Othello (1952)

Synopsis: Feature film. Welles’ first European work, shot in fits and starts over four years at various locations in Morocco and Italy, due to lack of finance. This accounts for the inconsistent technical quality, but Welles turned the limitations into strengths. The film slashes the text but the spirit remains wholly Shakespearean.
Language: English
Country: Morocco
Medium: Film
Technical information: Black-and-white / Sound
Year of release: 1952
Year of production: 1950
Notes: A restored version was released in 2003 on VHS and DVD by Second Sight video with the title ORSON WELLES’ OTHELLO.

Birmingham Shakespeare Library holds a typescript.
Documentation: For additional information on the story of Welles’ film, see ‘Put Money in Thy Purse’ by Michael MacLiammoir, Methuen Press, 1952, is recommended.
Subjects: Drama; Shakespeare
Keywords: Shakespeare, William (1564-1616)
Related items: Filming ‘Othello’; Orson Welles’ Othello Restored (1952); Put Money in Thy Purse

Director

Orson Welles

Producer

Orson Welles

Cinematographer

Anchise Brizzi; G.R. Aldo; George Fanto

Writer

William Shakespeare

Screenplay

Orson Welles

Music

Alberto Barberis; Francesca Lavagnino

Cast

Name: BFI Film Bookings Unit
Email: bookings.films@bfi.org.uk
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Name: 4 Front Video
Phone: 020 7079 6000
Fax: 020 7079 6524
Address: Universal Pictures Video
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WC1A 1HB

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