King Lear (1971)
- Starring:
- Paul Scofield
- Director(s):
- Peter Brook
Synopsis of King Lear
In director Peter Brook's King Lear, Paul Scofield portrays the title character, a senile old ruler, whose susceptibility to flattery proves his undoing. The premise involves Lear's ill-fated attempts to divide his kingdom amongst his three daughters -- a goal that ultimately leads to tragedy. The stark terrain of Denmark stands in for England in this version, adding a brooding visual texture to the picture that exists alongside the traditional Shakespearean dialogue. Lear's daughters are played by Irene Worth (Goneril), Susan Engel (Regan), and Anne-Lise Gabold (Cordelia); others in the cast are Alan Webb (Gloucester), Cyril Cusack (Albany), Patrick Magee (Cornwall), and Jack MacGowran (the Fool). Younger viewers and those faint at heart be warned: King Lear is one of Shakespeare's most graphically violent works, and director Brook takes every opportunity to emphasize the carnage and gore. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Complete Cast of King Lear
- Paul Scofield - King Lear
- Susan Engel - Regan
- Irene Worth - Goneril
- Robert Lloyd - Edgar
- Soren Elung Jensen - Duke of Burgundy
- Alan Webb - Duke of Gloucester
- Patrick Magee - Duke of Cornwall
- Cyril Cusack - Duke of Albany
- Anne-Lise Gabold - Cordelia
- Ian Hogg - Edmund
- Barry Stanton - Oswald
- Tom Fleming - Earl of Kent
- Jack MacGowran - Fool
- Director(s):
- Peter Brook
- Writer(s):
- Peter Brook
- Producer(s):
- Michael Birkett
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