Internet Shakespeare Editions

Shakespeare in Performance: Film

Romeo and Juliet (1955, Dallas Bower)

TitleRomeo and Juliet
Year1955
Release LocationsGB
DirectorDallas Bower
MediumBlack & white video
LanguagesEnglish
Audiencegeneral public
Play ConnectionsRomeo and Juliet (teleplay)

Description

The London Times critic thought that this production definitely showed that a Shakespearean play could be put on television after all. In fact, he wrote, "the limitations of television" may "actually [be] turned to advantage." Apparently there was considerable camera work, with a very realistic vault for the tomb scene and a peering camera that moved in on Juliet's bedchamber. In what was then a rather lavish expenditure of resources, the BBC invested some £3,334 and included 59 actors in the cast (CHM)

Description from Shakespeare on Screen : an International Filmography and Videography by Kenneth S. Rothwell and Annabelle Henkin Melzer. ©1990 Kenneth S. Rothwell. Cited by permission. — Added 2008-11-14

Cast Overview

RomeoTony Britton
JulietVirginia McKenna
EscalusJohn Phillips
ParisOwen Holder
MontagueJames Raglan
Lady MontagueNoel Hood
Lady CapuletJill Esmond
CapuletDavid Horne
NurseFlora Robson
MercutioLaurence Payne
BenvolioEric Lander
TybaltRichard Wordsworth
Friar LaurenceHarcourt Williams
Friar JohnDavid Garth
BalthasarHenry Davies
AbrahamRoger Gage
SampsonColin Douglas
GregoryBrian Moorehead
PeterMichael Brennan
PageRobert Scroggins
ApothecaryJ. Leslie Frith
Chorus And Prince Of VeronaJohn Phillips
OfficerPeter Henchie
26 Extrasnot specified

Production Team and Crew Overview

DirectorDallas Bower
ProducerHarold Clayton

Production information courtesy of: Kenneth Rothwell