Running Time:
36 Plays -Macbeth not available
Grade Level:
7 - Adult
AVP Release Date:
January 1979
Producer:
BBC/Time Life
The number one selling video series for libraries and Literature classes in this country.
This collection has revolutionized the teaching of Shakespeare. as the preeminent production of every Shakespeare play written, performances featured in these productions would otherwise be seen only by the theater elite, in London or New York.
When the BBC first undertook this six-year project, it became the most ambitious undertaking ever attempted on film. This was the first time in the 400 years since they were written that all 37 plays would be preserved on tape. Produced by Cedric Messina and Dr. Jonathan Miller, it includes performances by Britain's most distinguished theatrical talent, John Gielgud,Ben Kingsley,Claire Bloom, Anthony Hopkins, Michael York and Derek Jacobi.
This series is offered exclusively through Ambrose Video Publishing. Take this opportunity to complete your set, or to purchase the entire set. This is the one video collection that no library or educational institution should be without.
- All's Well That Ends Well
Running Time: 141 MIN VIDEO
Here Shakespeare uses one of his favorite devices-trickery in a plot relished by Elizabethan playgoers. The young countess resorts to chicanery to win her husband's respect. Starring Ian Charleson, Angela Down and Celia Johnson. 141 minutes.
- Antony And Cleopatra
Running Time: 171 MIN VIDEO
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. 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 to capture her many facets. 171 minutes.
- As You Like It
Running Time: 150 MIN VIDEO
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 roles? Stars Helen Mirren, Brian Stirner and Richard Pasco. 150 minutes.
- The Comedy of Errors
Running Time: 109 MIN VIDEO
Roger Daltrey, lead singer of "The Who," described studying Shakespeare in school as "like having a tooth pulled." as the star of Shakespeare's shortest play, he makes the viewer's experience far more pleasurable. Here, twin sons whose servants are also twins, must find their father before sundown, or he will be executed. Costuming, direction and, of course, music, are beautifully handled. l09 minutes.
- Coriolanus
Running Time: 145 MIN VIDEO
In his last tragedy, Shakespeare studies the character of a soldier. Stars Alan Howard and Irene Worth. 145 minutes.
- Cymbeline
Running Time: 174 MIN VIDEO
Director Elijah Moshinsky does "an outstanding job," says the New York Times. Equally impressive is the cast. King Cymbeline's evil second queen tries to force Princess Imogen to many her own son. Starring Claire Bloom, Richard Johnson and Helen Mirren. 174 minutes.
- Hamlet
Running Time: 222 MIN VIDEO
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. 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. 222 minutes.
- Henry IV, Part I
Running Time: 147 MIN VIDEO
The boisterous Falstaff leads Prince Hal, the heir to the throne, through London's lowlife taverns. As the young prince wastes his youth, a civil war threatens the monarchy. Starring Jon Finch, Anthony Quayle, David Gwillim. 147 minutes.
- Henry IV, Part II
Running Time: 151 MIN VIDEO
A panorama of Medieval English life. The passage of time brings the death of Henry IV, banishment of Falstaff and coronation of Hal as Henry V. Stars Jon Finch, Anthony Quayle, David Gwillim. 151 minutes.
- Henry V
Running Time: 163 MIN VIDEO
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. Starring David Gwillim, Rob Edwards, Martin Neil. 163 minutes.
- Henry VI, Part I
Running Time: 185 MIN VIDEO
The first of a trilogy, recreating King Henry's early days. In the war with France England is being driven off French soil. True to the popular view at the time, Joan of are 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. 185 minutes.
- Henry VI, Part II
Running Time: 212 MIN VIDEO
Henry marries Lady Margaret, but she despises his meekness and takes Suffolk as a lover. Starring Peter Benson, Julia Foster. 212 minutes.
- Henry VI, Part III
Running Time: 210 MIN VIDEO
In this 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. Starring Peter Benson, Bernard Hill. 210 minutes.
- Henry VIII
Running Time: 165 MIN VIDEO
The last play Shakespeare wrote, this spins a web of intrigue and betrayal. Filmed at Henry's favorite place, Leeds Castle, enacted in the very rooms the King inhabited, 500 years ago. Stars Claire Bloom, John Stride, Julian Glover. 165 minutes.
- Julius Caesar
Running Time: 161 MIN VIDEO
Breaking dramatic conventions, 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. 161 minutes.
- King Lear
Running Time: 185 MIN VIDEO
Crisply paced, with an exemplary cast. as Lear, Michael Hodern "captures to a remarkable extent the searing power of an old and powerful man realizing he is a fool," says the New York Times. Also starring John Shrapnel, Anton Lesser. 185 minutes.
- King John
Running Time: 120 MIN VIDEO
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 weakness. Stars Claire Bloom, Mary Morris. 120 minutes.
- Love's Labour's Lost
Running Time: 120 MIN VIDEO
A splendid satire, with some of Shakespeare's best early poetry. It is directed against intellectual pride. 120 minutes.
- Measure for Measure
Running Time: 145 MIN VIDEO
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 her desire to save him. The New York Times says "Kate Nelligan is the image of idealized faultlessness." 145 minutes.
- The Merchant of Venice
Running Time: 157 MIN VIDEO
Blending tragedy and comedy, this play presents contrasts and ambiguities. The complexity lies in the character Shylock. Is he Villain, buffoon or tragic hero? Starring Warren Mitchell, Gemma Jones. 157 minutes.
- The Merry Wives of Windsor
Running Time: 167 MIN VIDEO
Queen Elizabeth herself is said to have requested the return of Falstaff... 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 amid Shakespeare's milieu of aristocrats. Stars Ben Kingsley, Richard Griffiths. 167 minutes.
- A Midsummer Night's Dream
Running Time: 112 MIN VIDEO
“Set your heart at rest: The fairy land buys not the child of me.” – Titania
An extraordinary production of an enduring comedy. 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." 112 minutes.
- Much Ado About Nothing
Running Time: 120 MIN VIDEO
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. 120 minutes.
- Othello
Running Time: 208 MIN VIDEO
Perhaps his greatest triumph as a stage play. Evil Iago plants doubt in Othello's mind about Desdemona and audiences are spellbound. Star anthony Hopkins says, "Othello is the part I've always most wanted to play:' With Bob Hoskins as Iago. 208 minutes.
- Pericles
Running Time: 177 MIN VIDEO
Scholars agree that Shakespeare collaborated on this dramatic romance. The Prince of Tyre, who flees upon discovering his King in an incestuous relationship. Starring Mike Gwilym and Amanda Redman. 177 minutes.
- Richard II
Running Time: 157 MIN VIDEO
A stellar cast includes Derek Jacobi, Sir John Gielgud, and Dame Wendy Hiller, Jon Finch and Charles Gray. 157 minutes.
- Richard III
Running Time: 228 MIN VIDEO
A huge success in its day, this play centers around the character of Richard, shown here as a Villain who usurps the crown. Stars Ron Cook, Peter Benson and Rowena Cooper.
- Romeo and Juliet
Running Time: 167 MIN VIDEO
A "hit" for over 400 years. It expresses love in its infinite variety more than any other work in the English language. Stars Sir John Gielgud, Rebecca Saire, Patrick Ryecart. 167 minutes.
- The Taming of the Shrew
Running Time: 127 MIN VIDEO
John Cleese, of Monty Python, portrays Petruchio to unanimous acclaim: "an object lesson in serving Shakespeare to a present-day audience." This comic confrontation between the sexes is filled with sparkling wit and rich characterization. 127 minutes.
- The Tempest
Running Time: 150 MIN VIDEO
A timeless stage on an enchanted island. An exiled Duke and two young lovers encounter the occult, finding good and evil in their own natures. Starring Christopher Guard, Michael Hodern. 150 minutes.
- Timon of Athens
Running Time: 128 MIN VIDEO
Choice says "recommended version of a difficult yet interesting play." In his most cynical work, Shakespeare explores money, its Virtues and Vices. Stars Jonathan Pryce, Norman Rodway and John Shrapnel. 128 minutes.
- Titus Andronicus
Running Time: 120 MIN VIDEO
This tragedy draws on brutal Roman mythology. Stars Eileen Atkins, Trevor Peacock. 120 minutes.
- Troilus And Cressida
Running Time: 190 MIN VIDEO
Says Choice, "this Video is simply excellent, a valuable resource to anyone teaching the play." Stars Anton Lesser, Suzanne Burden. 190 minutes.
- Twelfth Night
Running Time: 124 MIN VIDEO
With practical jokes, poetry and haunting songs, this is the most subtle of Shakespeare's comedies. Starring Alec McCowen, Trevor Peacock and Felicity Kendall. 124 minutes.
- Two Gentlemen of Verona
Running Time: 137 MIN VIDEO
In Shakespeare's earliest attempt at romantic comedy, two friends fall in love with Silvia. Stars John Hudson, Joanne Pearce. 137 minutes.
- The Winter's Tale
Running Time: 173 MIN VIDEO
A theme that occupied Shakespeare later in life: reconciliation. Wrongs committed by one generation are made right by the next. Starring Jeremy Kemp, Anna Calder-Marshall. Debbie Farrington and Margaret Tyzack. 173 minutes.
Clip Length: 52 seconds
Reviews:
"Shakespeare Would Be Amused...by the care, money, time and talent that are being lavished on the mammoth task of producing all 37 of his plays..."
- TV Guide
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