Julius Caesar

Synopsis: Televised version of the play, with Robert Perceval as Caesar and Eric Porter as Brutus. According to its producer, Stuart Burge, the production strives "for a true and lively interpretation of the text, but it will be designed for the screen, and will have no regard for the long tradition of stage conventions associated with the play" (Radio Times, 5 May 1959, p. 9).
Series: BBC Television World Theatre
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Medium: Television
Transmission details: 5 May 1959 at 21:30 (Channel: BBC)
Duration: 105 mins

Director

Stuart Burge

Producer

Stuart Burge

Writer

William Shakespeare

Art Direction

Barry Learoyd

Cast

Notes: Production costs: £8.152. Cast: 99

The Birmingham Shakespeare Library holds a script.
General: According to Melzer/Rothwell, director Stuart Burge used this television production as preparation for his later film version of the same play, starring Charlton Heston and Jason Robards Jr. (1969).
History: Inaugurates a new BBC drama series of adaptations of international plays by various writers.

The first US broadcast was 10 March 1960 WGBH, Boston (NET),
Reviews: "Julius Caesar On Television: Good Casting Of B.B.C. Production", The Times, 6.5.1959, p. 15.
Rothwell, Kenneth S. and Annabelle Henkin Melzer, Shakespeare on Screen: An International Filmography and Videography (London: Mansell, 1990) (entry 218, p. 119).
John Wyver, ‘Julius Caesar (BBC, 1959)', 21 May 2012 http://screenplaystv.wordpress.com/2012/05/21/julius-caesar-bbc-1959/ (accessed July 2012)

The Birmingham Shakespeare Library holds a typescript.

SHAKESPEARE