| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Penelope Allen | ... |
Herself /
Queen Elizabeth
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Gordon MacDonald | ... |
Himself /
Dorset
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Madison Arnold | ... |
Himself /
Rivers
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| Vincent Angell | ... |
Himself /
Grey
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| Harris Yulin | ... |
Himself /
King Edward
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| Alec Baldwin | ... |
Himself /
Duke of Clarence
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| Al Pacino | ... |
Himself /
Richard III
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Timmy Prairie | ... | |
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Landon Prairie | ... |
Young Prince
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| Kevin Conway | ... |
Himself /
Hastings
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| Larry Bryggman | ... |
Himself /
Lord Stanley
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| Kevin Spacey | ... |
Himself /
Earl of Buckingham
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| Estelle Parsons | ... |
Margaret
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| Winona Ryder | ... | ||
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Phil Parolisi | ... |
Halberd /
Messenger
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Director Al Pacino juxtaposes scene's from Richard III, scenes of rehearsals for Richard III, and sessions where parties involved discuss the play, the times that shaped the play and the events that happened at the time the play is set. Interviews with mostly British actors are also included, attempting to explain why American actors have more problems performing Shakespearean plays than they do. Written by Ron Kerrigan <mvg@whidbey.com>
This film has fascinated me ever since I first happened upon it in the library of Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi. By a happy coincidence, I also checked out Ian McKellen's quite excellent "Richard III" on the same day and spent most of the afternoon viewing and comparing the two.
It all works: the performances, the interviews, the clowning around on the set. I thought Spacey was wooden, but Baldwin . . . wow . . . who would have expected such a performance.
Highly recommended for anyone who reads and thinks.
Rusty