Hamlet, Prince of Denmark

Synopsis: Radio broadcast of Hamlet adapted, directed and starring John Gielgud.
Series: Theatre Guild on the Air
Language: English
Country: United States
Medium: Audio; Radio
Transmission details: 4 Mar 1951 at 20:30 (Channel: NBC)
Duration: 90 mins

Director

Homer Fickett; John Gielgud

Writer

William Shakespeare

Music

Harold Levey

Adaptor for Radio

John Gielgud

Cast

Notes: The Library of Congress, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division also holds a recording entitled SHAKESPEARE 51 recorded May 24 1951. The catalogue entry reads ‘The play Hamlet is presented on this audition recording as part of the "New sound of Shakespeare on radio". which may relate to the Gielgud/McGuire recording of 4th March 1951.
General: The introduction for the Theatre Guild performance makes explicit the link to theatrical performance and helps make the point that Gielgud could continue to perform the role live on radio despite the face that at 47 he was rather too old to play it on stage. At one point Esme Percy (Osric) makes an audible comment on Gielgud’s performance as if he were an audience member.
History: The recording was released in 2004 by Pavilion Records on the Pearl label in the ‘Plays and Poets’ series. Produced by Roger Beardsley with liner notes by Sheridan Morley. The production was also broadcast on the Armed Forces Radio Service and released as an LP by RCA.

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British Universities Film & Video Council