Shakespeare
William Shakespeare (April 26, 1564 - April 23, 1616) is reputed to be the greatest of all writers in the English language, or indeed in any language. His ability to capture and convey the most profound aspects of human nature is regarded by many as unequalled, and the English Renaissance has often been called "the age of Shakespeare". He was among few playwrights who have excelled in both tragedy and comedy and several of his plays contain songs that are among the finest lyric poems in English. His prolific output is especially impressive in light of the fact that he lived only 53 years.
"A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool." - Will Shakespeare
Othello (BBC) (1981)
6.9/10
Director: Jonathan Miller
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Bob Hoskins, Penelope Wilton, Rosemary Leach
After undertaking to film all Shakespeare's plays, the BBC produced some of the most faithful and gripping renditions of the bard's work ever committe... Read more
The Shakespeare Collection: Series 3 (BBC) (1980)
8.5/10
Starring: John Cleese, Warren Mitchell, Jane Lapotaire, Jonathan Pryce
In 1978, the BBC set itself the task of filming all of William Shakespeare's plays for television. The resulting productions, renowned for their loyal... Read more
Twelfth Night (BBC) (1980)
8.1/10
Director: John Gorrie
Starring: Alec McCowen, Robert Hardy, Felicity Kendal, Sinead Cusack, Trevor Peacock
Directed by John Gorrie, this BBC production of Shakespeare's romantic comedy stars Felicity Kendall as Viola, a shipwrecked girl who disguises hersel... Read more
The Shakespeare Collection: Series 2 (BBC) (1979)
8.5/10
Starring: Derek Jacobi, Claire Bloom, David Gwillim, Felicity Kendal, Nigel Hawthorne
In 1978, the BBC set itself the task of filming all of William Shakespeare's plays for television. The resulting productions, renowned for their loyal... 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
The Tempest (1979)
6.6/10
Director: Derek Jarman
Starring: Heathcote Williams, Karl Johnson, Toyah Wilcox
British helmer Derek Jarman's film version of Shakespeare's most fanciful play is definitely one of a kind. The plot remains intact, however, liberty... Read more
The Tempest (BBC) (1979)
5.4/10
Director: John Gorrie
Starring: Michael Hordern, Derek Godfrey, David Waller
In this BBC adaptation of one of Shakespeare's final plays, a tempest of wind and rain raised by the magician Prospero shipwrecks Alonso, King of Napl... Read more
The Shakespeare Collection: Series 1 (BBC) (1978)
8.5/10
Starring: Helen Mirren, John Gielgud, Claire Bloom, Alan Rickman
In 1978, the BBC set itself the task of filming all of William Shakespeare's plays for television. The resulting productions, renowned for their loyal... Read more
Will Shakespeare (1978)
7.7/10
Director: Robert Knights, Mark Cullingham
Starring: Ian McShane, Nicholas Clay, Tim Curry, John McEnery
Tim Curry plays the Bard in this six-part dramatised account, written by John Mortimer, that follows the years Shakespeare spent in London. With each... Read more
As You Like It (BBC) (1978)
6.3/10
Director: Basil Coleman
Starring: Helen Mirren, Brian Stirner, Richard Pasco
One of Shakespeare's favourites throughout the ages. A fairy tale of tangled love and political intrigue lavishly staged by Canada's renowned Stratfor... Read more