Shakespeare

Anyone curious about how Shakespeare's plays have reached the screen will find a full directory here. It covers filmed versions of the plays, recordings of stage productions, and films drawn from his life or inspired by his work. This revised American edition adds thirty-four pages.

The entries fall into three groups. The first holds direct screen versions that follow the original play in whole or in part. The second holds derivations, which keep Shakespearean themes or plots but change elements such as costume, period, or setting. The third covers operas, ballets, and animated adaptations, which span the full range of filmed media.

Each entry records the year of production, the director, the leading players, and the production company. Where it is known, the country of origin and the language are also given. Together these show how widely the playwright's work has travelled, from the silent era to the present day.