Sir John Gielgud

Alternative title: John Gielgud: An Actor’s Life
Synopsis: John Gielgud, in conversation with John Miller, looks back on his early career, the other artists who influenced him, and his partnerships with Oliver, Richardson, Wolfit, Redgrave, Peggy Ashcroft and Edith Evans. He also talks about his initial distrust of the film world, and the problems and rewards of his venture into actor-management in 1937. He analyses and illustrates the technique which made him recognised as the supreme interpreter of verse in the 20th century. He goes on to talk of the screen recognition which did not come until he was nearly 50, with the Hollywood JULIUS CAESAR. He reflects on the differences between stage and screen acting, and selects some of his most significant and rewarding performances. Illustrated with scenes from his plays and films including ROMEO AND JULIET (Gielgud and Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies in the balcony scene) , HAMLET, THE SECRET AGENT and JULIUS CAESAR.
Language: English
Country: Great Britain; United States
Medium: Television; Video
Technical information: Colour / Sound
Year of release: 1989
Transmission details: 31 Jul 1988 (Channel: Channel Four)
Duration: 100 mins
Availability: Sale

Director

Producer

Cast

Production type: Documentary/Educational/News
Subjects: Drama
Keywords: acting techniques; Gielgud, John (1904-2000); Shakespeare, William (1564-1616)

Notes: Part 1 broadcast on C4 31/7/88; Part 2 7 August 1988
General: The balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet is an extract from a 1924 issue of the cinemagazine Eve’s Film Review and is catalogued separately. The play was produced by H.K. Ayliff and staged at the Regent’s Theatre, King’s Cross in May 1924.

This record has been viewed 473 times.

British Universities Film & Video Council