King Lear

Episode aired Oct 18, 1953
Not Rated
1h 15m

IMDb RATING

6.9/10

198

YOUR RATING

Drama History Music

An old king, stepping down from the throne, disinherits his favorite daughter on a mad whim and gives his kingdom to his two older daughters, both of whom prove treacherous.An old king, stepping down from the throne, disinherits his favorite daughter on a mad whim and gives his kingdom to his two older daughters, both of whom prove treacherous.An old king, stepping down from the throne, disinherits his favorite daughter on a mad whim and gives his kingdom to his two older daughters, both of whom prove treacherous.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.9/10

198

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

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Storyline

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Trivia
This adaptation of William Shakespeare's play cuts out the subplot involving Edmund, Edgar and their father, the Earl of Gloucester. Edmund's character is merged into that of Oswald (David J. Stewart). Tom o' Bedlam (Micheál MacLiammóir) appears, but we never learn, as in the original play, that "Tom" is only a guise for Edgar. Key scenes involving Gloucester (Frederick Worlock), including his blinding, are retained, but only as they directly relate to the main plot. No mention is made of his having sons.

Goofs
During the storm scene, Lear's mustache comes lose and flaps in the wind. Orson Welles turns his back at one point in a failed attempt to stick it back on firmly.

Connections
Featured in The Eyes of Orson Welles (2018)

User reviews13

Review

Featured review

Characters are missing.

The film is in black and white video, and takes liberties with the plot. The Duke of Gloucester and his evil son Edmund, major characters in the play, are absent from the film. Orson Welles' King Lear costume makes him look like a refugee from Mystery Science Theater 3000.