Radio review – Lux – “Jane Eyre” (1944) ***

I enjoyed Welles’ radio rendition of Rochester more than his screen one – less glowering – and Loretta Young is a perfectly acceptable substitute for Joan Fontaine. The excellent opening sequences of the film are trimmed, with more emphasis given to the famous dodgy romance of Rochester and Jane, but this remains an effective adaptation with good performances. Enjoyable banter at the ending involving Cecil B de Mille, Welles and Young; de Mille tells Orson he is his son’s favourite director, and Orson replies that must make him very lonely at de Mille’s house.