A forceful film that succeeds because we don't only hear famous Shakespearean lines whether they be from King Richard or Hamlet, but we get to know the people behind the characters.
Ironically, Raymond Massey, so brilliant in "Abe Lincoln in Illinois," plays the Shakespearean actor Junius Booth, brilliant in his performances, but mentally unbalanced. We see how this transcends to his sons- Richard Burton as Edwin Booth, and John Derek and John Wilkes Booth, Lincoln's killer.
Massey and Burton deliver their lines memorably and we can see why Burton was born to play Shakespeare.
His devotion to his wife is memorable, especially since she dies after a few years of marriage.
We see John Wilkes insanity for the evil deed he did- he was an acclaimed actor in the south, but not as successful up north.
Ironically, Raymond Massey, so brilliant in "Abe Lincoln in Illinois," plays the Shakespearean actor Junius Booth, brilliant in his performances, but mentally unbalanced. We see how this transcends to his sons- Richard Burton as Edwin Booth, and John Derek and John Wilkes Booth, Lincoln's killer.
Massey and Burton deliver their lines memorably and we can see why Burton was born to play Shakespeare.
His devotion to his wife is memorable, especially since she dies after a few years of marriage.
We see John Wilkes insanity for the evil deed he did- he was an acclaimed actor in the south, but not as successful up north.