Catherine is delighted when she learns Henry and Eleanor love books as much as she does. John tells Henry's father, General Tilney (Liam Cunningham), that Catherine is the Allens' heir, and the General invites her to spend the day with the family. [38] Northanger Abbey garnered mostly positive reviews from critics. [28] ITV Creative made the 20, 30 and 60 second promotional trailers, which began airing on ITV channels from 25 February 2007. In this production, we see some of Catherine's fantasies, some of which are quite steamy for a young girl. Jones received the part upon her first audition, just two weeks after graduating from Oxford University. The film is set in the late 18th century, when Jane Austen wrote the novel although it was published after her death in 1817. On her return home, Isabella tells Catherine that she and James are engaged. "[2], ITV launched a nationwide campaign to promote its Jane Austen Season. Isabella continues to flirt with Frederick and Catherine asks Henry to convince his brother to leave her alone. [27] Speaking to Benji Wilson of the Radio Times, Jones revealed the dance sessions were the most taxing part of the shoot. "[48] Writing for The Daily Telegraph, James Walton observed "Northanger Abbey was a perfectly acceptable costume drama – but not one that ever really caught fire. Henry appears and proposes, however, and the story ends happily. What's quite interesting with Henry Tilney is that he doesn't necessarily fall madly in love with Catherine straight away. [4] He explained, "About every 10 years, all the great stories need retelling. [3] He had previously written an adaptation of the novel for Weekend Television in 1998. John assures her that he saw Henry driving a phaeton to Wick Rocks, but while Catherine is in John's carriage, she sees the Tilneys walking along the street. [12][15][16], Actress Carey Mulligan was given the role of Catherine's shallow and selfish friend Isabella Thorpe. The following day, Catherine makes the acquaintance of the Thorpe family. So it's all about putting the movement and the dialogue together and remembering what your character is supposed to be thinking at the same time – that's quite tricky! It was directed by British television director Jon Jones and the screenplay was written by Andrew Davies. [22] Higginsbrook House, near County Meath, served as the exterior to the Morland family's home. [22], British composer Charlie Mole wrote the score to Northanger Abbey, while the Pemberley Players provided other authentic pieces of music.