John Gielgud Looks Back

Synopsis: Television documentary. John Gielgud answers questions from a group of RADA students about his career and profession and gives firm but courteous criticisms. On the subject of Shakespeare and film he thought little of Hollywood productions (A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (1935) and ROMEO AND JULIET (1936)) and feels that Olivier’s HENRY V (1944) was the first successful attempt to film Shakespeare. He regrets that Olivier was never able to film Macbeth and praises Branagh highly, especially HENRY V (1989). He admires Greenaway who nevertheless gave him no direction for PROSPERO’S BOOKS (1991). He speaks of instructing Marlon Brando in JULIUS CAESAR (1953) but was disappointed at Brando’s playing of the forum scene where he chose to follow his own inclinations.
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Medium: Television
Technical information: Colour / Sound
Transmission details: 3 Jan 1993 (Channel: Channel Four)
Duration: 62 mins

SHAKESPEARE