As You Like It
Orlando is forced to work like a servant for his brother Oliver, so he goes to win his fortune in a wrestling contest, where he meets a lady of the court, Rosalind. Rosalind (daughter of the deposed duke) is companion to Celia, niece of the deposed Duke, and when the current duke banishes Rosalind from the kingdom, she, Celia, the court jester (and incidentally Orlando) all end up in the forest or Arden, where the deposed Duke holds court. Romantic mixups, cross-dressing, love poems nailed to trees, and a lion await them all.
Insights
Plot Summary
This television adaptation of William Shakespeare's pastoral comedy follows Rosalind, who is banished from court by her uncle, Duke Frederick. She flees to the Forest of Arden disguised as a young man named Ganymede. There, she encounters her banished father, Orlando (who is in love with her), and a host of other characters, leading to a series of romantic entanglements and humorous situations before all is resolved.
Critical Reception
This BBC television production of Shakespeare's 'As You Like It' is often praised for its faithful adaptation of the play and strong performances from its cast, particularly Helen Mirren in the lead role. It captures the whimsical and romantic spirit of the original text, making it a solid choice for fans of classic literature and stage productions.
What Reviewers Say
- Faithful and well-acted adaptation of Shakespeare's play.
- Helen Mirren delivers a memorable performance as Rosalind.
- Captures the charm and wit of the original work.
Google audience: Audience reception data for this specific 1978 television production is not readily available.
Fun Fact
This production was part of the BBC's ambitious project to adapt all of Shakespeare's plays for television, a significant undertaking that aimed to bring the Bard's work to a wider audience.
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