The Tempest

This is a production for Junior High students. The text has been bowlderized (all `improper' material is excised), all the language has been simplified so that no obscure words are used, and non-essential plot devices are eliminated. As an example of the last is any mention of Claribel, the daughter from whose marriage in Tunis they return from.

The production is of a play, shot by one video camera. Costumes are fantastic, but with the anachronism that Prospero wears Ben Franklin specs. The sets are minimalist and mildly interesting. The whole effect has more of a junior educational tone than one which unleashes the power of the play.

Some well-known actors are employed, and that is the only remarkable thing about this affair, and that only as passing curiosity.

The Sebastian is a doofus from several TeeVee comedies. The Ariel is the `Psycho' guy, Roddie McDowell, which gives a strange air to his performance. The Caliban is Richard Burton, heavily disguised. Such an actor! This is from a period during which he describes himself as a hopeless, continual drunk who had sex with countless partners with great emphasis on costars. Makes you constantly aware of the Miranda, here Lee Remick, and whether the sexual approach in the play was mirrored in real life and what happened.

I saw this on TV when it came out. I would have been 6 years old. I was enchanted, and to this day, The Tempest is still my favorite Shakespeare play, which I credit to this production. No, you wouldn't want it to be your only experience of the play, as the previous post points out. But if you get a chance to see it, give it a look. It's a good introduction, and a good way to "get your feet wet" if you feel challenged (as I confess I often do) by more authentic presentations of Elizabethan drama.

The reality of Schaefer's Tempest is so much less than its possibilities that it seems more tragedy than romance. Running time is seventy-six minutes, which means more slashing rather than cutting. For instance, the first scene is replaced with narration, the masque of the goddesses is gone, and Prospero's speech from 4.1 that begins "Our revels now are ended" is transplanted to the end of the play, where it replaces the epilogue.

The costumes are eclectic, with Ferdinand in an embarrassingly skimpy gladiatorial outfit.

On the other hand, the best actors in the film, Richard Burton as Caliban and Roddy McDowall as Ariel, are so completely covered either by fabric or makeup that their facial expressions are largely concealed. Still, their voices are memorable, and Lee Remick makes a beautiful and effective Miranda.

Maurice Evans as Prospero is disappointing. He ranges from underplaying to posturing, only occasionally getting the truly magical verse right.

Everyone knows Lee Remick is beautiful. If you watch Days of Wine and Roses, it's clear she can act, too. Lots of people don't know this, but she can also sing and dance, as seen during her Broadway stint of Anyone Can Whistle and her role in the concert version of Follies. But did you know she can speak Shakespeare, too? I didn't, and when I saw her name in the opening credits of The Tempest, I decided not to hold my breath for a believable performance. She was absolutely lovely. Her hair in tendrils, and dressed in a typical white toga, she looked like she just popped out of the forest from A Midsummer Night's Dream. And not only did she look the part, but she delivered her lines beautifully. Very few actors can make me pay attention during Shakespearian plays, and Lee has just joined that list.

I'll admit I consulted Marcia Williams's Tales of Shakespeare before watching this taped live performance. I didn't know the plot, and Marcia helped me out immensely. The Tempest is the story of a father and daughter, isolated on an island. The father has the power to conjure storms, or tempests, and to force sprites to do his bidding. One storm shipwrecks a young man to the island, and sparks fly between the visitor and the daughter. I like this story, and this version was very fun to watch. The costumes were pretty, and all the actors knew their way around the difficult prose. This play walks the fine line between comedy and tragedy, so for those who like their Shakespeare without blood and guts, this one's good for you.

Count me in too. I saw this as a kid and still recall with great pleasure that it was my introduction to Shakespeare and has lead to a lifetime love. As was the case for several other films of plays, the clever camera work was a definite plus. Loved making Ariel a sprite by playing with size. Having him ride on Prosperos shoulder certainly worked for me. What a lovely conceit! It made the scenes between them as magical as they were meant to be. Calaban is a bit of a monster but one with Burton's voice. All in all, even thinking about it and the wonderful cast brings a smile to my face. I visited the site and wasn't surprised to see the high rating and generally positive reviews. I feel exactly the same way. Well done all around and a wonderful introduction for kids that lingers on the mind and in the heart as well.