SHAKESPEARE

Synopsis

Feature film. A version of the Lear story displaced to modern America. When Harry, a retired English teacher, is evicted from his apartment he cries out a tirade from King Lear. Like Lear, Harry has three children and as he journeys across the country with his cat Tonto (who may be seen to embody the role of the Fool in its companionship and loyalty) to visit them he discovers that a disempowered old man receives scant respect from the world. Note: Tonto is Spanish for Fool.

Language

English

Country

United States

Medium

Film

Technical information

Colour / Sound

Year of release

1974

Duration

115 mins

Credits

Director

Paul Mazursky

Producer

Paul Mazursky

Screenplay

Josh Greenfield; Paul Mazursky

Cast

Art Carney	Harry Coombs (Lear)
Chief Dan George	Sam Two Feathers
Ellen Burstyn	Shirley
Geraldine Fizgerald	Jessie
Larry Hagman	Eddie
Phil Bruns	Burt Coombes

Additional Details

Production type

Fiction Films

Plays

King Lear

Subjects

Drama

Keywords

Shakespeare, William (1564-1616)

Notes

Notes

Available on VHS and DVD in the US only.

Awards

Art Carney won the 1974 Academy Award for Best Actor ahead of Dustin Hoffman (LENNY), Jack Nicholson (CHINATOWN) and Al Pacino (The GODFATHER. Part II).

Production Company

Name

20th Century Fox

Distributor

Name

Filmbankmedia

Email

info@filmbankmedia.com

Web

https://www.filmbankmedia.com/ External site opens in new window

Phone

+44 (0) 20 3866 6525

Address

1st Floor, 67-74 Saffron Hill
London
EC1N 8QX
UK

Notes

The main source in the UK for hire of feature films for non-theatrical presentations. The extensive catalogue includes vintage classics, independent films and big blockbusters. Available on 16mm as well as VHS and DVD. Also provides advice on contractual matters.

Online Retailer

Name

amazon.com

Web

http://www.amazon.com External site opens in new window