MACBETH

MACBETH (1983)

BBC Release

Details

• DVD Region: 2+4 PAL (UK & Europe)
• Certificate: PG
• Running Time: Approx. 149 minutes
• Type: Fullscreen
• Originally Transmitted: 5th November 1983
• DVD Release Date: 2005
• Released By: BBC Worldwide Ltd.
• Distributed By: DD Home Entertainment
• Format: Colour DVD PAL
• Language: English
• Subtitles: English SDH
• Audio: Mono
• Aspect Ratio: 4:3

© BBC Television in association with Time-Life
All Rights Reserved

A TRAGEDIE

In 1978, the BBC set itself the task of filming all of William Shakespeare’s plays for television. The resulting productions, renowned for their loyalty to the text, utilised the best theatrical and television directors and brought great performances from leading contemporary actors.

“Methought I heard a voice cry ‘Sleep no more!
Macbeth doth murder sleep”

Shakespeare’s dark tragedy tells of ambition and guilt amidst a background of regicide, violence and the supernatural. When a trio of witches tells returning hero warrior Macbeth that he is fated to become King of Scotland, he attempts to forge his own destiny. Aided and encouraged by his wife, he embarks on a guilt-ridden reign of terror.

Nicol Williamson (Macbeth) and Jane Lapotaire (Lady Macbeth), both renowned Shakespearian actors, bring a tension and mood to the play rarely seen outside of major theatrical events. Their performances bear testament as to why Macbeth remains one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays and this production has brought its magic to millions.

CAST

In Credits Order

• Brenda Bruce ... First Witch
• Eileen Way ... Second Witch
• Anne Dyson ... Third Witch
• Mark Dignam ... Duncan
• James Hazeldine ... Malcolm
• Christopher Ellison ... Captain
• John Rowe ... Lennox
• Gawn Grainger ... Ross
• Nicol Williamson ... Macbeth
• Ian Hogg ... Banquo
• David Lyon ... Angus
• Jane Lapotaire ... Lady Macbeth
• Gordon Kane ... First Messenger
• Alistair Henderson ... Fleance
• James Bolam ... Porter
• Tony Doyle ... Macduff
• Tom Bowles ... Donalbain
• Will Leighton ... Old Man
• Eamon Boland ... Seyton
• Barry Lowe ... First Murderer
• Christopher Reich ... Second Murderer
• Jill Baker ... Lady Macduff
• Crispin Mair ... Son to Macduff
• Philip Dunbar ... Murderer
• Rodney Cardiff ... Murderer
• Mark Lindsay Chapman ... Murderer (as Mark Lindsay)
• John Woodnutt ... Doctor
• Matthew Long ... Menteith
• Peter Porteous ... Caithness
• William Abney ... Old Siward
• Denyse Alexander ... Gentlewoman
• Christopher Fulford ... Second Messenger
• Nicholas Coppin ... Young Siward

• Director: Jack Gold
• Produced: Shaun Sutton
• Adapted: William Shakespeare’s original play