The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice

The guy who played Othello was good. Jessica from Logan's Run, always hot. But Iago was just as powerful a character as he should or could be. Not the best production ever, but stayed closer to the play then Orsen Wells or Kenneth Brannagh

The one I requested was the BBC production starring Anthony Hopkins in the title role and Bob Hoskins as Iago. Instead this was delivered. At least this Othello is played by a man of color and I appreciate his work. The sound was terrible, at least on the disk I was sent, so the overall effect was considerably diminished. I would prefer to not make uncomplimentary remarks regarding the rest of the cast, but Ron Moody did better work in the film Oliver. To anyone who wants to see a superior production I would suggest the Hopkins/Hoskins version. Anthony Hopkins is certainly not the first white man to play the jealous Moor, but he is the best one I have seen by far.

First off, let me say that I'm not an especially big fan of Shakespeare, at least not in the fashion that his works have typically been presented to me. I'm not one for gray Elizabethan pieces where characters spout ultra-flowery dialogue in the most voraciously melodramatic way possible. However, this videotaped play is compelling thanks to the commanding William Marshall as Othello. His rich, booming voice and towering presence make him perfect for the role. He displays every ounce of the classy magnetism that made him so unforgettable as Blacula--though, after seeing him in that film, his presence here may seem a little odd at first. The always-beautiful Jenny Agutter is a fine Desdemona, as well. While some of the supporting players seem to aimlessly flail and bellow away and chew the plywood scenery, these two leads excel and make the trip worthwhile.

William Marshall's Othello is the noble Moor, with no trace of the bluster and ostentation that are sometimes imposed on the part. He is a heroic soldier and faithful lover destroyed during the course of the play by his mistakes and those of his friends and by the villainy of his chief enemy. Marshall's deep, flexible voice and natural dignity are especially impressive.

Jenny Agutter's Desdemona is beautiful and self-possessed, a believable senator's daughter. While she seems more knowing than perhaps Desdemona should be, her sympathy for Othello and absolute loyalty to him are clear.

Ron Moody is effective as a blunt, unattractive but trustworthy Iago, who is, of course, deception personified.

If this production has a fault, it is that not all of the actors live up to the high standard set by the main characters.