Shakespeare on screen
Great, interesting, or notable productions of the plays, with adaptations; and stories of the Bard himself. (Plays in rough chronological order.) This list is a project of love after thirty years as a Shakespeare fan, and I hope it will expand for many more years. Only features works that are available - either commercially or online - with a few rare exceptions.
List activity
3 views
• 0 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
461 titles
- DirectorErnst LubitschStarsCarole LombardJack BennyRobert StackDuring the German occupation of Poland, an acting troupe becomes embroiled in a Polish soldier's efforts to track down a German spy.During the German occupation of Poland, an acting troupe becomes embroiled in a Polish soldier's efforts to track down a German spy. A real classic, a comedy with depth.
- DirectorDavid ButlerStarsJack WestonJohn McGiverDoro MerandeJulius Moomer, a talentless, but relentless, self-promoting hack who dreams of becoming a successful television writer, uses a book of magic to summon William Shakespeare to write dramatic teleplays that Moomer will pass off as his own. Shakespeare becomes irritated by Moomer's lack of appreciation and is even more appalled when he discovers the changes wrought on his plays by cynical television executives.A direct satire of the American television industry, this episode of The Twilight Zone features a parody of Marlon Brando by Burt Reynolds, and concerns an inept screenwriter, who through the use of black magic, employs William Shakespeare as his ghostwriter.
- DirectorJames IvoryStarsShashi KapoorFelicity KendalGeoffrey KendalThe story of a family troupe of English actors in India. They travel around the towns and villages giving performances of Shakespearean plays. Through their travels we see the changing face of India as the old is replaced by the new, Maharajas become hotel owners, sports become more important than culture and the theater is replaced by Bolliwood movies.A charming, even exquisite film about a collapsing troupe of actors in the dying days of the British Raj.
- DirectorPaul BogartStarsJohn GielgudPerformance of extracts from Shakespeare's plays.The legendary Sir John Gielgud's one-man show, excerpting Shakespeare's works.
- DirectorDouglas HickoxStarsVincent PriceDiana RiggIan HendryA Shakespearean actor takes poetic revenge on the critics who denied him recognition.A camp thing of glory, as a Shakespearean actor enacts gory revenge on his enemies (the critics, naturally!).
- StarsTim CurryPaul FreemanJohn NormingtonBiography of William Shakespeare.An intriguing six-episode Life of Shakespeare, starring Tim Curry.
- StarsBrenda BruceJon FinchDavid GwillimBBC adaptations of all 37 plays wholly and authoritatively credited to William Shakespeare.A mixed bag of a series but one I have a deep affection for (individual episodes below where available). An achievement that could never happen today.
- DirectorKirk BrowningStarsIan McKellenIan McKellen, alone on stage, with no props or scenery, performs monologues from Shakespeare and discusses some of his plays.McKellen at the height of his powers, in his one-act play.
- StarsJohn BartonDavid SuchetLisa HarrowJohn Barton holds a master class in how to play Shakespeare, using members of the RSC doing scenes, sonnets, and commentary as prime examples.The magnificent John Barton leads a cast of luminary RSC actors to explore, in nine episodes, the challenge and joy of performing Shakespeare in the theatre.
- DirectorAlan JohnsonStarsMel BrooksAnne BancroftRonny GrahamAt the onset of WW2, a Polish actor's family and the Polish Resistance help the troupe of a theatre escape Poland and the invading Nazis.A fairly faithful remake of the original film listed above. It's not a great success but Brooks and Bancroft are zealous in their attempts at humour, and the film makes some improvements on the original in terms of certain plot moments. Truly a labour of love.
- StarsCaroline LangrisheSuzanne BertishDaniel MasseyMarxist director Michael Bogdanov was deeply unsatisfied with the BBC Shakespeare, which he considered static and unengaging; his rival series put scenes from the plays into rehearsal to show audiences that theatre should be constantly challenging and surprising. Hard to find these days, alas.
- DirectorPeter YatesStarsAlbert FinneyTom CourtenayEdward FoxPersonal assistant Norman struggles to get deteriorating veteran actor Sir through a difficult performance of King Lear.Personal assistant Norman struggles to get deteriorating veteran actor Sir through a difficult performance of King Lear.
- 1985–19891hTV-PG6.6 (423)TV EpisodeDirectorWes CravenJ.D. FeigelsonTheodore J. FlickerStarsJames CocoBob DishyAvery Schreiber"Act Break": Selfish second-rate playwright Maury Winkler wishes for a better writing partner than his ailing colleague Harry. "The Burning Man": A strange figure appears on the road and tries to hitch a ride during a heat wave in 1936. "Dealer's Choice": Four poker pals sit down for a game with a mysterious stand-in named Nick.Unhappy with his co-writer, a writer wishes for someone better... and finds himself back in time with someone who just might fit the bill...
- DirectorBarry PurvesStarsBarry PurvesRoger ReesWilliam Shakespeare, without saying a word, gives a quick run through of all his plays in a very special audition.A joyous short film, in which Shakespeare performs every one of his plays - in five minutes!
- StarsAlec McCowenMichael KitchenSuzanne BurdenCondensed animated adaptations of plays by William Shakespeare.Marvellous art, in the form of 12 expertly constructed animations of Shakespeare's works; a great introduction.
- DirectorKenneth BranaghStarsMichael MaloneyRichard BriersHetta CharnleyA group of theatre actors plays "Hamlet" in a provincial village, faced with their own temptations, disappointments, and joys.Delightful little film about an amateur production of Shakespeare.
- StarsKenneth CranhamCelia ImrieFiona ShawA six-part documentary series about presenting Shakespeare today. The episode titles highlight the broader themes in Shakespeare, while the contents focus down on a particular play, or even scene, highlighting that theme. King Lear, A Midsummers Night's Dream, Henry V, As You Like It, and Measure for Measure are featured.Have not seen this documentary yet, in which Fiona Shaw examines how to perform and approach Shakespeare's scenes.
- DirectorJohn MaddenStarsGwyneth PaltrowJoseph FiennesGeoffrey RushThe world's greatest ever playwright, William Shakespeare, is young, out of ideas and short of cash, but meets his ideal woman and is inspired to write one of his most famous plays.What can we say about this? Charming, outrageous, beautiful, touching, very 1998.
- DirectorPaul KafnoStarsAdam LongReed MartinAustin TichenorThree guys, one dead playwright, and 37 plays, all in under two hours. In this universally acclaimed theater experience, Adam Long (one of the troupe's founding members), Reed Martin, and Austin Tichenor manage to compress the complete works of Shakespeare into about an hour and 40 minutes of high-speed over-the-top hilarity. Knowledge about Shakespeare's works is helpful, but not at all necessary. All that is needed is time enough to watch and someone to dial 911 in case you pass out from laughing so much.Very very funny approach to Shakespeare's works, by a company who exemplify a true love of the Bard.
- StarsMichael WoodGregory DoranRay FearonMichael Wood tours the English locations important to William Shakespeare as he explores the playwright and poet's life and work.Very smart documentary series.
- CreatorSusan CoyneBob MartinMark McKinneyStarsPaul GrossMartha BurnsStephen OuimetteLegendary theatrical madman Geoffrey Tennant returns to New Burbage Theatre Festival after his mentor's death, encountering his spirit and attempting to stage a remarkable Hamlet production amidst chaos with a difficult cast and staff.A dramedy set at a (fictional) Canadian Shakespeare festival over three of its bumpy, very funny seasons.
- DirectorBarbara Willis SweeteStarsDiane D'AquilaBrent CarverPeter HuttQueen Elizabeth I visits Shakespeare's theatre troupe on the night her lover is to be executed - from Timothy Findley's play
- StarsNick MalinowskiJames McAvoyShirley HendersonA modern re-telling of four William Shakespeare stories.Very much of its time, but fun reworkings of four Shakespeare plays starring many British TV nobles of the turn-of-the-century.
- DirectorTom TodoroffStarsGeorge AntonDuncan BellKate BurtonNot sure why this has such low ratings; the great Cicely Berry leads an absolute star cast in a series of theatre workshops. For actors only.
- DirectorHank RogersonTwenty male inmates in a Kentucky prison form an unlikely Shakespearean acting troupe.
- DirectorJohn McKayStarsRupert GravesTom SturridgeIndira VarmaA mystery in Shakespeare's sonnets is explored.Not a highlight, but an intriguing "what if?" over the Bard's mysterious sonnets.
- DirectorCharlie PalmerStarsDavid TennantFreema AgyemanDean Lennox KellyThe Doctor takes Martha to London in 1599, where William Shakespeare's new play is being used by three witches in an evil plan.This "Doctor Who" episode from 2007 has David Tennant and Freema Agyeman discovering witches at the start of the 17th century, and a lusty Shakespeare who gets his ideas from the strangest places!
- StarsSimon Russell BealeEthan HawkeHarriet WalterVarious actors discuss Shakespeare plays. Each episode is presented by one actor and, in most cases, the actor discusses one play. However, some episodes cover more than one play. For example, all three "Henry plays" are presented together.Famous actors reflecting on Shakespeare and his plays.
- StarsSimon SchamaHarriet WalterPeter De JerseySimon Schama explores the life and times of William Shakespeare to shed a new light on some of the greatest plays ever written.The wonderful Simon Schama makes a personal approach.
- DirectorRichard BracewellStarsMathew BayntonSimon FarnabyMartha Howe-DouglasWhat really happened during Shakespeare's 'Lost Years'? Hopeless lute-player Bill Shakespeare leaves his home to follow his dream.An amusing interpretation of Shakespeare's life, aimed for younger viewers but with that kooky British sense of humour that is well worth it.
- DirectorRichard EyreStarsAnthony HopkinsIan McKellenEmily WatsonA drama, based on a successful play, about an aging actor (Sir Anthony Hopkins) and his personal assistant (Sir Ian McKellen).Personal assistant Norman struggles to get deteriorating veteran actor Sir through a difficult performance of King Lear.
- CreatorBen EltonStarsDavid MitchellGemma WhelanRob RouseSatirical Blackadderesque sitcom about how friends, family, historical circumstances, and his arch-rival Robert Greene, who first coined the derogatory term "upstart crow", influenced William Shakespeare to write his famous plays.You have to enjoy corny, self-aware British sitcoms, and David Mitchell, but as I love both, this is gold.
- DirectorBridget CaldwellGregory DoranRobin MasonStarsCatherine TateDavid TennantAkalaA celebration of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death, broadcast live at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon.A special on the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death; a live series of performances.
- DirectorLorry PowlesStarsSimon Russell BealeMatthew BurtonBen CrystalThe character from Charlie Brooker's Weekly Wipe (2013) presents a mockumentary about William Shakespeare, talking us through his life and works in her own unique style.Philomena Cunk is a goddess. Diane Morgan is wonderfully funny.
- CreatorCraig PearceStarsLaurie DavidsonOlivia DeJongeEwen BremnerA drama about the lost years of young William Shakespeare after his arrival to London in 1589--when theatre was like rock'n'roll, and a young man with a dream changed the world with his words.Absolute nonsense, but a very attractive young Shakespeare, falling in love and being emotive, should've had more than one season on the airwaves.
- DirectorKenneth BranaghStarsKenneth BranaghJudi DenchIan McKellenA look at the final days in the life of renowned playwright William Shakespeare.A quiet little film that clearly didn't please everyone - for my mind, a beautiful exploration of Shakespeare and his wife in his final few years
- StarsAriel ShafirCelebrate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's First Folio, which saved 18 plays from being lost. The film also spotlights how New York City's Public Theater presents Shakespeare's work for today's audiences.A documentary celebrating the 400th anniversary of the First Folio, the original Complete Works that saved many of the plays into print for the first time.
- StarsDaniel BoyarskyMátyás TóthDániel BakiDrama documentary explaining Shakespeare's career and examining his personal and professional history. Numerous experts tell his story interspersed with dramatic vignettes showing key moments in his life.A neat documentary commissioned for the 400th anniversary of the First Folio, with recreations of the age.
- DirectorWancang BuStarsLingyu RuanCho-cho LamCilong WangBai Le De and Hu Lin Tung are military cadets. After graduating, Hu Lin Tung is appointed captain of Guangdong headquarters and goes away. Later, Bae Le De is appointed to a post at the same place. Hu Lin Tung falls in love with Luo Hua, daughter of the local commander.A Chinese early adaptation of Two Gentlemen of Verona.
- DirectorDon TaylorStarsFrank BarrieTessa Peake-JonesHetta CharnleyIn 16th century Italy, two inseparable friends suddenly become rivals for the love of a noblewoman.Pleasing in its use of the near uncut text, with a lovely, deliberately artificial, BBC studio feel. But not particularly vibrant, and tough to get across the lost comedy and stale fairytale elements of this, one of Shakespeare's first plays.
- DirectorSimon GodwinRobin LoughStarsMark ArendsElliot Barnes-WorrellMartin BassindaleValentine and Proteus are best friends until they fall in love with the same girl; with friendship forgotten, the rivals' affections quickly get out of hand.The best version available (of two) as of 2024.
- DirectorD.W. GriffithStarsFlorence LawrenceArthur V. JohnsonLinda ArvidsonBased on Shakespeare's play: Petruchio courts the bad-tempered Katharina, and tries to change her aggressive behavior.An early silent.
- DirectorSam TaylorStarsMary PickfordDouglas FairbanksEdwin MaxwellIn sixteenth century Padua, Hortensio loves Bianca, the youngest daughter of Baptista. But Baptista will not allow the two to get married until his eldest daughter, the extremely headstrong Katherine, is betrothed. This task seems impossible because of Katherine's shrewish demeanor. They believe their prayers have been answered with the arrival from Verona of the lusty Petruchio, whose father has just passed, leaving him to travel the world and marry. Having not yet met her, Petruchio agrees to court Katherine when he is told of her beauty and wit. Petruchio is even more excited at the prospect of marrying this wildcat of a woman after meeting her. Katherine will have none of it, even if it means her sister's spinsterhood, but has no choice but to marry him. Beyond the fact of the marriage itself, Katherine is even more irked by Petruchio's less than conventional behavior at the ceremony and post ceremony bridal feast. Each starts to play what they consider sly games of oneupsmanship with each other to gain the upper hand in the marriage.One of the earliest 'talkies' of Shakespeare; very cute, although perhaps not much more!
- DirectorMonty BanksStarsStanley LupinoThelma ToddJohn LoderA rich American businessman in London makes believe he's lost all his money so that his daughter will marry a composer.An early adaptation of the Shrew.
- DirectorPaul NickellStarsCharlton HestonLisa KirkSally ChamberlinBrutish, fortune-hunting scoundrel Petruchio tames his wealthy shrewish wife, Katharina.One of the earliest surviving TV adaptations, with Charlton Heston.
- DirectorFranco ZeffirelliStarsElizabeth TaylorRichard BurtonCyril CusackBrutish, fortune-hunting scoundrel Petruchio tames his wealthy, shrewish wife, Katharina.A classic, vivacious film - what it loses from Shakespeare's work it makes up for in its lead cast members. One of the best Shrews on screen.
- DirectorRobin LovejoyStarsJohn BellCarol MacReadyRon HaddrickUpdated version of Shakespeare's play, set in the Australian outback.An Australian Shrew, set in the Outback. Have not seen.
- DirectorWilliam BallKirk BrowningStarsRaye BirkEarl BoenRon BoussomSan Francisco's A.C.T. company presents Shakespeare's classic take with a Commedia dell'Arte flair, as if it were a inn yard performance by a traveling company.A manic and fun live commedia dell'arte production from San Francisco - worth it for Marc Singer's body alone!
- DirectorJonathan MillerStarsSimon ChandlerAnthony PedleyJohn Franklyn-RobbinsThe swaggering Petruchio agrees to marry the spitting hellcat, Katherine.The BBC Shrew takes a deliberately contrarian approach to the text - yielding lots of gems and some true artistry.
- DirectorChristopher DixonStarsRaul JuliaMeryl StreepJoel BrooksFollows actress Meryl Streep and actor Raul Julia as they prepare to perform Shakespeare's comedy "The Taming of the Shrew" for the "Shakespeare in the Park" theater festival.An engaging documentary behind the scenes of Shakespeare in the Park in NYC.
- DirectorWill MackenzieStarsCybill ShepherdBruce WillisAllyce BeasleyA student starts to watch Moonlighting, then his mother appears and reminds he has to read Taming of the Shrew for school. As he starts to read, the characters from Moonlighting enact the play.Oh, "Moonlighting"! A wonderful, silly, ill-constructed, marvellous show. This episode features the main characters re-enacting Taming of the Shrew in full Elizabethan garb... and it's all the fantasy of a child who doesn't want to do his Shakespeare homework but would rather watch "Moonlighting"!
- 1992–199426mTV-Y77.7 (61)TV EpisodeDirectorAida ZyablikovaStarsAmanda RootNigel Le VaillantMalcolm StorryThe swaggering Petruchio agrees to marry the spitting hellcat, Katherine.This sublime series creates short versions of the plays, each with a delicate animation style, and suitable for all ages.
- DirectorGil JungerStarsHeath LedgerJulia StilesJoseph Gordon-LevittA high-school boy, Cameron, cannot date Bianca until her anti-social older sister, Kat, has a boyfriend. So, Cameron pays a mysterious boy, Patrick, to charm Kat.A highly entertaining modern adaptation of the Shrew.
- DirectorGary HardwickStarsGabrielle UnionLL Cool JEssence AtkinsEva doesn't let her 3 sisters' men push them around. She's always butting in. How to pacify Eva? Find her a man. The men pay a playboy to be that man. The problem is - he falls in love with Eva.A modern-day African-American remake of The Shrew.
- DirectorDavid RichardsStarsShirley HendersonDavid MitchellSimon ChandlerA young harridan MP marries a title in order to advance towards her goal of becoming party leader.A highly enjoyable modern re-writing of Shrew, with a stellar cast.
- DirectorToby FrowStarsJamie BeamishMichael BertenshawSarah MacRaeThe swaggering Petruchio agrees to marry the spitting hellcat, Katherine.Fantastic cast. The Globe at its height during the Dromgoole era. Probably the best Shrew on screen.
- DirectorShaun KerrisonStarsBen DavisLouise DearmanAlexandra SilberConcert version of the Cole Porter musical.An exuberant performance of Cole Porter's admittedly problematic musical.
- DirectorBarry AvrichStarsSarah AffulBen CarlsonDeborah HayA play done well at Stratford, although not as invigorating as the Globe; North American audiences tend to be more polite and so do their productions! But this is a Stratford highlight.
- DirectorJustin AudibertStarsClaire PriceSophie StantonAmanda HarrisIn a reimagined 1590, society is a matriarchy. Baptista Minola is seeking to sell off her son Katherine to the highest bidder. Cue an explosive battle of the sexes in this electrically charged love story. Justin Audibert turns Shakespeare's fierce, energetic comedy of gender and materialism on its head to offer a fresh perspective on its portrayal of hierarchy and power.An interesting experiment, gender-swapping Shrew to explore the implications.
- StarsJohn Murray ScottFrank WindsorDavid AndrewsA linking together of Shakespeare's history plays chronicling the rise and fall of monarchs over the eighty-six years between Richard II and Richard III.A special gem from the archives - technically outdated, of course, but a major achievement in 1960 to stage Shakespeare's history plays (Richard II, Henry IV, Henry V, Henry VI, and Richard III) as a massive cycle with great actors.
- StarsDavid WarnerPeggy AshcroftDonald BurtonA filmed theatre production of four of Shakespeare's historical plays condensed down into a trilogy.The RSC's famous production of the Wars of the Roses plays (the three Henry VIs and Richard III), complete with additional lines by John Barton; a fascinating adaptation.
- DirectorJane HowellStarsJohn BenfieldPeter BensonBrenda BlethynFollowing his father's early death and the loss of possessions in France, young Henry VI comes to the throne, under the protection of the Duke of Gloucester. He is unaware that there are other claimants to the throne, Plantagenet of York and Somerset of Lancaster, whose factions will ultimately cause the Wars of the Roses. Ignorant of the schisms, Henry tries to unite them in the Hundred Years' War, capturing Joan of Arc, before he marries Margaret of Anjou to unite England and France. However, there is no dowry, angering the court. Margaret finds the pious Henry a dull husband and embarks upon an affair with Somerset as well as crossing Gloucester's wife Eleanor. When Gloucester is arrested for alleged treason because of Eleanor, Henry is too feeble to prevent his death or the country slipping into civil war.Jane Howell's four long movies for the BBC set these plays in a kind of children's playground of England, allowing the actors free agency to interpret these early, often messy chronicles.
- DirectorJane HowellStarsJohn BenfieldPeter BensonAntony BrownFollowing his father's early death and the loss of possessions in France young Henry VI comes to the throne, under the protection of the duke of Gloucester. He is unaware that there are other claimants to the throne, Plantagent of York and Somerset of Lancaster, whose factions will ultimately cause the Wars of the Roses. Ignorant of the schisms Henry tries to unite them in the Hundred Years War, capturing Joan of Arc, before he marries Margaret of Anjou to unite England and France, but there is no dowry, angering the court. Margaret finds the pious Henry a dull husband and embarks upon an affair with Somerset as well as crossing Gloucester's wife Eleanor. When Gloucester is arrested for alleged treason because of Eleanor Henry is too feeble to prevent his death or the country slipping into civil war.Jane Howell's four long movies for the BBC set these plays in a kind of children's playground of England, allowing the actors free agency to interpret these early, often messy chronicles.
- DirectorJane HowellStarsJohn BenfieldPeter BensonGerald BlackmoreFollowing his father's early death and the loss of possessions in France young Henry VI comes to the throne, under the protection of the duke of Gloucester. He is unaware that there are other claimants to the throne, Plantagent of York and Somerset of Lancaster, whose factions will ultimately cause the Wars of the Roses. Ignorant of the schisms Henry tries to unite them in the Hundred Years War, capturing Joan of Arc, before he marries Margaret of Anjou to unite England and France, but there is no dowry, angering the court. Margaret finds the pious Henry a dull husband and embarks upon an affair with Somerset as well as crossing Gloucester's wife Eleanor. When Gloucester is arrested for alleged treason because of Eleanor, Henry is too feeble to prevent his death or the country slipping into civil war.Jane Howell's four long movies for the BBC set these plays in a kind of children's playground of England, allowing the actors free agency to interpret these early, often messy chronicles.
- StarsColin FarrellCharles DaleMichael PenningtonThe entire cycle of Shakespeare's history plays performed by the English Shakespeare CompanyThe short-lived English Shakespeare Company filmed their live productions (at short notice, so not with huge technological advances) - and what violent, political, exhilarating plays they are! (Individual episodes below.)
- StarsBen BazellRoger BoothPhilip BowenThe English Shakespeare Company's live-filmed production, at the very end of their late '80s tour. An England falling apart, with punks and Victorians battling each other as the spectre of Thatcherism rises.
- StarsBen BazellRoger BoothPhilip BowenThe English Shakespeare Company's live-filmed production, at the very end of their late '80s tour. An England falling apart, with punks and Victorians battling each other as the spectre of Thatcherism rises.
- DirectorDominic CookeStarsSimon ArmstrongJamie BallardArchie BradfieldFive years on the country is in the midst of civil war with Suffolk and Buckingham among the casualties at the battle of St Albans and the triumphant Plantagenet claiming the throne for the Yorkists. To avoid further bloodshed Henry agrees to make Plantagenrt his heir on his death, angering queen Margaret, who shocks her husband with a violent counter action. However the Yorkists triumph with Edward IV crowned king. Henry, descending into madness, is imprisoned in the Tower of London whilst Margaret and her son seek sanctuary in France. Yet Edward is not without his opponents, led by Margaret, whom he routs at the battle of Tewkesbury, aided by his brothers George, Duke of Clarence and Richard of Gloucester, a victory which will seal Henry's fate since Richard has ambitions of his own.The BBC's "Hollow Crown" tightens up the history plays and presents them for a new generation. A strong introduction to the works, edited though they be.
- DirectorDominic CookeStarsTom BeardMax BennettHugh BonnevilleFollowing his father's early death and the loss of possessions in France young Henry VI comes to the throne, under the protection of the duke of Gloucester. He is unaware that there are other claimants to the throne, Plantagent of York and Somerset of Lancaster, whose factions will ultimately cause the Wars of the Roses. Ignorant of the schisms Henry tries to unite them in the Hundred Years War, capturing Joan of Arc, before he marries Margaret of Anjou to unite England and France, but there is no dowry, angering the court. Margaret finds the pious Henry a dull husband and embarks upon an affair with Somerset as well as crossing Gloucester's wife Eleanor. When Gloucester is arrested for alleged treason because of Eleanor Henry is too feeble to prevent his death or the country slipping into civil war.The BBC's "Hollow Crown" tightens up the history plays and presents them for a new generation. A strong introduction to the works, edited though they be.
- DirectorOwen HorsleyStarsOliver Alvin-WilsonLucy BenjaminRichard CantHave not seen yet.
- DirectorOwen HorsleyStarsOliver Alvin-WilsonLucy BenjaminRichard CantHave not seen yet.
- DirectorJane HowellStarsPaul Davies ProwlesEdward HardwickeWalter BrownRoman warrior Titus Andronicus finds himself trapped in a nightmarish cycle of vengeance, misery, and bloodshed.A long, studio-bound, but expertly directed adaptation of this play.
- DirectorJulie TaymorStarsAnthony HopkinsJessica LangeOsheen JonesTitus returns victorious from war, only to plant the seeds of future turmoil for himself and his family.Julie Taymor's film of Shakespeare's early play is arresting, grisly, and generally well done.
- DirectorChristopher DunneStarsCandy K. SweetLexton RaleighTom DennisA classic and intense horror/drama about the all consuming nature of revenge.
- DirectorLucy BaileyStarsWilliam HoustonIndira VarmaObi AbiliGrotesquely violent and daringly experimental, Titus was the smash hit of Shakespeare's early career, and is written with a ghoulish energy he was never to repeat elsewhere.Extremely well done, worth getting invested beyond the play's somewhat formal beginning - an engaged audience and awesome performances. The best Titus on screen.
- DirectorBlanche McIntyreStarsDavid TroughtonPatrick DruryKristin AthertonTitus has returned from a brutal 10-year war having lost 21 sons in battle. Betrayed by his nation, and with his family in pieces, a series of bloody events follows as he and Tamora, Queen of the Goths begin a violent cycle of revenge. Rape, cannibalism, mutilation and murder are the gruesome tools in Shakespeare's bloodiest play.An adequate production, but not my favourite.
- DirectorAndré CalmettesJames KeaneStarsRobert GempFrederick WardeAlbert GardnerRichard of Gloucester uses manipulation and murder to gain the English throne.Possibly the first feature-length Shakespeare adaptation ever made.
- DirectorLaurence OlivierStarsLaurence OlivierCedric HardwickeNicholas HannenShakespeare's powerful tale of the wicked deformed King and his conquests, both on the battlefield and in the boudoir.Not the greatest of Olivier's films, but worth watching.
- DirectorJane HowellStarsPeter BensonAntony BrownDavid BurkeRichard of Gloucester uses murder and manipulation to claim England's throne.A very good (and the only uncut) version of the play, completing Jane Howell's tetralogy with the same cast, although the length doesn't always do it favours.
- StarsBen BazellSusanna BestRoger BoothThe English Shakespeare Company's live-filmed production, at the very end of their late '80s tour. Andrew Jarvis (after a series of dynamic performances in this run of plays) is an insanely watchable Richard III. You have to forgive the low-quality filming, necessitated by the situation.
- DirectorNatalya OrlovaStarsAntony SherAlec McCowenEleanor BronEmbittered by his deformed appearance, Richard of Gloucester schemes, seduces and murders his way to the throne of England.This sublime series creates short versions of the plays, each with a delicate animation style, and suitable for all ages.
- DirectorRichard LoncraineStarsIan McKellenAnnette BeningChristopher BowenThe classic Shakespearean play about the murderously scheming 15th-century king is reimagined in an alternative setting of 1930s England as clouds of fascism gather.A rip-roaring, highly-cut version of Shakespeare's play with a clever directorial conceit and Ian McKellen being pure evil.
- DirectorAl PacinoStarsAl PacinoAlec BaldwinKevin SpaceyAl Pacino's deeply-felt rumination on Shakespeare's significance and relevance to the modern world through interviews and an in-depth analysis of "Richard III."
- DirectorScott AndersonStarsDavid CarradineSally KirklandMaria Conchita Alonso"Now is the winter of our discontent..." With these timeless words, Duke Richard - lounging on his sun deck - sets his murderous plans in motion. His goal: to eliminate the hated rival Lancaster dynasty, and reign as undisputed king. Standing between him and the throne are his brothers Clarence and King Edward, his nephews the Princes, his bitter adversary Queen Elizabeth, and a host of enemies, rivals, and dubious allies. In the Los Angeles of "Shakespeare's Richard III", violence is the norm: every member of the nobility expects to kill or be killed, according to the code duel lo. They prefer death before dishonor. The women in this society are just as dangerous, courageous, and brutal as the men. The York and Lancaster families - rival branches of the former England Studios - exert a mafia-like control of the city and local politics/law enforcement. Aided by his sinister counselor Buckingham, Richard will stop at nothing - seduction, bribery, conspiracy, and wholesale slaughter - in his bloodthirsty quest, until finally just one adversary remains: his arch-rival Lord Richmond. But why, as the opposing forces join battle, is Richard smiling? What does he know that Richmond doesn't...?With David Carradine. Haven't seen.
- DirectorDominic CookeStarsJosef AltinIsaac AndrewsPaul BazelyEvil Richard plots his path to rule and layers that path with bodies of friend and foe alike.Benedict Cumberbatch has fun as Richard III, in a significantly cut but compelling introduction to this early study of villainy.
- DirectorRupert GooldRobin LoughStarsDavid AnnenJoseph ArkleyOsman BaigAlmeida Theatre Live makes its debut broadcast with Richard III from the Almeida stage to cinemas in the UK and around the world, in association with Picturehouse Entertainment, produced by Illuminations Media.Strong performances all round.
- DirectorRobin LoughSadly have not seen this Gregory Doran production yet.
- DirectorAntoni CimolinoStarsColm FeoreElizabeth AdamsAnousha AlamianHis succession plan will slay you. Charismatic, cunning and utterly ruthless, Richard, Duke of Gloucester (Colm Feore) is the very embodiment of lethal ambition as he maneuvers and murders his way to the throne of England. But once he reaches the top, the only way is down and in Richard's growing roster of vengeful enemies, none are more menacing than the ghosts of his past.Sadly have not watched this Stratford production yet, but recently obtained - so watch this space.
- DirectorA. Edward SutherlandStarsAllan JonesIrene HerveyMartha RayeThe action takes place in Ephesus in ancient Asia Minor, and the story concerns the efforts of two boys from Syracuse, Anthipholus and his servant Dromio, to find their long-lost twins who, for reason of plot confusion, are also named Anthipholus and Dromio. Complications arise when the wife of the Ephesians, Adriana and her servant Luce, mistake the two strangers for their husband, though the couples eventually get sorted out after Adriana's sister Luciana and the Syracuse Antipholus admit their love.Quaint more than anything else, but a musical adaptation of The Comedy of Errors
- DirectorPeter DuguidClifford WilliamsStarsDonald SindenJohn WelshIan RichardsonTwo unrelated men, strangers to each other, are identical twins - and so, even more confusingly, are their servants.An early TV adaptation. (Countless TV versions - especially from the BBC - were made from the 1940s to early 1970s which don't survive or are not commercially available.)
- DirectorPhilip CassonStarsBrian CoburnGriffith JonesRoger ReesThe Royal Shakespeare Company act (and sing and dance!) Shakespeare's play about two sets of identical twins, separated at birth and brought together by circumstance.Hugely successful on stage (as the audience reaction shows), something is lost in translation trying to enjoy this RSC musical, but there are lovable performances nonetheless.
- DirectorJames Cellan JonesStarsCyril CusackCharles GrayNicolas ChagrinAegeon of Syracuse has come to Ephesus to seek his son, who went in search of his missing twin and mother months ago. Unfortunately, Ephesus has just declared war on Syracuse, and will instantly put to death any Syracusean found within their borders unless a ransom's paid. Meanwhile, the son, Antipholus, and his servant, Dromio (also an identical twin), keep running into strangers who seem to know them...A moderately successful adaptation of Shakespeare's most purely comical play, but this kind of comedy is hard to translate on screen.
- DirectorRobert WoodruffStarsKarla BurnsEthyl EichelbergerAvner EisenbergTwo identical twins and their two servants (also identical twins) are separated in a ship-wreck. When, years later, they all show up in the same town, mistaken identities abound.An acrobatic production with the Flying Karamazov Brothers.
- DirectorNorman CampbellRichard MonetteStarsJames BlendickNicholas PennellHubert KellyTwo identical twins and their two servants (also identical twins) are separated in a ship-wreck. When, years later, they all show up in the same town, mistaken identities abound.A cute production from the Stratford Festival archives.
- DirectorDominic CookeTim Van SomerenStarsMarcus AdolphyTom AndersonPaul BentallAegeon of Syracuse has come to Ephesus to seek his son, who went in search of his missing twin and mother months ago. Unfortunately, Ephesus has just declared war on Syracuse, and will instantly put to death any Syracusean found within their borders unless a ransom's paid. Meanwhile, the son, Antipholus, and his servant, Dromio (also an identical twin), keep running into strangers who seem to know them...An adequate, even quite good stage production.
- DirectorBlanche McIntyreStarsSimon HarrisonMatthew NeedhamBrodie RossBasing his plot on a farce by Plautus, Shakespeare caps the mayhem of his Roman original to build up a hectic tale of violent cross-purposes, furious slapstick and social nightmare.Possibly the strongest Errors on screen, as this play works really well on a bare stage with just the cast being funny.
- DirectorPhillip BreenStarsToyin Ayedun-AlaseJonnie BroadbentAntony BunseeSadly have not seen this yet.
- DirectorRoger JenkinsVal MayStarsBonnie HurrenMichael JaystonRowena CooperA scholarly king and his three companions swear off the society of women for three years, only to have a diplomatic visit from a French princess and her three ladies-in-waiting thwart their intentions.Not a highlight, but mostly because this most challenging of all the comedies was simply done in a different way sixty years ago.
- DirectorBasil ColemanStarsMartin ShawDavid GwillimThomas ElliceA scholarly king and his three companions swear off the society of women for three years, only to have a diplomatic visit from a French princess and her three ladies-in-waiting thwart their intentions.An adequate approach to this difficult play, a bit outdated but not unappealing.
- DirectorElijah MoshinskyStarsJonathan KentChristopher BlakeGeoffrey BurridgeA scholarly king and his three companions swear off the society of women for three years, only to have a diplomatic visit from a French princess and her three ladies-in-waiting thwart their intentions.A disappointingly low key production, despite some gorgeous performances. This is the hardest of the comedies to pull off today.