Hamlet at Elsinore

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.

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.]

This was an incredibly fascinating Hamlet ... at least that's how I remember it after over 35 years. I have not been able to see it since. Why is it not available on VHS or DVD? Christopher Plumber is always fascinating, and Robert Shaw was by far the best Claudius ever filmed (videotaped?)! Add the extra thrill of the REAL Elsinore, and you have a great experience. Bring it back!

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.

This is an outstanding Hamlet-performance, I saw the movie back in 1964 or 65 on danish television and have never forgotten it. I have hunted it for some years and came pretty close by emailing danish television's drama department where they in a kind and friendly way informed me that it was to be transmitted on danish television in "the nearest future" - so they recommended that I kept an eye on the danish program schedules. This was 4 years ago - but I never saw it announced nor did I see it shown on danish television as they had "promised". But this ought to mean that they most certainly possess a copy. The big question is: How do we make them put the film on TV or make a commercial DVD that we can buy? Anybody have any ideas?

Complementary: Now is 2007 22 December (happy x-mas). I have (with some difficulties) had contact with the danish television archive. They now say, that they can not find a copy of "Hamlet of Elsinore" in their archives. Unfortunately, I prefer not to believe that, I believe there is a lack of will or competence involved. I have had threads going in Denmark, that confirms that a certain amount of curiousness is going on - but nobody knows anything. Or do not want to. What is going on? Who owns the rights? If not danish television, then it has to be BBC. How do we make BBC open up? As said by the common press, both danish and BBC-press have opened their archives. How does these pretty words affect us? I have tried to make TCM interested, but have got no answer. Don't anybody care - except Mr Plummer himself, who wishes us to have this gem? This is a treasure of mankind! Give it to mankind, then!