Synopsis

Radio programme investigating the legends and beliefs that might have informed Ophelia’s enigmatic remark in Act IV ("They say the owl was a baker’s daughter"). Presented by Terence Tiller, the significance of this is discussed in the Senior Common Room of a university college between scholars from various disciplines. According to Radio Times, one of the scholars is heard to make the following remark: "What an extraordinary way for such a vast series of myths to end up - in the mouth of a mad girl in a play by a man who didn’t know what they meant" ('Ophelia Sets A Puzzle’, 21 April 1950, p. 11).

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Radio

Transmission details

25 Apr 1950 at 21:55 (Channel: BBC Third Programme)

Duration

65 mins

Credits

Writer

Terence Tiller

Contributor

Terence Tiller

Additional Details

Production type

Documentary/Educational/News

Plays

Hamlet

Subjects

Drama

Keywords

Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); Literary Sources

Notes

General

According to Radio Times, the customary explanation given for the meaning of Ophelia’s mysterious remark is a reference to an old Gloucestershire legend. Tiller, on the other hand, traces its sources back through the classics into mythology and anthropology ('Ophelia Sets A Puzzle’, 21 April 1950, p. 11).

Production Company

Name

BBC

Notes

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Archive

Name

British Library Sound Archive

Email

listening@bl.uk

Web

http://www.bl.uk/nsa External site opens in new window

Phone

020 7412 7676

Fax

020 7412 7441

Address

96 Euston Road
London
NW1 2DB