ROMEO & JULIET

ROMEO & JULIET (1978)

BBC Release

Details

• DVD Region: 2+4 PAL (UK & Europe)
• Certificate: PG
• Running Time: Approx. 128 minutes
• Type: Fullscreen
• Originally Transmitted: 3rd December 1978
• 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 productions, renowned for loyalty to the text, utilised the best theatrical and television directors and brought great performances from leading contemporary actors.

"My only love sprung from my only hate!
Too early seen unknown, and know too late!"

Romeo, heir of the lordly Montague family of Verona, attends a masked dance held by the Capulets, their bitter rivals. There, Romeo falls in love with Juliet Capulet. Secretly married by the obliging Friar Lawrence, the couple have only their love with which to confront the violence of the ancient warring factions.

This BBC production of Shakespeare’s tale features an all-star cast with Sir John Gielgud as the Chorus and a young Alan Rickman as Tybalt. It is acclaimed as one of the most faithful and distinctive versions ever filmed.

CAST

First billed only

• Patrick Ryecart ... Romeo
• Rebecca Saire ... Juliet
• Celia Johnson ... Nurse
• Michael Hordern ... Capulet
• John Gielgud ... Chorus
• Joseph O'Conor ... Friar Lawrence
• Laurence Naismith ... Prince Escalus
• Anthony Andrews ... Mercutio
• Alan Rickman ... Tybalt
• Jacqueline Hill ... Lady Capulet
• Christopher Strauli ... Benvolio
• Christopher Northey ... Paris
• Paul Henry ... Peter
• Roger Davidson ... Balthasar
• John Paul ... Montague
• Zulema Dene ... Lady Montague
• Esmond Knight ... Old Capulet
• David Sibley ... Sampson
• Jack Carr ... Gregory
• Bunny Reed ... Abraham
• Vernon Dobtcheff ... Apothecary
• John Savident ... Friar John
• Danny Schiller ... Musician
• Jeremy Young ... 1st Watch
• Jeffrey Chiswick ... 2nd Watch
• Gary Taylor ... Potpan
• Mark Arden ... Page
• Robert Burbage ... Page
• Alan Bowerman ... 1st Citizen

• Director: Alvin Rakoff
• Produced: Cedric Messina
• Adapted: William Shakespeare’s original play