Running Time: 143 Minutes

"Our remedies oft in ourselves do lie" -Helen

Here Shakespeare uses one of this favorite devices-trickery-in a plot relished by Elizabethan playgoers. The new wife of a young count resorts to chicanery to win her husband's respect, a typical ploy of medieval romance. Stars Ian Charleson, Angela Down and Celia Johnson.

Running Time: 171 Minutes

"All is lost! This foul Egyptian hath betrayed me."-Antony

She's called the most fascinating female character of any age. The remarkable characterization of Cleopatra has made this sequel to Julius Caesar a timeless favorite. One of the most coveted roles for actresses, played previously by Elizabeth Taylor and Vivien Leigh, the star of this production, Jane Lapotaire not only looks similar to the coin portraits of the historical Queen of Egypt, but has the range and maturity to capture her many facets.

This DVD is English Subtitled for the Hearing Impaired.

Running Time: 150 Minutes

"All the world's a stage" -Jaques

Shakespeare at his sunniest, posing serious questions in the most lighthearted tone. Is there a "natural difference" between a Duke's daughter and a commoner? Are men really stronger than women? Or is it just society's role? Some of these characters briefly discard the roles they've played, while others adopt new one. All learn something about themselves. Stars Helen Mirren, Brian Stirner and Richard Pasco.

This DVD is English Subtitled for the Hearing Impaired.

Running Time: 109 Minutes

"Have patience, sir, O, let it be not so!" -Balthazar

Roger Daltrey, lead singer of the rock band "The Who" described studying Shakespeare in school as "like having a tooth pulled." As star of Shakespeare's shortest play, he makes the viewer's experience far more pleasurable. In a perfect plot for the screen, twin sons whose servants are also twins must find their father before sundown, or he will be executed. Costuming, directions and, of course, music, are beautifully handled.

Running Time: 145 Minutes

"My gracious silence, hail!" -Coriolanus

The turmoil of war and political conflict sound the theme for the last of Shakespeare's tragedies. In this tragedy, Shakespeare studies the character of a soldier. Surrounded by war and political conflict, Coriolanus is a rock of strength, but a rock which nearly wrecks the ship of state. Stars Alan Howard, Irene Worth.

This DVD is English Subtitled for the Hearing Impaired.

Running Time: 174 Minutes

"Boldness be my friend! Arm me, audacity." -Cymbeline

Director Elijah Moshinsky does "an outstanding job," says the New York Times. Equally impressive is the cast. King Cymbeline's evil second queen forces the king to banish his daughter Imogen's husband, Posthumus. While the queen tries to force Imogen to marry her own son, Posthumus flees to Rome. There he is tricked into believing Imogen has been unfaithful. Imogen disguises herself as a boy and flees the court. Starring Claire Bloom, Helen Mirren and Richard Johnson

Running Time: 215 minutes

"To be, or not to be; that is the question. Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing, end them…" -Hamlet

In this richly costumed production, the greatest tragedy ever written maintains all the tension of a murder mystery as it examines the fundamental issues of justice, guilt and death.

The director's innovative film technique creates an intimate performance that succeeds extremely well on small as well as large screen.

Hamlet, the most complex of all Shakespeare's characters is considered the greatest challenge for an actor. Derek Jacobi is a superb choice in the rigorous tradition of Shakespearian acting. Stars Derek Jacobi, Patrick Stewart, Eric Porter and Claire Bloom.

This DVD is English Subtitled for the Hearing Impaired.

Running Time: 165 Minutes

"So farewell; to the little good you bear me" -Wolsey

The last play Shakespeare wrote, spins a web of intrigue and betrayal. This production was filmed at Henry's favorite place, Leeds Castle, with its ceremonies enacted in the very rooms the King inhabited, nearly 500 years ago. Starring Claire Bloom, John Stride and Julian Glover.

Running Time: 147 Minutes

"If all the year were playing holidays, To sport would be as tedious as to work." -Henry IV

The boisterous Falstaff leads Prince Hal, the heir to the throne, through London's lowlife taverns. While the young prince wastes his youth, a civil war threatens the monarchy. When the battle of Shrewsbury results, Prince Henry redeems himself at last. Stars Jon Finch, Anthony Quayle and David Gwillim.

This DVD is English Subtitled for the Hearing Impaired.

Running Time: 151 Minutes

"O yet, for God's sake, go not to these wars!"-Lady Percy

A panorama of Medieval English life. The passage of time brings the older generations closer to the grave, and the young closer to leadership. The play ends with the death of Henry IV, banishment of Falstaff and the coronation of Prince Hal as Henry V. Stars Jon Finch, Anthony Quayle and David Gwillim.

This DVD is English Subtitled for the Hearing Impaired.

Running Time: 163 Minutes

"Men of few words are the best men." -Henry V

In the third play portraying England's most admired national hero, Henry V unites his people, invades France, deals with traitors and cements the peace by marrying the Princess of France. The play examines the qualities that make a successful ruler and show also the isolation and responsibility that leadership entails.

Stars David Gwillim, Rob Edwards and Julian Glover

This DVD is English Subtitled for the Hearing Impaired..

Running Time: 185 Minutes

"Look on thy country, look on fertile France…" -Joan

The first of a trilogy, recreating Henry's early days as King. In the war with France, England is being driven off French soil. True to the popular view at the time, the French heroine Joan of Arc is characterized as a "minister of hell" and a wanton. We glimpse the beginning of the long civil wars between the Houses of York and Lancaster. Starring Peter Benson, Trevor Peacock.

Running Time: 212 Minutes

"Sirs, stand apart, the King shall know your mind" -Salisbury

Henry marries Lady Margaret of Anjou, but she despises him for his meekness and takes Suffolk as a lover. She also hates the Yorks (White Roses) and becomes the inspiration of the Lancasters (Red Roses). Starring Peter Benson, Julia Foster.

Running Time: 210 Minutes

"Ill blows the wind that profits nobody" -Son

The conclusion to the era's favorite historical plays. York wins the War of Roses and forces Henry to give him succession to the crown. The merciless Margaret captures York and taunts him before having him killed, only to be captured herself and compelled to watch as her son is slain. Starring Peter Benson, Bernard Hill

Running Time: 161 minutes

"Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears" - Antony

Breaking all conventional rules of drama, Shakespeare creates neither a clear-cut hero nor a Villain. Instead, this great tragedy presents complicated human beings in agonizing conflict with one another, and themselves.

Starring Richard Pasco, Keith Michell and Charles Gray as Caesar.

This DVD is English Subtitled for the Hearing Impaired.

Running Time: 157 Minutes

"Mad world, mad kings, mad composition" -Bastard

Here Shakespeare rewrites an anonymous dramatic treatment of the subject, the only time he uses such a source instead of the chronicles themselves. He changes the characters to show the king's wickedness and weakness, and raises Faulconbridge, the bastard, from swaggerer to champion of England. Starring Claire Bloom, Mary Morris.

Running Time: 185 Minutes

"The price of darkness is a gentleman." -King Lear

"Nothing will come of nothing; speak again."-King Lear

Intending to divide his realm among his three daughters, the dictatorial Lear commands each give a testimony of her love. But after the gushing of malevolent Goneril and Regan, loyal Cordelia states: "I love your majesty according to my bond; nor more nor less." She is banished, and Lear's descent into madness begins. Stars Michael Hordern and John Shrapnel.

This DVD is English Subtitled for the Hearing Impaired.

Running Time: 120 Minutes

"So sweet a kiss the golden sun gives not" -King

A splendid satire, with some of Shakespeare's best early poetry with masterly scences and excellant characterizations.

The play tells how the King of Navarre and three of his lords vow to spend three years in study and not see any women. But when the Princess of France arrives on a diplomatic mission with her three ladies, the men fall in love with them. At the news comes of the death of the King of France and the ladies depart, refusing to marry until their suitors undergo a year's probation -hence the play's title.

Running Time: 148 minutes

"Double, double toil and trouble Fire burn, and cauldron bubble" -Witches

This savage tragedy is one of Shakespeare's most enduringly popular. Told by a trio of witches that he is fated to become King of Scotland, the warrior Macbeth, aided by his wife, in his quest for power murders his king and assumes the throne. The two embark on a guilt-ridden reign of terror.

Starring Nicol Williamson and Jane Lapotire.

This DVD is English Subtitled for the Hearing Impaired.

Running Time: 145 Minutes

"O you beast! O faithless coward! O dishonest wretch!"-Isabella

The trickiest sort of play--a comedy with tragic relief. With her brother condemned to die for the crime of premarital sex, Isabella is torn between her vows to God and desire to save him.

The New York Times says "Kate Nelligan is the image of idealized faultlessness as Isabella…'Measure' works splendidly and the fluid touch of director Desmond Davis serves it well."

Running Time: 157 minutes

"The quality of mercy is not strain'd, It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest; It blesseth him that gives and him that takes…" -Portia

The Merchant of Venice is one of Shakespeare's most famous comedies. It has become most celebrated for its captivating villain, Shylock. Blending tragedy and comedy, this play presents contrasts and ambiguities. The complexity lies in the character Shylock. Is he a villain, a buffoon or tragic hero?

Starring Warren Mitchell and Gemma Jones.

This DVD is English Subtitled for the Hearing Impaired.

Running Time: 167 Minutes

"What, have I scaped love-letters in the holiday -time of my beauty…"-Mistress Page

Queen Elizabeth herself is said to have requested the return of Falstaff to the Bard's stage…supposedly she wanted to see him in love. What Shakespeare gave Her Majesty instead was Falstaff's attempt to recoup his fortunes by seducing two respectable wives of affluent Windsor husbands.

This most amiable play, depicts the sturdy middle class, rarely found among Shakespeare's milieu of aristocrats. Starring Ben Kingsley, known for his academy award performance in Ghandi, here as a jealous husband. Richard Griffiths is Falstaff.

Running Time: 112 minutes

"Set your heart at rest: The fairy land buys not the child of me." -Titania

"they are all accomplished performers, but the director has given the extra dimension of using them brilliantly in terms of television." - New York Times

"this production really takes off once transported to fairyland...Phil Daniels plays a likeable Puck who the viewer grows to trust as the play progresses whilst at the same time making for an interesting fairy/cockney hybrid. He is spritely, energetic and captures the essence of fairyland in contrast to the sedate and uninspiring atmosphere present in the Athenian lifestyle.
Praise must be given to Helen Mirren (whenever is it not?) for her role as Titania. She brings much needed softness and femininity to the role that is lacking so in Helena and Hermia, who at times are brash, loud and unappealing. Mirren, on the other hand, positively glows in her role as fairy Queen. I found the moment where she falls in love with Bottom, disguised as an ass, hilariously funny as she glows with the radiance of a woman truly in love in a way I have seen no other actress play the role. I believed every perfectly articulated word she spoke, since she gives each word sufficient weight but also a fairy daintiness." -PlayShakespeare.com

An extraordinary production of an enduring comedy. Three plots intertwine: the entangled love affairs of Demetrius and Helena, Lysander and Hermia, the comic performance of a "play within a play" by the tradesmen of Athens and the antics in fairyland of King Oberon and Queen Titania.

The strong cast features Helen Mirren and Peter McEnery, Pippa Guard, Brian Glover and Phil Daniels. As the New York Times states"they are all accomplished performers, but the director has given the extra dimension of using them brilliantly in terms of television."

Running Time: 148 Minutes

"Everyone can master a grief but he that has it."

A spirited production of the first of Shakespeare's three great romantic comedies. The sparring wit of the confirmed bachelor, Benedick and the haughty lady Beatrice seems to delight audiences more every year. Starring Robert Lindsay and Cherie Lunghi as Benedick and Beatrice.

Running Time: 203 Minutes

"Poor and content is rich enough" -Othello

Jealousy in love is one of the most common of human emotions. In Othello, Shakespeare combines this universal theme with perfectly structured scenes, a storyline that lingers in the memory and a prime example of a tragic hero, Othello himself. The result is perhaps his greatest triumph as a stage play. When the evil Iago plants the seeds of doubt in Othello's mind about Desdemona's fidelity, audiences around the world have been held spellbound.

Starring Anthony Hopkins as Othello and Bob Hoskins as Iago.

This DVD is English Subtitled for the Hearing Impaired.

Running Time: 177 Minutes

"See where she comes, appareled like the spring" -Pericles

Scholars agree that Shakespeare collaborated on this dramatic romance, not much is regarded to be his alone. The story, which first appeared in medieval literature, is of the Prince of Tyre, who flees upon discovering his King in an incestuous relationship. He marries and his own daughter is kidnapped by pirates and sold into the brothel. Starring Mike Gwilym and Amanda Redman.

Running Time: 157 Minutes

"Teach thy necessity to reason thus; there is no virtue like necessity." -Richard II

Richard II, defying tradition and laws of succession, disinherits Bolingbroke and uses that money to finance a military adventure in Ireland. A stellar cast includes Derek Jacobi, Sir John Gielgud, Charles Gray, Jon Finch and Dame Wendy Hiller.

This DVD is English Subtitled for the Hearing Impaired.

Running Time: 228 Minutes

"A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!" - Richard III

A huge success in its day, this historical play centers around the character of Richard of Gloucester, a self-proclaimed villain who usurps the crown. Through political marriages and military coups, this play portrays an intricate period in English history. Stars Ron Cook, Brian Protheroe, Michael Byrne and Rowena Cooper.

This DVD is English Subtitled for the Hearing Impaired.

Running Time: 167 minutes

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." -Romeo

One of the great love stories of all time and a "hit " for over 400 years. Full of passion and exquisite language, it expresses love in its infinite variety more than any other work in the English language.

Stars Sir John Gielgud, Rebecca Saire and Patrick Ryecart.

This DVD is English Subtitled for the Hearing Impaired.

Running Time: 127 Minutes

"Asses are made to bear, and so are you" -Katharine

This comic confrontation between the sexes is one of the most frequently-staged plays. Its sparkling wit and rich characterization are matched with an outstanding cast. John Cleese, of Monty Python and Fawlty Towers gives a portrayal of Petruchio that wins unanimous critical acclaim, praised as "an object lesson in serving Shakespeare to a present-day audience."

This DVD is English Subtitled for the Hearing Impaired.

Running Time: 124 Minutes

"We are such stuff as dreams are made on…" -Prospero

A dramatic romance, weaving fancy and realism into a plot that speaks to audiences today. This timeless stage is set on an enchanted island, where an exiled Duke and two young lovers encounter the occult, finding good and evil in their own natures. Starring Christopher Guard, Michael Hordern.

This DVD is English Subtitled for the Hearing Impaired.

Running Time: 128 Minutes

"Nor on the beasts themselves, the birds and fishes…" -Timon of Athens

Choice calls this "a recommended version of a difficult yet interesting play." In his most cynical work, Shakespeare explores money-its virtues and its vices. Timon, a noble Athenian, is wildly extravagant with his inheritance. But as his money runs out, so do the friends who urged his lavishness. Timon loses his mind…then finds another fortune. Featuring strong performances by Jonathan Pryce, Norman Rodway and John Shrapnel.

This DVD is English Subtitled for the Hearing Impaired.

Running Time: 167 Minutes

"Hear me, grave fathers! Noble tribunes, stay!" -Titus Andronicus

Set in late Roman times, this tragedy draws on mythology for brutal tales, such as a banquet where a mother is served the flesh of her sons. Titus Andronicus is created as a commanding figure of bravery with a flawed sense of honor, a concern for the reputation of nobility than for its substance. Starring Eileen Atkins, Trevor Peacock.

This DVD is English Subtitled for the Hearing Impaired.

Running Time: 190 Minutes

"I take today a wife, and my election…"-Trolius

As reviewed in Choice, "This video of Troilus and Cressida is simply excellent, and will be a valuable resource to anyone teaching the play."

A well-acted production, with creative use of the camera, it presents the modern interpretation of the play as the negation of chivalry, love and honor. Cressida deserts her adored Troilus, with scarcely a second thought. On the battlefield, the hero Hector dies unceremoniously. Stars Anton Lesser, Suzanne Burden.

Running Time: 124 Minutes

"Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them." -Malvolio

With practical jokes, poetry and haunting songs, this is the most subtle of Shakespeare's comedies.

In an aristocratic country house, we see the infatuation of Orsino, the devoted loyalty of Viola, the selfless friendship of Antonio and the self love of the ambitious Malvolio.

Starring Alec McCowen, Trevor Peacock and Felicity Kendall.

Running Time: 137 Minutes

"O hateful hands, to tear such loving words!" -Julia

Shakespeare's earliest attempt at romantic comedy, two friends, Valentine and Proteus fall in love with Silvia, who is promised to another. Proteus forgets his old love, Julia and thwarts Valentine's plan to elope with Silvia. Valentine is banished. Silvia follows, with her page, who is Julia in disguise. They all meet in the forest.

Starring John Hudson, Joanne Pearce.

Running Time: 173 Minutes

"Ho, ha, what a fool Honesty is!" - Autolycus

This romance revolves around a theme that occupied Shakespeare later in life: reconciliation. Wrongs committed by one generation-here a wife unjustly accused of adultery-are made right by the next generation. Starring Jeremy Kemp, Anna Calder-Marshall, Debbie Farrington and Margaret Tyzack.