The Tragedy of Julius Caesar

Summary: 1938 BBC Television studio production of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare’s Roman play, performed in modern dress.
Theatre play: Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare [more information]
Play synopsis: Julius Caesar is a political thriller which tells the story of the conspiracy against Caesar on his return to Rome following the triumphant war against Pompey, his assassination by Caius Cassius, Marcus Brutus and others, and the defeat of his conspirators. Mark Antony speaks next and turns the mob against the conspirators, who are forced to flee from Rome. Mark Antony and Caesar’s nephew Octavius take command of Rome and lead an army against the conspirators: Brutus and Cassius are defeated at Philippi where they kill themselves rather than be captured.
Production history: A performance is recorded in September 1599; the play was published in the First Folio in 1623.
Date of transmission: Sunday 24 July 1938
Time: 9.05-10.15pm (70 mins)
Channel: BBC Television
Production company: BBC

Producer

Dallas Bower (1907-1999)

Playwright

William Shakespeare

Composer

James Hartley

Scenic Effects by

Malcolm Baker-Smith

Cast

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