Colonel Brandon as Cinderella

[Kressel]

I've just watched the Emma Thompson adaptation with her commentary. One of her most interesting marks was that Colonel Brandon is like the male Cinderella - the quiet, overlooked guy who actually gets the girl in the end.

[Anna]

I guess you could it that way. I really wouldn't for me personally but I haven't watched it lately to know.

[Kressel]

She said about the part when Marianne thanks him from her sickroom, "This is the part that makes all the MEN cry." Now, I couldn't see my husband actually crying over the film; he didn't even watch it. But maybe guys really do like seeing the underdog get the girl as much as we like seeing the girls get the good guys.

[Anna]

I see. Sorta like Prince Charming or Knight in Shinning Armor. Cinderella is like the romantic version of a once miserable life with a happy ending and a loving man.

[Kressel]

Interesting you should phrase it like that. Another one of her comments was that Willoughby was literally "the man on the white horse" that every woman fantasizes about.

[Anna]

In her case it would be the man on the white horse instead of Prince Charming. And Cinderella is Mr. Willoughby and Elinor is his...um...Prince Charming perhaps?

[Kressel]

I think Willoughby is more like the beautiful but mean stepsisters.

[Anna]

Okay, thanks.