TV Guide: Hamlet

Video: Hamlet

Amazon Video on Demand — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Hamlet's father, the King of Denmark, dies suddenly, and his throne has been taken by the dead King's brother Claudius, who immediately marries Gertrude the dead King's widow. Hamlet suspects that his father was murdered by Claudius and Gertrude and his suspicion is strengthened by the news that his father's ghost has been seen haunting the Castle of Elsinore. One night, on the castle battlements, the ghost reveals that he was indeed murdered, and makes Hamlet swear to avenge him. Hamlet arranges for a troupe of travelling actors to stage a reconstruction of the murder, hoping that Claudius will break down and incriminate himself. The idea succeeds but Hamlet still cannot bring himself to kill Claudius. During this time Hamlet has been troubled by his love for Ophelia the young daughter of Polonius. Claudius suggests that the revenge be taken in a fencing bout. Laertes is to be given a poisoned foil with which to fight Hamlet. If this fails Hamlet is to be given poisoned wine. But this

Video: Hamlet

Amazon Video on Demand — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500

With a daring and depth few of his American contemporaries seem prepared to match, Kevin Kline stars in and directs "Hamlet" for the New York Shakespeare Festival. Now with the felicitous addition of Kirk Browning as co-director, he has brought his indelible "Hamlet" to television where, as The New York Times stated, "It is eloquent, moving and at times thrilling. The shrewdly edited version uses tight close-ups and captures small crowd scenes without a sense of confinement. The teleplay flows with commendable grace from beginning to end, all urged on by Kline's intelligent interpretation."

Video: Hamlet

Amazon Video on Demand — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500