The Life of Shakespeare

(Lovingly provided by Betty Thomas)

Synopsis:

This was a 1977 British TV mini series in six parts
that was intended to be shown in the US, but it never
was. It was shown all over Europe and in the UK.
And now, finally, it is out on video--in English.

My Review:

"William Shakespeare, The Untold Story" is terrific!
(This is the name of John Mortimer's book from which he
took the screenplay.)
It takes all of the myths surrounding the life of 'The Man
From Stratford' and wraps them into a very believable yarn
about the Bard and his patron and friend Henry Wriothesley.
Mortimer's theories on just what WS's life was like are fascinating.
The lovely Earl of Southampton is thought to be the 'Young Man'
to whom some of the beautiful love Sonnets were written.

This is a gorgeous series! Tim is painfully beautiful in it,
as shown in the picture above taken from the soundtrack album.
His portrayal of Will as a rather ordinary man who just happens
to become the most beloved writer of all time through the genius
of the plays and poetry he left us is very low key and moving.
The relationship between Will and Hal is the most interesting,
but Will's relationships with his wife and his 'Dark Lady' are
also very well done. The scenes with his son are terrrific.

The video release of "William Shakespeare: His Life & Times" is
just delicious! This is Tim in 1977, even MORE beautiful than
he was in that old cult film. ;-)

Written by: John Mortimer (Rumpole of the Bailey)

Directed by: Mark Cullingham

Produced by: Cecil Clarke

Music by: Richard Hill

Cast:

• Tim Curry--Will Shakespeare
• Nicholas Clay--Southampton
• John McEnery
• Ian Mcshane--Marlowe
• Patience Collier
• Ron Cook
• Meg Wynn-Owen

NEW!!!!Shakie Montage
NEW!!!!A Shakie Montage by the PIB
Plus a bonus.

Go Back to Television Page

Go Back to Movies Page

Go Back to Main Page