The story takes place in England, during the 19th century. Jane Eyre (Fontaine) is orphaned at a young age. Raised in a dismal charity school, her only friend is Helen (Elizabeth Taylor, in a very early role). She is bullied by obsessive puritan headmaster Brocklehurst (Henry Daniell, whom you might recognize from "The Great Dictator"). Coming of age, she is employed as a governess at an imposing estate, where she falls in love with her employer, moody Rochester (Welles).

Welles has a booming voice, wild eyes and a commanding attitude. He talks in riddles, and has a mysterious past. There is also an insane woman that he is holding prisoner in one of the castle's towers.

Fontaine appears uncomfortable, and her acting mostly consists of silent suffering, which she does quite well, just as she did in "Rebecca". Her character falls in love very quickly with tempestous Rochester. This is credible, since her self-preservation instincts would sense the opportunity in marrying a wealthy man, and he is the first marriageable man that she has met.

The film's biggest weakness is the ending. I won't give it away, but it comes suddenly and is a bit clumsily crafted. Still, "Jane Eyre" is a very enjoyable soaper, especially Welles' campy performance.