viewer's comments:


- Perhaps the best ever

Michael Hordern's masterful understanding of the part, his sandpaper voice, his shaggy but noble head made him the perfect Lear--"every *inch* a king". I first saw this production as a college freshman in 1985, and I've seen none since that has equaled it. It should be noted that Frank Middlemass who plays a more sympathetic and tender-hearted Fool is no less indispensable to the success of this production. Unforgettable.

By the way, the BBC series of the complete Shakespeare plays (produced in the late 1970s to mid-80s), which is prohibitively expensive at ca. US$3700, is frequently available in American public libraries. Everyone who is able should make a point of availing themselves of the opportunity of seeing this wonderful series at least once before they die.



- A wonderful King Lear

When I saw this film it was on a freind's tape (He had got it off of T.V. years ago.) i really enjoyed it. It was very stirring, almost as interesting as Ian Holm's King Lear. A very good King Lear with a very strong cast. Brenda Blethyn was wonderful as was the amazing Micheal Horden. Wonderful. See it if you can.



Full Cast and Crew for
King Lear (1982) (TV)


Directed by
Jonathan Miller

Writing credits (in alphabetical order)
William Shakespeare play

Cast (in credits order)
Michael Hordern .... King Lear
rest of cast listed alphabetically
Gillian Barge .... Goneril
John Bird .... Albany
Brenda Blethyn .... Cordelia
Julian Curry .... Cornwall
John Grillo .... Oswald
Michael Kitchen .... Edmund
Anton Lesser .... Edgar
Frank Middlemass .... Fool
Norman Rodway .... Gloucester
John Shrapnel .... Kent
Harry Waters .... King of France
David Weston .... Burgundy
Penelope Wilton .... Regan



Also Known As:
Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare: King Lear, The (1982) (TV) (USA) (video title)
Runtime: USA:180 min
Country: UK / USA
Language: English
Color: Color