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The BBC Shakespeare Plays

37 Programs included in this title
Produced by The BBC
Shakespeare is rightly called the world's greatest playwright for the soaring beauty of his language, for his profound insight into human nature, for the truths he dramatized and for the realism of the characters he created. He was, and remains, a superb entertainer.
  • All's Well that Ends Well
    02:21:00
    Watch Video for All's Well that Ends Well
    Here Shakespeare uses one of his favorite devices--trickery. The young countess resorts to chicanery to win her husband's respect.
  • Antony & Cleopatra
    02:51:00
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    The star, Jane Lapotaire, not only looks similar to the historical Queen of Egypt, but has the range to capture her many facets
  • As You Like It
    02:31:00
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    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? Stars Helen Mirren and Richard Pasco.
  • The Comedy of Errors
    01:51:00
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    Roger Daltrey, lead singer of the band "The Who," stars in Shakespeare's shortest play.
  • Coriolanus
    02:25:00
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    In his last tragedy, Shakespeare studies the character of a soldier. Stars Alan Howard.
  • Cymbeline
    02:55:00
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    King Cymbeline's evil second queen tries to force Princess Imogen to marry her own son. Starring Claire Bloom and Helen Mirren.
  • Hamlet
    03:35:00
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    In this richly costumed production, the greatest tragedy ever written maintains all the tension of a murder mystery. Derek Jacobi is a superb choice as Hamlet.
  • Henry IV, Part 1
    02:28:00
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    The boisterous Falstaff leads Prince Hal, the heir to the throne, through London's lowlife taverns. Starring Jon Finch, Anthony Quayle.
  • Henry IV, Part 2
    02:31:00
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    The death of Henry IV, banishment of Falstaff and coronation of Hal as Henry V. Stars Jon Finch, Anthony Quayle, David Gwillim.
  • Henry V
    02:44:00
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    England's most admired national hero, Henry V unites his people, invades France, deals with traitors and cements the peace
  • Henry VI, Part 1
    03:07:00
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    First of a trilogy, recreating King Henry's early days. Starring Peter Benson, Trevor Peacock.
  • Henry VI, Part 2
    03:33:00
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    Henry marries Lady Margaret, but she despises his meekness and takes Suffolk as a lover
  • Henry VI, Part 3
    03:31:00
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    York wins the War of Roses and forces Henry to give him succession.
  • Henry VIII
    02:46:00
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    Filmed at Henry's favorite place, Leeds Castle, enacted in the very rooms the King inhabited, 500 years ago. Stars Claire Bloom, John Stride.
  • Julius Caesar
    02:41:00
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    Breaking dramatic conventions, Shakespeare creates neither a clearcut hero nor a villain. Starring Charles Gray as Caesar.
  • King John
    02:38:00
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    Here Shakespeare rewrote another's work, the only time he uses such a source instead of the chronicles themselves. Stars Claire Bloom
  • King Lear
    03:06:00
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    Crisply paced, with an exemplary cast. Starring Michael Hodern, Anton Lesser.
  • Love's Labour's Lost
    02:00:00
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    A splendid satire -- some of Shakespeare's best early poetry
  • Macbeth
    02:28:00
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    This savage tragedy is one of Shakespeare's most enduringly popular. Starring Nicol Williamson and Jane Lapotaire.
  • Measure For Measure
    02:48:00
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    The trickiest sort of play -- a comedy with tragic relief. The New York Times says "Kate Nelligan is the image idealized faultlessness."
  • Merchant of Venice
    02:37:00
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    This play presents contrasts in the character Shylock. Is he villian, buffoon or tragic hero? Starring Warren Mitchell, Gemma Jones.
  • Merry Wives of Windsor
    02:48:00
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    Queen Elizabeth herself is said to have requested the return of Falstaff. Here he tries to seduce two respectable wives. Stars Ben Kingsley.
  • A Midsummer Night's Dream
    01:52:00
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    An extraordinary production of an enduring comedy. The strong cast features Helen Mirren and Peter McEnery
  • Much Ado About Nothing
    02:29:00
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    The sparring wit of the confirmed bachelor, Benedick, and the haughty lady Beatrice seems to delight audiences more every year.
  • Othello
    03:24:00
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    Perhaps his greatest triumph as a stage play. Evil Iago plants doubt in Othello's mind about Desdemona, and audiences are spellbound. Stars Anthony Hopkins, Bob Hoskins as Iago.
  • Pericles
    02:58:00
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    The Prince of Tyre, who flees upon discovering his King in an incestuous relationship. Starring Mike Gwilym and Amanda Redman.
  • Richard II
    02:38:00
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    A stellar cast includes Derek Jacobi, Sir John Gielgud, and Dame Wendy Hiller.
  • Richard III
    03:50:00
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    A huge success in its day, this play portrays an intricate period in English history.
  • Romeo and Juliet
    02:47:00
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    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.
  • Taming of the Shrew
    02:07:00
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    John Cleese, of Monty Python, portrays Petruchio to unanimous acclaim: "an object lesson in serving Shakespeare to a present-day audience."
  • The Tempest
    02:04:00
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    A timeless stage on an enchanted island. An exiled Duke and two lovers encounter the occult.
  • Timon of Athens
    02:09:00
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    Choice says "recommended version of a difficult yet interesting play." His most cynical work.
  • Titus Andronicus
    02:48:00
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    This tragedy draws on brutal Roman mythology. Stars Eileen Atkins, Trevor Peacock
  • Troilus & Cressida
    03:10:00
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    Says Choice, "This video is simply excellent, valuable to anyone teaching the play." Stars Anton Lesser, Suzanne Burden.
  • Twelfth Night
    02:09:00
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    This is the most subtle of Shakespeare's comedies. Starring Alec McCowen, Trevor Peacock.
  • Two Gentlemen of Verona
    02:17:00
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    Shakespeare's earliest attempt at romantic comedy, two friends fall in love with Silvia. With the characters Valentine, Proteus, Silvia and Julia.
  • The Winter's Tale
    02:54:00
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    A theme that occupied Shakespeare later in life: reconciliation. Wrongs committed by one generation are made right by the next.