Alice's Playhouse
In Alice's Playhouse you will discover an exceptional collection of feature films adapted from some of the most celebrated plays ever written. Often featuring towering performances, outstanding direction and exceptional writing, this collection is a superb archive of contemporary drama masterfully transferred to the silver screen.
Filmizations of The Bard's work may be scrolled via the 'Shakespeare' sub-feature in green on the left, along with other notable playwrights who have been adapted for celluloid.
For adaptations of novels and short stories, check the 'Special Interest' link and click on 'Based on...'
Right: Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh relax during the filming of Tennessee Williams' masterpiece, 'A Streetcar Named Desire'.
Inherit the Wind (1960)
8.2/10
Director: Stanley Kramer
Starring: Spencer Tracy, Fredric March, Gene Kelly, Dick York
In this superb film based on the notorious Scopes Monkey trial, a biology teacher is put on trial for teaching the theory of evolution. The courtroom... Read more
Inherit the Wind ( Blu-ray ) (1960)
8.2/10
Director: Stanley Kramer
Starring: Dick York, Fredric March, Gene Kelly, Spencer Tracy
In this superb film based on the notorious Scopes Monkey trial, a biology teacher is put on trial for teaching the theory of evolution. The courtroom... Read more
Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris (1975)
6.1/10
Director: Denis Heroux
Starring: Jacques Brel, Mort Shuman, Elly Stone
An example of the daring kind of 70s filmmaking which is almost unimaginable today, using a kaleidoscope of imagery and a heady mix of cinematic style... Read more
Jakob the Liar (1999)
6.5/10
Director: Peter Kassovitz
Starring: Robin Williams, Alan Arkin, Bob Balaban, Michael Jeter, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Lie...
In Nazi-occupied Poland during World War Ii, poor Jewish cafe owner Jakob Heym (Robin Williams) accidentally overhears a forbidden radio news bulletin... Read more
Jeffrey (1995)
6.7/10
Director: Christopher Ashley
Starring: Patrick Stewart, Steven Weber, Michael T Weiss, Sigourney Weaver
A gay man gives up sex for fear of AIDS, then meets his HIV-positive Mr Right. Paul Rudnick's brilliantly witty off-Broadway hit gets a faithful scree... Read more
Journey's End (2017)
6.6/10
Director: Saul Dibb
Starring: Asa Butterfield, Sam Claflin, Paul Bettany, Tom Sturridge, Toby Jones, Stephen G...
Led by young officer Stanhope, whose mental health is rapidly disintegrating, a group of British soldiers await their fate in an Aisne dugout during t... Read more
Julius Caesar (1953)
7.4/10
Director: Joseph L Mankiewicz
Starring: Marlon Brando, John Gielgud, James Mason, Louis Calhern, Edmond O'Brien, Greer G...
A superior adaptation of William Shakespeare's play of political power and honour in ancient Rome. Lavishly produced with Oscar Winning art direction-... Read more
Julius Caesar (BBC) (1979)
7.4/10
Director: Herbert Wise
Starring: Richard Pasco, Keith Michell, Virginia McKenna, Charles Gray
Richard Pasco, Keith Michell and Charles Gray star this BBC production of Shakespeare's artful telling of conspiracy in the Roman Senate. Fearful that... Read more
Key Largo (1948)
7.9/10
Director: John Huston
Starring: Lauren Bacall, Humphrey Bogart, Edward G Robinson, Jay Silverheels, Lionel Barry...
Gangster Edward G. Robinson takes the inhabitants of a Florida coast hotel hostage as a storm sweeps in, and engages in a battle of wills with world-w... Read more
Killer Joe (2011)
6.7/10
Director: William Friedkin
Starring: Gina Gershon, Matthew McConaughey, Thomas Haden Church, Emile Hirsch, Juno Templ...
Following their earlier collaboration, "Bug", director William Friedkin and playwright Tracy Letts re-team for 'a totally twisted deep-fried Texas red... Read more