SHAKESPEARE

Synopsis

US variety show hosted by Ed Sullivan. This episode includes includes an extract (5 min 45 secs) in which Orson Welles (in costume and make-up) performs Lear’s speech from IV, vii (`You do me wrong to take me out o’ the grave...').

Series

Ed Sullivan Show, The

Language

English

Country

United States

Medium

Television

Transmission details

5 Feb 1956 (Channel: CBS)

Duration

59 mins

Credits

Director

John Wray (2)

Producer

Ed Sullivan

Contributor

Ed Sullivan

Cast

Orson Welles	Lear
Ann Meecham	Cordelia

Additional Details

Production type

Sitcoms/Variety

Plays

King Lear

Subjects

Drama

Keywords

Shakespeare, William (1564-1616)

Notes

General

Welles’ production of King Lear had recently closed in New York City after only 21 performances. The production had many problems, not least Welles injuring both ankles and having to play the role in a wheelchair for most of the short run.

Production Company

Name

CBS Television

Archive

Name

Library of Congress, Motion Picture, Broadcasting & Recorded Sound Division

Web

http://catalog.loc.gov/ External site opens in new window

Phone

(20) 707-8572

Fax

(20) 707-237’1

Address

Motion Picture & Television Reading Room
James Madison Building, LM 336
101 Independence Avenue, SE
Washington, D.C.
20540-4690
United States