Favorite Shakespeare Film

[Winslow Leach]

This is a 1964 filmed version of the legendary Broadway production, starring Richard Burton. For years the film was thought lost, until a copy was found on Burton's estate. A wonderful, fascinating version of the play, directed by John Gielgud.



Kenneth Branagh's massive 1996 film is an all-star epic that contains every line in the play and a 242-minute running time.



This 1969 adaptation was likewise based on an acclaimed stage production, this time starring Nicol Williamson. Pop singer Marianne Faithfull is an interesting Ophelia, and a young Anthony Hopkins plays Claudius.



Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 hit is my favorite adaptation of the timeless love story.



Michael Keaton steals the show as the buffoonish Dogberry in this excellent and very funny comedy.



Richard Loncraine's 1995 film, set in 1930s Britain, stars Ian McKellen as Richard III, with a cast of familiar faces, including Annette Bening and Robert Downey Jr.



A 1935 Hollywood production of the comedy, co-directed by Max Reinhardt, based on his staging mounted at the Hollywood Bowl. The cast includes James Cagney as Bottom, Olivia de Havilland as Hermia (reprising her stage role), Dick Powell as Lysander and Mickey Rooney as Puck.



MGM's 1953 epic is headlined by Marlon Brando and James Mason, directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz.



Polanski's chilling 1971 adaptation of the tragedy.

So these are my faves. What are yours?