A Midsummer Night's Dream

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A Midsummer Night's Dream

1968

2h 4m

Comedy

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3 Reviews

55%

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500+ Ratings

While preparations are underway for the marriage of Athenian duke Theseus (Derek Godfrey) and Amazon queen Hippolyta (Barbara Jefford), fairy king Oberon (Ian Richardson) and his tricky jester, Puck (Ian Holm), make mischief with the indiscriminate use of a powerful love potion. Lysander (David Warner) and Demetrius (Michael Jayston) both fall for Helena (Diana Rigg), raising the jealousy of Hermia (Helen Mirren), whose father is pressuring her to marry Demetrius despite Lysander's love for her.

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Penelope Houston

The Spectator

Mr Hall's halfway house between screen and stage looks almost as uncomfortable a perch as the curious grave-like earthwork in which Judy Dench's Titania has her sleeping-quarters.

Apr 11, 2016

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Ken Hanke

Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

The ultimate in respectfully radical Shakespeare adaptations -- it presents the story in purely 1960s terms; respectful in that it includes nearly all of Shakespeare's text.

Rated: 4.5/5

May 23, 2007

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Phil Hall

Film Threat

A dream cast makes this worth pursuing.

Rated: 3/5

Mar 23, 2005

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James K

Fantastic performances by an all-star cast help amend the technical incompetence.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/25/20

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dustin d

The production value is a bit lacking, but the star-studded cast and performances are amazing. This is probably the best screen adaptation of this play.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

A dream cast, a fairly traditional telling... not particularly inspired, but perhaps definitive.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/14/23

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Audience Member

This version of Shakespeare's enduring comedy features the talents of The Royal Shakespeare company. Predictably, they all turn in expert performances (Especially Ian Holm as Puck). On the other hand, the production values are low and, aside from the surrealistic fairy scenes, the costumes and sets are notably drab. However, this version of the story, which loyally transcribes the Bard's dialogue, should have enough positive traits to entertain Shakespeare purists.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/05/23

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Audience Member

I thought most of the acting was faboo, and I appreciated being able to hear the lines. And the acting of the mini-play was hilarious.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

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Audience Member

Cheap, cheap, cheap production with bad green makeup.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/06/23

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Peter Hall

Director

Derek Godfrey

Theseus

Barbara Jefford

Hippolyta

Diana Rigg

Helena

Nicholas Selby

Egeus

Hugh Sullivan

Philostrate

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Synopsis

While preparations are underway for the marriage of Athenian duke Theseus (Derek Godfrey) and Amazon queen Hippolyta (Barbara Jefford), fairy king Oberon (Ian Richardson) and his tricky jester, Puck (Ian Holm), make mischief with the indiscriminate use of a powerful love potion. Lysander (David Warner) and Demetrius (Michael Jayston) both fall for Helena (Diana Rigg), raising the jealousy of Hermia (Helen Mirren), whose father is pressuring her to marry Demetrius despite Lysander's love for her.

Director: Peter Hall
Production Co: Filmways Pictures, Royal Shakespeare Enterprises Ltd.
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 16, 2008
Runtime: 2h 4m

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