Compilation/Packaged Set: Silent Shakespeare
Barcode 014381922424
Release Date 1999

Such stuff as dreams are made on... In the early days of cinema, pioneer filmmakers created these seven films based on the plays of William Shakespeare. Considered a "lowbrow" medium, the fledgling movie industry sought to elevate its status by immortalizing the classics and hiring the greatest actors of the day. As most of these early photoplays were only one or two reels long, adapting the Bard proved to be both challenging and inspiring. Digitally restored by the British Film Institute.

Principal entry

This DVD features:

  1. King John (Britain, 1899),
  2. The Tempest (Britain, 1908),
  3. A Midsummer Night's Dream (USA, 1909),
  4. King Lear (Italy, 1910),
  5. Twelfth Night (USA, 1910),
  6. The Merchant of Venice (Italy, 1910),
  7. Richard III (Britain, 1911).
Richard III
Co-Operative Cinematography Company (1911)
Drama, Short, Silent
In Collection
#1183
0*
Seen It:  No
IMDB   5.6
23 mins UK / Silent
DVD  Region 1
James Berry King Henry VI
Alfred Brydone King Edward IV
Kathleen Yorke Edward
Murray Carrington George
Frank R. Benson Richard III
Eric Maxon Henry
Moffat Johnston Duke of Buckingham
James Maclean Duke of Norfolk
Victor McClure Earl of Surrey
R.I. Connick Earl Rivers
Kathleen Yorke Edward / Prince of Wales
Murray Carrington George / Duke of Clarence
Eric Maxon Henry / Earl of Richmond
Victor McClure Earl of Surrey / his son
R.L. Conrick Earl Rivers
George Manship Earl of Oxford
Harry Caine Lord Hastings
Wilfrid Caithness Lord Stanley
L. Rupert Sir Richard Ratcliff
H. James Sir James Tyrrel
Alfred Wild Sir William Catesby
Cecil Dighton Sir James Blount
John Howell Sir Robert Brackenbury
J. Victor Lord Mayor of London
H.O. Nicholson First murderer
A. Wild Second murderer
Violet Farebrother Queen Elizabeth
Elinor Aickin Duchess of York
Constance Benson Lady Anne
Hetty Kenyan Richard / Duke of York
Director/Choreographer
Frank R. Benson
Writer/Composer William Shakespeare
James Berry

Although several others are ahead of him in the line of succession, Richard of Gloucester is determined to gain the throne. Through deceit, manipulation, and murder, he does become King Richard III of England. But once he becomes king, he soon finds out that the many enemies he has made will make it very difficult for him to remain on the throne for long.
Edition Details
No. of Discs/Tapes 1
References
IMDb Voters <500

Notes
In this film we zip our way through the tableaux of Shakespeare's Richard III· The key points all seem to be there, but not much subtlety .