<Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> Website </Td> </Tr> <P> Pride and Prejudice is a six - episode 1995 British television drama, adapted by Andrew Davies from Jane Austen's 1813 novel of the same name . Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth starred as Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy . Produced by Sue Birtwistle and directed by Simon Langton, the serial was a BBC production with additional funding from the American A&E Network . BBC1 originally broadcast the 55 - minute episodes from 24 September to 29 October 1995 . The A&E Network aired the series in double episodes on three consecutive nights beginning 14 January 1996 . There are six episodes in the series . </P> <P> Critically acclaimed and a popular success, Pride and Prejudice was honoured with several awards, including a BAFTA Television Award for Jennifer Ehle for "Best Actress" and an Emmy for "Outstanding Individual Achievement in Costume Design for a Miniseries or a Special". The role of Mr Darcy elevated Colin Firth to stardom . A scene showing Firth in a wet shirt was recognised as "one of the most unforgettable moments in British TV history". The New York Times called the adaptation "a witty mix of love stories and social conniving, cleverly wrapped in the ambitions and illusions of a provincial gentry". The series inspired author Helen Fielding to write the popular Bridget Jones novels and their screen adaptations subsequently featured Firth as Bridget's love interest Mark Darcy . </P> <P> Episode 1: Mr. Charles Bingley, a rich man from the north of England, settles down at Netherfield estate near Meryton village in Hertfordshire for the autumn . Mrs Bennet, unlike her husband, is excited at the prospect of marrying off one of her five daughters (Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia) to the newcomer . Bingley takes an immediate liking to Jane at a local country - dance, while his best friend Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, rumoured to be twice as rich, refuses to dance with anyone including Elizabeth . Elizabeth's poor impression of his character is confirmed at a later gathering at Lucas Lodge, and she and Darcy verbally clash on the two nights she spends at Netherfield caring for the sick Jane . </P>

Who played jane bennet in pride and prejudice