Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre

Year: 1970

Runtime: 110 mins

Language: English

Director: Delbert Mann

DramaTV MovieMoving relationship storiesPassion and romanceCharming romances and delightful chemistry

Having endured a bleak childhood, Jane Eyre leaves home to work as a governess. She takes a position at Thornfield Hall, where she meets the brooding, aloof master, Mr. Rochester. Their growing friendship deepens into love, offering Jane a chance at happiness—until Rochester’s hidden, terrible secret threatens to shatter everything.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Jane Eyre yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Jane Eyre (1970)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Jane Eyre (1970). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 19th century

The story unfolds in 19th-century England, a time of rigid social hierarchies and limited avenues for women. Educational institutions and domestic norms reflect a brutal, moralistic era, shaping the characters’ choices and fortunes. The period’s emphasis on reputation and propriety drives the tension between love, duty, and independence.

Location

Lowood School, Thornfield Hall, the moors

Lowood School is shown as a harsh, discipline-heavy institution where orphans endure cold conditions and a strict moral code. Thornfield Hall stands as a grand, secluded estate whose corridors hide dark secrets in the attic. The bleak moors surrounding the estate provide a windswept backdrop that mirrors Jane's emotional trials and quest for autonomy.

🏰 Gothic 🏫 Educational Institution 🌫️ Mysterious Estate

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:33

Main Characters – Jane Eyre (1970)

Meet the key characters of Jane Eyre (1970), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jane Eyre (Susannah York)

An intelligent, principled governess whose resilience and moral compass guide her through hardship. She confronts social constraint with quiet courage, seeking equality and genuine love. Her inner strength and steadfast honesty make her a catalyst for change in the lives she touches.

💪 Resilient 📚 Intelligent 💖 Compassionate

Edward Rochester (George C. Scott)

A charismatic landowner whose charm masks deep secrets and a complicated moral code. He is proud, fiercely protective, and capable of intense emotion. Rochester’s vulnerability surfaces as his past collides with Jane’s integrity, testing their bond and his will to change.

💼 Charismatic 🗝️ Secretive 🗣️ Complex

St. John Rivers (Ian Bannen)

A devout, disciplined clergyman who desires to dedicate his life to God and mission. He presents a rational, moral counterpoint to Rochester’s passions and pushes Jane toward self-denial and service. His certainty about duty contrasts with Jane’s pursuit of personal happiness.

🙏 Pious 🎯 Mission-driven 🧭 Stoic

Mason (Kenneth Griffith)

A disruptive guest whose presence triggers a crucial confrontation about Rochester’s past. He acts as a catalyst, bringing hidden truths to light and challenging the social facade surrounding Thornfield. His role underscores how rumor and scandal threaten reputations.

🗝️ Catalyst 💬 Gossip 🕵️‍♂️ Intrigue

Mrs. Rochester (Jean Marsh)

Rochester’s enigmatic wife, whose madness and mysterious fate loom over Thornfield. Her existence drives the central secret that defines Rochester’s marriage and the moral stakes of the relationship with Jane. She embodies the tragic costs of concealed truths.

🌀 Secretive 🔥 Tragic ⚖️ Scandal

Mr. Brocklehurst (Jack Hawkins)

The stern headmaster at Lowood who enforces a harsh, punitive discipline as a showcase of religious morality. He embodies the era’s cruel educational ideology and its impact on vulnerable orphans. His presence highlights the social machinery that shapes Jane’s early years.

🎩 Strict 🧱 Rigid 🗂️ Moral

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:33

Major Themes – Jane Eyre (1970)

Explore the central themes of Jane Eyre (1970), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

❤️ Love & Morality

Love tests Jane’s sense of self against societal expectations. The relationship with Rochester blends passion with moral consequences, forcing Jane to decide between personal happiness and social propriety. The narrative turns on whether true love can coexist with ethical responsibility.

⚖️ Society & Class

The story critiques the rigid class structure of the era, where social standing governs whom one can marry and trust. Jane’s independence challenges the privileges of the wealthy and the authority of male custodians. Secrets, marriage, and inheritance reveal how reputation shapes fate.

🕯️ Gothic Mystery

The attic secret and the fire at Thornfield inject a Gothic layer of suspense and danger. The mansion’s hidden past haunts characters and drives crucial revelations. The atmosphere blends danger with a sense of moral revelation.

🧭 Independence

Jane’s journey is a study in personal autonomy within a constraining world. She negotiates love, faith, and vocation on her own terms, refusing to be reduced to a societal stereotype. The arc culminates in a choice that affirms self-respect alongside romantic fulfillment.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:33

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Jane Eyre

Don't stop at just watching — explore Jane Eyre in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Jane Eyre is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Jane Eyre Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Jane Eyre, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Jane Eyre Summary

Jane Eyre Timeline

Track the full timeline of Jane Eyre with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Jane Eyre Timeline

More About Jane Eyre

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Jane Eyre: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Jane Eyre