SHAKESPEARE

Synopsis

Advertisement for Bell Atlantic. Theatre-goers are going to see James Earl Jones as Othello. As they take their seats Othello is seen on stage, back to the audience, wearing a large Darth Vader-like cloak. Tonight he is being played by the understudy, J.J. Walker, who turns and smiles at the camera. Cut to Jones holding a Bell telephone directory saying "Nine out of 10 New Yorkers use the genuine Bell Atlantic Yellow Pages. It’s life, listed alphabetically. Don’t settle for stand-ins" and then makes the case for Bell. The advertisement ends back in the theatre as the audience gasp at the sight of Walker crying over Desdemona whom he has murdered. Walker smiles and winks to camera to illustrate that he can really act.

Language

English

Country

United States

Medium

Television

Technical information

Colour / Sound

Year of release

2000

Transmission details

10 Apr 2000

Availability

No archive copy found (10/2007).

Credits

Director

Dan Rush

Cast

James Earl Jones

Additional Details

Production type

Advertising/Trailers/Promos

Plays

Othello

Subjects

Media studies

Keywords

Shakespeare, William (1564-1616)

Notes

General

J.J. Walker is perhaps best known for his role in the US 1970s television comedy, GOOD TIMES. The creative agency is Tierney & Partners.

Reviews

Burt, Richard ‘Shakespeare, "Glo-Cali-Zation," Race, and the Small Screens of Post-Popular Culture’ in Burt, Richard & Boose, Lynda E. Shakespeare, the Movie, II: Popularizing the Plays on Film, TV, Video and DVD. (New York, London: Routledge, 2003), pp. 14-36, p. 26-7.

Production Company

Name

Palomar Pictures

Sponsor

Name

Bell Atlantic