This film is part of Free
Hamlet
Johnston Forbes-Roberston gives his famous performance of Hamlet in this ambitious early Shakespeare feature
Overview
This production of Hamlet by the Hepworth Company is foremost a record of a signature performance by Johnston Forbes-Robertson, honed over many years - he first played the role in 1897. Passages such as Hamlet's famous soliloquy, while sensitively performed, tend to be speech-heavy - but the film does display cinematic ambitions in its great location work at Lulworth Cove and Hartsbourne Manor and well-choreographed action sequences such as the final duel.
This full length Hamlet was one of the first feature films ever made in Britain. A glance at the other titles - Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, East Lynne and Lorna Doone, for example - shows that producers were likely to look for tried and trusted classics as their subjects. Given the scale of investment needed to make a long film, Shakespeare was always bound to be top of the list.
Related
Next Next
Animation & Artists Moving Image 1989 5 mins
Two virtuoso performances in one β Shakespeare's complete works presented in puppet form by a master of animation
Sir Ian McKellen introduces Richard III (1995) Sir Ian McKellen introduces Richard III (1995)
Short documentary 2016 1 mins
Sir Ian McKellen reflects on his most renowned on-screen Shakespearean role, reprised from Richard Eyre's acclaimed National Theatre production.
Welcome to Shakespeare Land! Welcome to Shakespeare Land!
Short documentary 2016 14 mins
Travel back in time to a bygone Stratford-upon-Avon through the lens of the BFI's fascinating collection of Shakespeare-themed travelogues.
Shakespeare on Stage, Screen and Elsewhere with Ian McKellen Shakespeare on Stage, Screen and Elsewhere with Ian McKellen
Inside Film 2016 73 mins
Acting legend Ian McKellen discusses his impressive range of Shakespearean performances.
Twelfth Night Twelfth Night
Comedy 1910 11 mins Silent
Vitagraphβs charming 1910 interpretation features some notably lively performances.
King John King John
Drama 1899 1 mins Silent
The first ever Shakespearean film - once thought to be lost - with Herbert Beerbohm Tree in the title role.
Layla - Exclusive Q&A Layla - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 27 mins
Writer, director and performer Amrou Al-Kadhi talks to Rico Johnson-Sinclair about their debut feature.
All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 28 mins
Payal Kapadia discusses her Cannes prize-winning and Bafta-nominated drama with Ashanti Omkar.
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.
Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology
Documentary 2023 15 mins
A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.
Every Moment Counts Every Moment Counts
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
A short animation that offers a window into the world of childrenβs palliative care.
Police Story: Panel Discussion Police Story: Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 24 mins
Panel discussion on Jackie Chan's 1985 action classic Police Story, with Chase Armitage, Sam Mak and Jadey Duffield.