Uncle Vanya

Obvious, it represents more than a beautiful adaptation. It is a fair, honest and wise exploration of Cekhov univers, in precise terms, with high care for details and the expected inspired atmosphere. And it is not a surprise, the cast offering the guarantee of a beautitul to great adaptation, Astrov of Laurence Olivier, like Vanya proposed by Michael Redgrave reminding the spirit of play in each its nuance.

The story of wasted lives and clashes between visions are familiar.

But this adaptation has, obvious, the desire and gift to offer more than a new represented play. A sort of reflection, about himself, of viewer and this intention is wonderful used scene by scene.

So, Cekhov in pure traits.

I disagree with previous comments. This a perfect production of UNCLE VANYA, one of the world's great dramas. We should be thankful that the stage production was recorded so that all of us can continue to enjoy and be moved by these brilliant performances. Michael Redgrave and Joan Plowright are particularly moving, but Olivier as Astrov and the lovely Rosemary Harris and the legendary Fay Compton are also memorable. Yes, it is not presented in an artificially cinematic style. With this play and this production that doesn't matter. In fact, the nature of the play demands that the camera focus on the faces and body language of the actors. It's their emotions, their reactions to each other that matter. With the camera so close to them, we can see them lying to each other and to themselves. Heartbreaking, brilliant, and unforgettable. A masterful rendition of a masterpiece.

Chekhov's fascination with the inability to act makes him a spiritual ancestor of Samuel Beckett. I find the acting very satisfying, and what an all-star cast! Michael Redgrave is greatly moving in the title role, caught in the trap of upper-class ennui. And the women, particularly Rosemary Harris as Yelena are marvelous, each stuck in inescapable comfort. The modest scenery increases the oppressive claustrophobia of the atmosphere.

One definitely should see this production and immediately follow with Vanya on 42nd St.

A commercial DVD of this excellent production is available from a Canadian company called Learmedia.

Contrary to DRN5's critique of the 1963 filmed stage production of Uncle Vanya this production is so masterfully close to Chekov's intent, with Olivier and Redgrave at their all time best. No American copies exist. But there is a video version available in the UK.

George Steiner wrote of Chekhov that his plays were "a musical score for speaking voice". This Vanya is just that. The performances here of Laurence Olivier, Michael Redgrave, Rosemary Harris, Joan Plowright, Max Adrian and Sybil Thorndike are operatic in range and emotion. The translation of Constance Garnett is no less important to success - perfect in its rhythm and concision.

This recording survives as a wonder of the 1960s Golden Age in British theatre. Yes, John Gielgud, Ralph Richardson and Richard Burton are not in the cast but never mind; this production was immortal, one of the supreme nights in the theatre in our lifetimes.