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A Midsummer Night's Dream

  • TV Movie
  • 1982
IMDb RATING
7.8/10
110
YOUR RATING
A Midsummer Night's Dream (1982)
ComedyFantasy

Theseus has defeated Hippolyta in battle, and now claims her as his bride. But before the nuptials begin, a pair of young lovers flee into the forest to be married, pursued by a pair of not-... Read allTheseus has defeated Hippolyta in battle, and now claims her as his bride. But before the nuptials begin, a pair of young lovers flee into the forest to be married, pursued by a pair of not-lovers. There, in the forest, live the fairies whose lives are in turmoil, due to the heat... Read allTheseus has defeated Hippolyta in battle, and now claims her as his bride. But before the nuptials begin, a pair of young lovers flee into the forest to be married, pursued by a pair of not-lovers. There, in the forest, live the fairies whose lives are in turmoil, due to the heated lovers' quarrels between their rulers, Oberon and Titania. Between the fairies, an ass'... Read all

  • Director
    • Emile Ardolino
  • Writer
    • William Shakespeare
  • Stars
    • Diane Venora
    • James Hurdle
    • Ricky Jay
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • IMDb RATING
    7.8/10
    110
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Emile Ardolino
    • Writer
      • William Shakespeare
    • Stars
      • Diane Venora
      • James Hurdle
      • Ricky Jay
    • 14User reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro

    • Photos

    Top cast21

    Edit
    Diane Venora
    Diane Venora
    • Hippolyta
    James Hurdle
    • Theseus
    Ricky Jay
    Ricky Jay
    • Philostrate
    Ralph Drischell
    • Egeus
    Deborah Rush
    Deborah Rush
    • Hermia
    Rick Lieberman
    • Demetrius
    Kevin Conroy
    Kevin Conroy
    • Lysander
    Christine Baranski
    Christine Baranski
    • Helena
    Steve Vinovich
    Steve Vinovich
    • Quince
    Jeffrey DeMunn
    Jeffrey DeMunn
    • Bottom
    Paul Bates
    Paul Bates
    • Flute
    J. Patrick O'Brien
    • Starveling
    Andreas Katsulas
    Andreas Katsulas
    • Snout
    Peter Crook
    • Snug
    Marcell Rosenblatt
    • Puck
    William Hurt
    William Hurt
    • Oberon
    Michele Shay
    • Titania
    Emmanuel Lewis
    Emmanuel Lewis
    • Human child
    • Director
      • Emile Ardolino
    • Writer
      • William Shakespeare
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews14

    7.8110
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    Featured reviews

    8gmurphy-1

    William Hurt's performance exceptional

    It's been a very long time since I saw this -- near the original airing, and that's the only time. I'd love to get it/see it again. What I remember most positively...beyond overall good quality, and the outdoor theatrical setting, which gave it the charm of a performance (vs. a movie)... is William Hurt's acting as Oberon. Particularly his diction...which (although this is a distant memory) was rather "otherwordly", and gave a dimension to the fairy character that I'd never seen (or heard). If I am recalling it right, he extended certain syllables and phrases, intoned words in unusual ways -- and as I said, the effect was of a truly alien character -- which makes perfect sense, since that's what a King of the Fairies would be. I know it's worth seeing again to confirm my remembrance -- just have to find it.
    artcarlady

    Favorite version of a MSND veteran

    As a drama teacher I've directed MSND 3 times and have seen a number live productions, including one at the Stratford Shapkespeare festival. This is without a doubt the one I love most. I like Hurt's growling, tumbling Oberon and his very physical relationship with Puck. Christine Baranski is, as noted many times by the other reviewers, utterly hilarious. But my favorite moment comes at the end, when Bottom is describing his dreamy interlude with Titania and he sees a fleeting vision of her as she fades away into the night. For a few seconds we see the loneliness and longing beneath his blustery persona. I'd never had much fondness for the character until then, but that tiny spark of pathos made him much more appealing. The day I can find it - video or DVD - I'll snap it up.
    8aernest

    Midsummer Night's Dream

    I am an English teacher and use this version for its hilarious Pyramus and Thisbe segment. It is done perfectly and raucously, just as Shakespeare would have wanted! Bottom is excellent. The students always fall out - even those too cool to laugh! My VHS is almost completely deteriorated from use. Does ANYONE know where I can get another?? I like this version - it is indeed a bit dated and I find the Puck in this one REALLY annoying, but William Hurt, as others have pointed out, is appropriately otherworldly. Christine Baransky is also quite good in this. I think the fact that it's really outside in a forest adds to its magic.
    10Myhrddin

    an enchanting performance

    This is one production I would very much like to see become available on DVD. An excellent cast presents this classic in Central Park for a magical evening under the stars. Originally shown on A&E, it is a pure delight and whilst using only a minim of special effects, delivers a performance of a sort I think Shakespeare would much approve. The production is a bit over three hours if I remember correctly and of high enough caliber to be the central course for an evening. While others have remarked on the performance, I disagree and enjoyed them all. If you can find it, set aside some time and get away from it all .. your brain with thank you for it.!
    7hilamonster

    Christine Baranski is hilarious

    This version of Shakespeare's play is well-acted but not particularly exciting. The funniest performance comes from Christine Baranski as Helena. The 1999 and 1935 versions are more interesting than this sometimes long-winded production. Granted, this is a televised stage production whereas the others had the freedom of the cinema. But a lot more can be done with Shakespeare on stage -- as exemplified by the recently televised (1998) "Twelfth Night" and by countless live performances.

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    Related interests

    Will Ferrell in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
    Comedy
    Elijah Wood in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
    Fantasy

    Storyline

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    • Connections
      Version of A Midsummer Night's Dream (1909)

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • 1982 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • arabuloku.com
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Сън в лятна нощ
    • Production company
      • New York Shakespeare Festival
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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