"The reality of love's disappointments enriches the film's heroine, who never married in real life, and brings a 200-year-old figure into living focus."

Not only is that a huge stretch of the facts, it makes for a dull and overly familiar melodrama.

Hathaway never makes us think the woman could write anything more complex than a diet book.

Director Julian Jarrold ticks all the right boxes - stunning costumes, gorgeous scenery and dishy lead.