[4] The film is set in the late 18th century when Jane Austen wrote the novel, although it was published after her death in 1817.

Catherine (called "Cathy" by her many younger siblings) is a 17-year-old young lady who has been sheltered all her life, but escapes in her imagination by reading Gothic novels.

Catherine is falling in love with 26-year-old clergyman Henry Tilney, whom she met at a dance soon after her arrival in Bath.

Catherine accepts the invitation with pleasure, although she imagines that the Abbey will be rather like one of the gloomy castles in her books.

When the General realises that Catherine's family is far from rich, however, he sends her packing from the Abbey at night.