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'.
The Importance of Being Earnest (2002)
6.9/10
Director: Oliver Parker
Starring: Rupert Everett, Colin Firth, Judi Dench, Reese Witherspoon, Tom Wilkinson, Franc...
Sublime reworking of Oscar Wilde's timeless comedy from director Oliver Parker ('An Ideal Husband') features flashbacks and fantasy sequences to enhan... Read more
Moonlight (2016)
7.4/10
Director: Barry Jenkins
Starring: Mahershala Ali, Jharrel Jerome, Naomie Harris, Trevante Rhodes, Ashton Sanders,...
This drama charts the life of a black gay youth named Chiron as he grows up in a rough neighborhood in Miami. In the first segment, Chiron is a ten-ye... Read more
Before You Go (2001)
5.7/10
Director: Lewis Gilbert
Starring: Julie Walters, John Hannah, Joanne Whalley, Patricia Hodge, Victoria Hamilton, T...
Directed by veteran British filmmaker Lewis Gilbert ('Shirley Valentine', 'Educating Rita'), 'Before You Go' is based on Shelagh Stephenson's play 'Th... Read more
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
7.3/10
Director: Gil Junger
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, David Krumholtz, Andrew Keegan...
This teen comedy, loosely patterned after 'The Taming of the Shrew', concerns the would-be suitors of a girl forbidden to start dating before her sull... Read more
Closer (2004)
7.3/10
Director: Mike Nichols
Starring: Clive Owen, Jude Law, Julia Roberts, Natalie Portman
Emotional and sexual gamesmanship, as seen through the couplings and uncouplings of four people - photographer Julia Roberts, stripper Natalie Portman... Read more
Othello (Fishburne) (1995)
6.9/10
Director: Oliver Parker
Starring: Laurence Fishburne, Kenneth Branagh, Irene Jacob
Laurence Fishburne is very good in the title role bringing out the warrior Moor's essential innocence and passion, while Kenneth Branagh is brilliant... Read more
The History Boys (2006)
6.9/10
Director: Nicholas Hytner
Starring: Samuel Anderson, James Corden, Stephen Campbell Moore, Richard Griffiths, France...
Set in Thatcher's England, a group of clever, though working-class lads, attempt to earn the academic scores required for acceptance into the elite sc... Read more
A Midsummer Night's Dream (1999)
6.5/10
Director: Michael Hoffman
Starring: Kevin Kline, Michelle Pfeiffer, Rupert Everett
Aka "William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream". The bard's classic comedy has been transported from ancient Greece to late 19th century Italy w... Read more
The Grey Zone (2001)
7.1/10
Director: Tim Blake Nelson
Starring: David Arquette, Steve Buscemi, Harvey Keitel, Natasha Lyonne, Mira Sorvino, Dani...
Based on a true story, this bleak yet affecting World War II drama tells of a group of Jewish prisoners known as the 12th Sonderkommando squad, ostens... Read more
Tape (2001)
7.3/10
Director: Richard Linklater
Starring: Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Robert Sean Leonard
Director Richard Linklater ("Slacker") delivers a dark and edgy comedy about friendship, resentment and retribution. A reunion of three former high sc... Read more