I Hate Hamlet

Synopsis: A 20 minute reviewer’s reel for Paul Rudnick’s play I Hate Hamlet. Set in Manhattan, the action takes place in an apartment, once inhabited by John Barrymore. Andrew, a television star who has been coaxed by his agent into performing Hamlet in New York City’s annual Summer "Shakespeare in the Park Festival." has many misgivings about such an demanding acting assignment, as does Gary, his television producer. The latter wants Andrew’s speedy return to the much easier and more lucrative world of television. The ghost of Barrymore, however (visible only to Andrew ), still haunts these premises, and actively cajoles and finally pressures him into accepting drama’s most challenging role.
Language: English
Country: United States
Medium: Video
Technical information: Colour / Sound
Recording date: 1991
Duration: 20 mins

Director

Michael Egler

Writer

Paul Rudnick

Music

Kim Sherman

Production Design

Tony Straiges

Costume

Jane Greenwood

Cast

General: Williamson caused a media frenzy when he threw numerous temper tantrums onstage and hit fellow cast member Evan Handler (the actor who played Andrew Rally in this production) with a sword. Following this incident, Handler never returned to the production and Williamson’s theatrical career was severely tarnished. It had a short but successful run on Broadway.
History: The show opened April 8 1991 at the Walter Kerr Theatre, New York City
Reviews: A detailed and highly entertaining account by Paul Rudnick on how he came to write the play, and Williamson’s behaviour during rehearsals and production, appeared in The New Yorker (December 24-31 2007), pp 82-90

British Universities Film & Video Council