The lunatic, the lover, and the poet
Are of imagination all compact.
–Theseus (V.i.7-8)
Two years ago I reviewed two film productions here of Shakespeare’s fantasy-filled play A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1935, 1999). I even suggested that, given the sheer number of adaptations, it might become a midsummer tradition.
We missed last year, but…. Yeah, last year. Let’s try again, with a 1968 production that brings Diana Rigg (likely best-known to Bureau-cats for her roles in Avengers and Game of Thrones), Helen Mirren, Ian Holm (Bilbo to you), Judi Dench (many roles, but if you’re here, you likely thought of M), Paul Rogers, and nudity to Shakespeare’s comedy.
Greek mythology, faeries, magic, lovers young and old, and a well-meaning troupe of dubious actors await you.