Synopsis

In the village of Highbury, wealthy and self-confident Emma Woodhouse entertains herself by arranging romantic matches for friends and neighbors. Her efforts bring mixed results, especially when she tries to guide her young friend Harriet toward a suitable husband. While misreading the feelings of those around her, Emma gradually discovers that her own heart has been closer to home than she realized.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film adapts Jane Austen's 1815 novel and was written for the screen by Douglas McGrath.

• Rachel Portman's score won the Academy Award for Best Original Musical or Comedy Score at the 69th Academy Awards in 1997. Portman became the first woman to win an Oscar for a score in that category.

• The ballroom dance between Emma and Mr. Knightley is "Mr. Beveridge's Maggot." The same tune and dance were used for Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy in the 1995 television adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice."

• Sophie Thompson and Phyllida Law play Miss Bates and Mrs. Bates. They were also mother and daughter in real life.

• The production filmed in several English locations, with Evershot in Dorset standing in for the fictional village of Highbury. Mapperton provided locations for Randalls and the grounds near Hartfield.

• Costume designer Ruth Myers received an Academy Award nomination. Her approach emphasized bright, pastel colors and a watercolor-like look rather than the darker, heavier style often associated with period dramas.

• The film was one of two screen adaptations of "Emma" released in 1996. A separate British television version starring Kate Beckinsale aired later that year.

• Several continuity details have been noted by viewers, including changes in Frank Churchill's hair length and shifts in Emma's hairstyle during Mr. Knightley's proposal.