Shakespeare in Love (1998)
The romantic comedy film, Shakespeare in Love (1998), was directed by John Madden. Set in London during 1593, it follows the story of William Shakespeare as he struggles with writer’s block while working for Philip Henslowe, owner of The Rose Theatre and the Lord Chamberlain’s Men. In an attempt to sell his new comedy, Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate’s Daughter, to rival theatre owner Richard Burbage, Shakespeare tries to seduce Rosaline, Burbage’s mistress. He also seeks advice from fellow playwright Christopher Marlowe. However, his plans are complicated when he discovers Rosaline is involved with Master of the Revels Edmund Tilney. Meanwhile, Henslowe is desperate to raise funds and begins holding auditions despite being in debt to ruthless moneylender Fennyman.
Viola de Lesseps, the daughter of a wealthy merchant, has witnessed Shakespeare’s plays at court. In hopes of auditioning for one of his productions, she takes on the guise of a man named Thomas Kent. During her audition, Kent impresses Shakespeare with a speech from Two Gentlemen of Verona, but flees when he begins to question her true identity. Shakespeare follows ‘Kent’ to Viola’s home and discreetly leaves a note with her nurse, requesting that rehearsals begin at the Rose. To further complicate matters, Viola is forced into an arranged betrothal to Lord Wessex, a cash-strapped aristocrat. While dancing with Viola at a ball hosted by her family, Shakespeare is rendered speechless by her presence. However, their moment is interrupted by Wessex who becomes hostile towards ‘Marlowe’, who is actually Shakespeare in disguise.
Date of download: 2015-11-11T17:22:34+00:00
Cast:  Joseph FiennesWill Shakespeare  Gwyneth PaltrowViola De Lesseps  Geoffrey RushPhilip Henslowe  Colin FirthLord Wessex  Ben AffleckNed Alleyn  Judi DenchQueen Elizabeth  Simon CallowEdmund Tilney  Jim CarterRalph Bashford  Martin ClunesRichard Burbage  Antony SherDr Moth  Imelda StauntonNurse  Tom WilkinsonHugh Fennyman  Mark WilliamsWabash |
The romantic comedy film, Shakespeare in Love (1998), was directed by John Madden. Set in London during 1593, it follows the story of William Shakespeare as he struggles with writer’s block while working for Philip Henslowe, owner of The Rose Theatre and the Lord Chamberlain’s Men. In an attempt to sell his new comedy, Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate’s Daughter, to rival theatre owner Richard Burbage, Shakespeare tries to seduce Rosaline, Burbage’s mistress. He also seeks advice from fellow playwright Christopher Marlowe. However, his plans are complicated when he discovers Rosaline is involved with Master of the Revels Edmund Tilney. Meanwhile, Henslowe is desperate to raise funds and begins holding auditions despite being in debt to ruthless moneylender Fennyman.
Viola de Lesseps, the daughter of a wealthy merchant, has witnessed Shakespeare’s plays at court. In hopes of auditioning for one of his productions, she takes on the guise of a man named Thomas Kent. During her audition, Kent impresses Shakespeare with a speech from Two Gentlemen of Verona, but flees when he begins to question her true identity. Shakespeare follows ‘Kent’ to Viola’s home and discreetly leaves a note with her nurse, requesting that rehearsals begin at the Rose. To further complicate matters, Viola is forced into an arranged betrothal to Lord Wessex, a cash-strapped aristocrat. While dancing with Viola at a ball hosted by her family, Shakespeare is rendered speechless by her presence. However, their moment is interrupted by Wessex who becomes hostile towards ‘Marlowe’, who is actually Shakespeare in disguise.
