Timon of Athens (1981)

Timon loves to give parties and objects to friends, but when he cannot pay his creditors, his "friends" refuse to help him, and he becomes a misanthropic hermit.

Director:

Jonathan Miller

Writer:

William Shakespeare (play)

Stars:

John Fortune, John Bird, Tony Jay

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Fortune	...	Poet
John Bird	...	Painter
Tony Jay	...	Merchant
David Kinsey	...	Jeweller
Jonathan Pryce	...	Timon
John Welsh	...	Flavius
Sebastian Shaw	...	Old Athenian
Max Arthur	...	Lucilius
Norman Rodway	...	Apemantus
Geoffrey Collins	...	Flaminius
Terence McGinity	...	Servilius
John Shrapnel	...	Alcibiades
Hugh Thomas	...	Lucius
James Cossins	...	Lucullus
Donald Gee	...	Ventidius

Storyline

Timon loves to give parties and objects to friends, but when he cannot pay his creditors, his "friends" refuse to help him, and he becomes a misanthropic hermit.

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Plot Keywords:

shakespeare's timon of athens | problem comedy | crockpot | satire | resentment toward friend | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English Latin

Release Date:

16 April 1981 (UK)

Also Known As:

The Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare: Timon of Athens

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Time-Life Television Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

128 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

Michael Bogdanov was originally hired to direct this adaptation, but he left the project when the producers refused to allow him to do the play in modern dress. He was replaced as director by producer Jonathan Miller.

User Reviews

minor Shakespeare

This minor Shakespeare is more of a fable than a full-blown plot. We first meet Timon giving a feast for his 'friends' (a bunch of flatterers and fakes), lavishing praise and jewels on them. He is an innocent amongst a pack of wolves.

When his fortune changes and he needs their help, each friend turns their back on him, as the philosopher foretold in Act One. Timon then turns sage and prophet, railing at the world which abandoned him.

Jonathan Pryce heads the cast and is a wonderful Timon, turning seamlessly from the generous, open-hearted fool to the twisted, unhappy beggar. John Shrapnel is about the best of the supporting cast, although all are good within the constraints of their character stereotypes.