The Libertine (2004)
John Wilmot, Second Earl of Rochester, delivers a prologue of themes of his fondness for drink, his sexual proclivities, and his disdain for his audience. King Charles II retracts his banishment of the earl as he has need of him in the House of Lords. Back in London, Rochester finds his “Merry Gang” friends, George Etherege and Charles Sackville, in a bawdy house. Rochester encounters on the street the thief Alcock. Impressed by his dishonesty, Rochester hires him as his gentleman. The Merry Gang introduce to Rochester who will be its newest member, 18-year-old Billy Downs. Rochester warns Downs, “Young man, you will die of this company.”
The Merry Gang attend a play where the actress Elizabeth Barry is booed off the stage, refusing to participate in a curtain call, and is fired. Rochester is taken with Barry, secures her re-employment with the theatre company, and undertakes to coach her in acting. Barry’s acting improves dramatically and she delivers a brilliant performance in her next production. The King approaches Barry to spy on Rochester as to the progress of the intended tribute to the French Ambassador.
Date of download: 2015-11-11T17:22:34+00:00
Cast:  Johnny DeppJohn Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester  John MalkovichKing Charles II  Samantha MortonElizabeth Barry  Rosamund PikeElizabeth Malet  Rupert FriendBilly Downs  Paul RitterChiffinch  Tom HollanderSir George Etherege |
John Wilmot, Second Earl of Rochester, delivers a prologue of themes of his fondness for drink, his sexual proclivities, and his disdain for his audience. King Charles II retracts his banishment of the earl as he has need of him in the House of Lords. Back in London, Rochester finds his “Merry Gang” friends, George Etherege and Charles Sackville, in a bawdy house. Rochester encounters on the street the thief Alcock. Impressed by his dishonesty, Rochester hires him as his gentleman. The Merry Gang introduce to Rochester who will be its newest member, 18-year-old Billy Downs. Rochester warns Downs, “Young man, you will die of this company.”
The Merry Gang attend a play where the actress Elizabeth Barry is booed off the stage, refusing to participate in a curtain call, and is fired. Rochester is taken with Barry, secures her re-employment with the theatre company, and undertakes to coach her in acting. Barry’s acting improves dramatically and she delivers a brilliant performance in her next production. The King approaches Barry to spy on Rochester as to the progress of the intended tribute to the French Ambassador.
