Multimedia Collection
Hamlet
DVD
191 min
1964
PR2807 .A23 1999 DVD
This is a Hamlet acted in rehearsal clothes, stripped of all extraneous trappings, so the beauty of the language and imagery may shine through unencumbered by an elaborate reconstruction of any particular historical period. This performance is conceived as a final run-through, as actors call it. When a play has been thoroughly prepared, there is always a full final rehearsal of the text and action played straight through, without interruption from the director. Properties or substitutes are provided for the actors, but the costumes, scenery, and lighting are yet to be added. It often happens, however, that these final adjuncts, however beautiful, may cramp the players' imagination and detract from the poetic imagery of Shakespeare's text.
Staged in rehearsal room and modern dress conditions, this is Richard Burton's performance as Hamlet. This play opened on Broadway April 9, 1964. This recording is not derived from a film, but from an attempt to simply record the stage show for one cinematic showing by placing cameras in the stalls during an actual performance.
Not closed captioned.
Distributed by Image Entertainment (www.image-entertainment.com).
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