In 1835 England, wealthy, class-conscious couple Mr. and Mrs. Bennett (Edmund Gwenn and Mary Boland) have five daughters who are of marriageable age, and they have decided to match them with appropriate suitors. Of all the eligible men in their social circle, the arrogant, dashing Mr. Darcy (Olivier) — despite his haughty airs — is the real catch, and independent-minded Elizabeth (Garson) might be the only daughter worthy of his attention.

Penned by Aldous Huxley, this splendid adaptation of Jane Austen's satirical novel seamlessly translates her barbed criticisms of upper-class mores to the big screen. Under MGM journeyman Leonard's guiding hand, Olivier and Garson are a joy to watch as romantic interests whose strained rapport matures from mutual disdain to honest affection. Karl Freund's magnificent cinematography captures all the period details (like a lawn-party archery lesson) beautifully, while Huxley's witty dialogue preserves the spirited flavor of Austen's text. (I'd recommend avoiding the botched 2005 version!)