Hamlet at Elsinore

It's funny that so many people remember this telecast from almost 50 years ago. And with such uniformly positive feelings.

I remember the pounding waves and the Long Hall. I remember Robert Shaw as the first Claudius I ever saw who was not only sonorous and regal, but violent, and sexy enough to seduce the Queen and make her agree to kill her husband. I remember Donald Sutherland coming in at the end as Fortinbras, and for once saving the character from being a wimpy, pompous letdown.

Until recently, the film could only be seen in America at the Paley Media Centers in New York and Los Angeles.

However Sir Michael Caine was recently reminded of his participation in this long-forgotten film, and he asked the BBC to resurrect it.

We'll all have a chance to check our memories soon.

I saw this "Hamlet", my first, on television about 35 years ago. It helped hook me on Shakespeare, so I cannot really be objective, but scenes from it have seemed to linger, seemed to stand up to other Hamlets.

The contrast with Olivier's version was stunning to viewers: a non-bombastic thoughtful Hamlet with none of the perverse undertones of Olivier's Prince of Denmark. Honest indecision oozed from this Hamlet. Further the text was less butchered than in Olivier's movie; here we at least get to see Rozenkrantz and Guildenstern. [Footnote: I am frequently surprised at people who will rave over Olivier's Hamlet and fail to notice the severely edited script.]

Even though I saw this program only twice 45 years ago, the quality of the acting and the high production standards made this HAMLET a very memorable experience. I was a drama student in high school at that time, and very much into Shakespeare and classical theater. I am now a semi-retired actor, director, and author; I have seen over 35 movie, television, and stage productions of HAMLET, and still remember Mr. Plummer's interpretation of HAMLET with clear distinction. The fine acting, the atmosphere, and the authentic staging created by filming at the actual Elsinore Castle in Denmark make this HAMLET the benchmark to which most other productions have aspired. In addition to Christopher Plummer, the cast included Robert Shaw, Michael Caine, Roy Kinnear, and Donald Sutherland. However, the most amazing thing about this HAMLET is that it has never become available in either VHS or DVD. THAT is the REAL tragedy... indeed, something does seem rotten in the State of Denmark.

I wasn't very old but I was fascinated. Of course Christopher Plummer and Robert Shaw were brilliant, but it was also fascinating to watch a young Michael Caine and Donald Sutherland. Since I'm Danish it was a special thrill that it was actually filmed where Shakespeare let it take place. I would love to watch it again.