friend Harriet, a sweet but none-too-bright girl of 17. The plot becomes increasingly complex and leads to another satisfying Austen conclusion.
The adaptation continues Masterpiece’s series “The Complete Jane Austen,” which presents each of the six Austen novels.
Masterpiece “Emma” is produced by WGBH/Boston.
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