Uncle Vanya

DRN5's rather curious and one sided comments about the Olivier directed production of 'Uncle Vanya' needs to be put in the context of what the professional critics of the day expressed. That is not to say I did not enjoy 'Vanya on 42nd Street' - I did very much, but the Olivier production added another dimension portraying as it does, Chekhov's desire to say to people 'Have a look at yourselves and see how dreary your lives are'. 'This is ensemble acting in the Master Class' New York Times 'Miss Harris' argument, reconciliation and mutual confession with Joan Plowright are the best acted women's scenes I have ever watched. One after another, the British critics poured forth their praise...' American Newsweek Chekhov's Uncle Vanya, directed by Laurence Olivier, is the admitted master achievement in British twentieth-century theatre...for authority and finish - above all for centrality of purpose - this has no competitor' London Sunday Times Olivier's Vanya...is one of the greatest productions of an era... the most satisfying and integrated...' London Observer 'Take this road to find greatness...with a cast that could not be bettered on the English-speaking part of the earth' London Daily Express 'Majestic Uncle Vanya....the acting of a magnificent company. This production of a great play is a rare achievement. London Evening Standard 'This company and this production will be remembered for a long time...that leaves you awed, grateful and humble in the face of such perfection. London Punch

A PAL standard DVD of this film will be released late in 2003 in the UK.