Oh, ick . . . I really do not want to see this now

Perhaps husband and I will stay home, watch the BBC/A&E series from 10 years ago instead. (Has it really been 10 years?)

When it comes to Mr Darcy in the US, sighs matter

Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen's comedy of manners which has become a hit film in Britain, is now repeating its success in America, partially, it is thought, because of a specially-tailored romantic ending. . . .

The romantic ending was chosen for release after a test screening in a US cinema. Audiences reportedly "swooned" as Elizabeth and Darcy kissed on a terrace, as he cooed: "Mrs Darcy. . . Mrs Darcy."

The embrace upset the 450 members of the Jane Austen Society of North America, who ridiculed it at a preview screening.

Elsa Solender, a member and former president of the society, said: "It has nothing at all of Jane Austen in it, is inconsistent with the first two thirds of the film, insults the audience with its banality and ought to be cut before release."

However, USA Today quoted cinemagoers yesterday as being delighted with the new ending. Gail Hunt, from Washington, said: "It wouldn't have been a movie without it."

I do hope we'll be able to get either version on DVD . . .