DVD
King Lear : the historic Omnibus production
Call Number
- DVD DRAMA (CEN)
Languages
English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Performers
Hosted by Alistair Cooke.
Publication Information
Port Washington, NY : Distributed by E1 Entertainment, [2010]
Physical Description
1 videodisc (82 min.) : sd., b&w ; 4 3/4 in. + 1 reference guide (15 p. : ports. ; 19 cm.)
Audience
Not rated.
Added Uniform Title
Summary
King Lear of Britain has decided to divide his kingdom into three parts, and to hand over the responsibilities of ruling to his three daughters. The two oldest daughters, Goneril and Regan, flatter their father insincerely, and are rewarded. Cordelia, the youngest, sincerely loves her father, but she cannot match her sisters' skill at false adulation. The king takes away her portion of the kingdom, despite the pleadings of some of his most loyal nobles. It is not long before Goneril and Regan reveal their deep ingratitude, and soon the old king finds himself in a confusing and desperate position.
Notes
Title from container.
Originally broadcast live on CBS on October 11, 1953, as part of the television series Omnibus.
Special features: Backstage preview of Omnibus: King Lear (10/11/53) ; Dr. Frank Baxter on The Globe Theatre (11/29/53) ; Alistair Cooke: live remote from the Yale Shakespeare Festival, including scenes from "The merry wives of Windsor" (2/21/54) ; Walter Kerr on staging Shakespeare, including scenes from "Hamlet" (1/30/55).