The BBC Shakespeare Plays
- Title ID 24-SH
- English, English Literature, Shakespeare
- 37 Programs
- 39 Supplemental Files
- 10th Grade through Post Secondary
- Published by The BBC
Included Programs
All's Well that Ends WellRunning time is 141 minutes
Here Shakespeare uses one of his favorite devices--trickery. The young countess resorts to chicanery to win her husband's respect.
Chapter List
- All's Well That Ends Well Act 1
- All's Well That Ends Well Act 2
- All's Well That Ends Well Act 3
- All's Well That Ends Well Act 4
- All's Well That Ends Well Act 5
Antony & CleopatraRunning time is 171 minutes
The star, Jane Lapotaire, not only looks similar to the historical Queen of Egypt, but has the range to capture her many facets
Chapter List
- Antony and Cleopatra Act 1
- Antony and Cleopatra Act 2
- Antony and Cleopatra Act 3
- Antony and Cleopatra Act 4
- Antony and Cleopatra Act 5
As You Like ItRunning time is 151 minutes
Is there a "natural difference" between a duke's daughter and a commoner? Are men really stronger than women? Or is it just society's role? Stars Helen Mirren and Richard Pasco.
Chapter List
- As You Like It Act 1
- As You Like It Act 2
- As You Like It Act 3
- As You Like It Act 4
- As You Like It Act 5
The Comedy of ErrorsRunning time is 111 minutes
Roger Daltrey, lead singer of the band "The Who," stars in Shakespeare's shortest play.
Chapter List
- Comedy of Errors Act 1
- Comedy of Errors Act 2
- Comedy of Errors Act 3
- Comedy of Errors Act 4
- Comedy of Errors Act 5
CoriolanusRunning time is 145 minutes
In his last tragedy, Shakespeare studies the character of a soldier. Stars Alan Howard.
Chapter List
- Coriolanus Act 1
- Coriolanus Act 2
- Coriolanus Act 3
- Coriolanus Act 4
- Coriolanus Act 5
CymbelineRunning time is 175 minutes
King Cymbeline's evil second queen tries to force Princess Imogen to marry her own son. Starring Claire Bloom and Helen Mirren.
Chapter List
- Cymbeline Act 1
- Cymbeline Act 2
- Cymbeline Act 3
- Cymbeline Act 4
- Cymbeline Act 5
HamletRunning time is 215 minutes
In this richly costumed production, the greatest tragedy ever written maintains all the tension of a murder mystery. Derek Jacobi is a superb choice as Hamlet.
Chapter List
- Hamlet Act 1
- Hamlet Act 2
- Hamlet Act 3
- Hamlet Act 4
- Hamlet Act 5
Henry IV, Part 1Running time is 148 minutes
The boisterous Falstaff leads Prince Hal, the heir to the throne, through London's lowlife taverns. Starring Jon Finch, Anthony Quayle.
Chapter List
- Henry IV Part 1 Act 1
- Henry IV Part 1 Act 2
- Henry IV Part 1 Act 3
- Henry IV Part 1 Act 4
- Henry IV Part 1 Act 5
Henry IV, Part 2Running time is 151 minutes
The death of Henry IV, banishment of Falstaff and coronation of Hal as Henry V. Stars Jon Finch, Anthony Quayle, David Gwillim.
Chapter List
- Henry IV Part 2 Act 1
- Henry IV Part 2 Act 2
- Henry IV Part 2 Act 3
- Henry IV Part 2 Act 4
- Henry IV Part 2 Act 5
Henry VRunning time is 164 minutes
England's most admired national hero, Henry V unites his people, invades France, deals with traitors and cements the peace
Chapter List
- Henry V Act 1
- Henry V Act 2
- Henry V Act 3
- Henry V Act 4
- Henry V Act 5
Henry VI, Part 1Running time is 187 minutes
First of a trilogy, recreating King Henry's early days. Starring Peter Benson, Trevor Peacock.
Chapter List
- Henry VI Part 1 Act 1
- Henry VI Part 1 Act 2
- Henry VI Part 1 Act 3
- Henry VI Part 1 Act 4
- Henry VI Part 1 Act 5
Henry VI, Part 2Running time is 213 minutes
Henry marries Lady Margaret, but she despises his meekness and takes Suffolk as a lover
Chapter List
- Henry VI Part 2 Act 1
- Henry VI Part 2 Act 2
- Henry VI Part 2 Act 3
- Henry VI Part 2 Act 4
- Henry VI Part 2 Act 5
Henry VI, Part 3Running time is 211 minutes
York wins the War of Roses and forces Henry to give him succession.
Chapter List
- Henry VI Part 3 Act 1
- Henry VI Part 3 Act 2
- Henry VI Part 3 Act 3
- Henry VI Part 3 Act 4
- Henry VI Part 3 Act 5
Henry VIIIRunning time is 166 minutes
Filmed at Henry's favorite place, Leeds Castle, enacted in the very rooms the King inhabited, 500 years ago. Stars Claire Bloom, John Stride.
Chapter List
- Henry VIII Act 1
- Henry VIII Act 2
- Henry VIII Act 3
- Henry VIII Act 4
- Henry VIII Act 5
Julius CaesarRunning time is 161 minutes
Breaking dramatic conventions, Shakespeare creates neither a clearcut hero nor a villain. Starring Charles Gray as Caesar.
Chapter List
- Julius Caesar Act 1
- Julius Caesar Act 2
- Julius Caesar Act 3
- Julius Caesar Act 4
- Julius Caesar Act 5
King JohnRunning time is 158 minutes
Here Shakespeare rewrote another's work, the only time he uses such a source instead of the chronicles themselves. Stars Claire Bloom
Chapter List
- King John Act 1
- King John Act 2
- King John Act 3
- King John Act 4
- King John Act 5
King LearRunning time is 186 minutes
Crisply paced, with an exemplary cast. Starring Michael Hodern, Anton Lesser.
Chapter List
- King Lear Act 1
- King Lear Act 2
- King Lear Act 3
- King Lear Act 4
- King Lear Act 5
Love's Labour's LostRunning time is 120 minutes
A splendid satire -- some of Shakespeare's best early poetry
Chapter List
- Love's Labour's Lost Act 1
- Love's Labour's Lost Act 2
- Love's Labour's Lost Act 3
- Love's Labour's Lost Act 4
- Love's Labour's Lost Act 5
MacbethRunning time is 148 minutes
This savage tragedy is one of Shakespeare's most enduringly popular. Starring Nicol Williamson and Jane Lapotaire.
Chapter List
- Macbeth Act 1
- Macbeth Act 2
- Macbeth Act 3
- Macbeth Act 4
- Macbeth Act 5
Measure For MeasureRunning time is 168 minutes
The trickiest sort of play -- a comedy with tragic relief. The New York Times says "Kate Nelligan is the image idealized faultlessness."
Chapter List
- Measure for Measure Act 1
- Measure for Measure Act 2
- Measure for Measure Act 3
- Measure for Measure Act 4
- Measure for Measure Act 5
Merchant of VeniceRunning time is 157 minutes
This play presents contrasts in the character Shylock. Is he villian, buffoon or tragic hero? Starring Warren Mitchell, Gemma Jones.
Chapter List
- Merchant of Venice Act 1
- Merchant of Venice Act 2
- Merchant of Venice Act 3
- Merchant of Venice Act 4
- Merchant of Venice Act 5
Merry Wives of WindsorRunning time is 168 minutes
Queen Elizabeth herself is said to have requested the return of Falstaff. Here he tries to seduce two respectable wives. Stars Ben Kingsley.
Chapter List
- Merry Wives of Windsor Act 1
- Merry Wives of Windsor Act 2
- Merry Wives of Windsor Act 3
- Merry Wives of Windsor Act 4
- Merry Wives of Windsor Act 5
A Midsummer Night's DreamRunning time is 112 minutes
An extraordinary production of an enduring comedy. The strong cast features Helen Mirren and Peter McEnery
Chapter List
- A Midsummer's Night Dream Act 1
- A Midsummer's Night Dream Act 2
- A Midsummer's Night Dream Act 3
- A Midsummer's Night Dream Act 4
- A Midsummer's Night Dream Act 5
Much Ado About NothingRunning time is 149 minutes
The sparring wit of the confirmed bachelor, Benedick, and the haughty lady Beatrice seems to delight audiences more every year.
Chapter List
- Much Ado About Nothing Act 1
- Much Ado About Nothing Act 2
- Much Ado About Nothing Act 3
- Much Ado About Nothing Act 4
- Much Ado About Nothing Act 5
OthelloRunning time is 204 minutes
Perhaps his greatest triumph as a stage play. Evil Iago plants doubt in Othello's mind about Desdemona, and audiences are spellbound. Stars Anthony Hopkins, Bob Hoskins as Iago.
Chapter List
- Othello Act 1
- Othello Act 2
- Othello Act 3
- Othello Act 4
- Othello Act 5
PericlesRunning time is 178 minutes
The Prince of Tyre, who flees upon discovering his King in an incestuous relationship. Starring Mike Gwilym and Amanda Redman.
Chapter List
- Pericles Act 1
- Pericles Act 2
- Pericles Act 3
- Pericles Act 4
- Pericles Act 5
Richard IIRunning time is 158 minutes
A stellar cast includes Derek Jacobi, Sir John Gielgud, and Dame Wendy Hiller.
Chapter List
- Richard II Act 1
- Richard II Act 2
- Richard II Act 3
- Richard II Act 4
- Richard II Act 5
Richard IIIRunning time is 230 minutes
A huge success in its day, this play portrays an intricate period in English history.
Chapter List
- Richard III Act 1
- Richard III Act 2
- Richard III Act 3
- Richard III Act 4
- Richard III Act 5
Romeo and JulietRunning time is 167 minutes
A "hit" for over 400 years. It expresses love in its infinite variety more than any other work in the English language. Stars Sir John Gielgud.
Chapter List
- Romeo and Juliet Act 1
- Romeo and Juliet Act 2
- Romeo and Juliet Act 3
- Romeo and Juliet Act 4
- Romeo and Juliet Act 5
Taming of the ShrewRunning time is 127 minutes
John Cleese, of Monty Python, portrays Petruchio to unanimous acclaim: "an object lesson in serving Shakespeare to a present-day audience."
Chapter List
- Taming of the Shrew Act 1
- Taming of the Shrew Act 2
- Taming of the Shrew Act 3
- Taming of the Shrew Act 4
- Taming of the Shrew Act 5
The TempestRunning time is 124 minutes
A timeless stage on an enchanted island. An exiled Duke and two lovers encounter the occult.
Chapter List
- The Tempest Act 1
- The Tempest Act 2
- The Tempest Act 3
- The Tempest Act 4
- The Tempest Act 5
Timon of AthensRunning time is 129 minutes
Choice says "recommended version of a difficult yet interesting play." His most cynical work.
Chapter List
- Timon of Athens Act 1
- Timon of Athens Act 2
- Timon of Athens Act 3
- Timon of Athens Act 4
- Timon of Athens Act 5
Titus AndronicusRunning time is 168 minutes
This tragedy draws on brutal Roman mythology. Stars Eileen Atkins, Trevor Peacock
Chapter List
- Titus Andronicus Act 1
- Titus Andronicus Act 2
- Titus Andronicus Act 3
- Titus Andronicus Act 4
- Titus Andronicus Act 5
Troilus & CressidaRunning time is 190 minutes
Says Choice, "This video is simply excellent, valuable to anyone teaching the play." Stars Anton Lesser, Suzanne Burden.
Chapter List
- Troilus and Cressida Act 1
- Troilus and Cressida Act 2
- Troilus and Cressida Act 3
- Troilus and Cressida Act 4
- Troilus and Cressida Act 5
Twelfth NightRunning time is 129 minutes
This is the most subtle of Shakespeare's comedies. Starring Alec McCowen, Trevor Peacock.
Chapter List
- Twelfth Night Act 1
- Twelfth Night Act 2
- Twelfth Night Act 3
- Twelfth Night Act 4
- Twelfth Night Act 5
Two Gentlemen of VeronaRunning time is 137 minutes
Shakespeare's earliest attempt at romantic comedy, two friends fall in love with Silvia. With the characters Valentine, Proteus, Silvia and Julia.
Chapter List
- Two Gentlemen of Verona Act 1
- Two Gentlemen of Verona Act 2
- Two Gentlemen of Verona Act 3
- Two Gentlemen of Verona Act 4
- Two Gentlemen of Verona Act 5
The Winter's TaleRunning time is 174 minutes
A theme that occupied Shakespeare later in life: reconciliation. Wrongs committed by one generation are made right by the next.
Chapter List
- The Winter's Tale Act 1
- The Winter's Tale Act 2
- The Winter's Tale Act 3
- The Winter's Tale Act 4
- The Winter's Tale Act 5
Supplemental Files
- MARC Records for SH
- MARC records for the series The BBC Shakespeare Plays
- Shakespeare Plays Brief Description
- Shakespeare Plays Brief Description
- Transcription for All's Well that Ends Well
- Transcription for Antony & Cleopatra
- Transcription for As You Like It
- Transcription for The Comedy of Errors
- Transcription for Coriolanus
- Transcription for Cymbeline
- Transcription for Hamlet
- Transcription for Henry IV, Part 1
- Transcription for Henry IV, Part 2
- Transcription for Henry V
- Transcription for Henry VI, Part 1
- Transcription for Henry VI, Part 2
- Transcription for Henry VI, Part 3
- Transcription for Henry VIII
- Transcription for Julius Caesar
- Transcription for King John
- Transcription for King Lear
- Transcription for Love's Labour's Lost
- Transcription for Macbeth
- Transcription for Measure For Measure
- Transcription for Merchant of Venice
- Transcription for Merry Wives of Windsor
- Transcription for A Midsummer Night's Dream
- Transcription for Much Ado About Nothing
- Transcription for Othello
- Transcription for Pericles
- Transcription for Richard II
- Transcription for Richard III
- Transcription for Romeo and Juliet
- Transcription for Taming of the Shrew
- Transcription for The Tempest
- Transcription for Timon of Athens
- Transcription for Titus Andronicus
- Transcription for Troilus & Cressida
- Transcription for Twelfth Night
- Transcription for Two Gentlemen of Verona
- Transcription for The Winter's Tale
Reviews
This entire Shakespeare series ...is highly recommended for both school and public library literature collections.
For many collections, the BBC Shakespeare series was among the earliest and most significant acquisitions. At Berkeley and many other institutions, the series has come to be regarded as the canon against which other Shakespeare performances on film are measured and compared...
Shakespeare Would Be Amused...by the care, money, time and talent that are being lavished on the mammoth task of producing all 37 of his plays...