''Macbeth'' is a 1960 Australian TV film based on the play by

William Shakespeare William Shakespeare ( 23 April 1564 – 23 April 1616) was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's nation ...

. It was directed by William Sterling. The ABC would present another version of the play in 1965.

Cast

* Kenneth Goodlet as Macbeth *Keith Eden as Macduff *Christine Hill *Douglas Kelly as Duncan *Mark Kelly *Rod Milgate as Malcolm * Wynn Roberts as Banquo * Dinah Shearing as Lady Macbeth

Production

The play was filmed in conjunction with ''The Life and Death of Richard II'' which was shot in Sydney. ''Macbeth'' had several months of planning and rehearsals. Nine sets were used. There was location filming at Beaconsfield and Cape Schank (for the witches scene). It was set in the eleventh century and was described as akin to

Orson Welles George Orson Welles (May 6, 1915 – October 10, 1985) was an American director, actor, writer, producer, and magician who is remembered for his innovative work in film, radio, and theatre. He is among the greatest and most influential film ...

' 1948 film production of the play.

Barry Creyton Barry Creyton (born 1939) is an Australian actor, playwright, author, screenwriter, composer and director, he has also worked in the United Kingdom and the United States. He became best known nationally alongside Carol Raye and Gordon Chater, ...

has a small role. "I literally carried a spear," he later said.

Reception

The ''Sydney Morning Herald'' wrote that the production as "visually efficient" but also "a dreadful warning of what can happen when a producer becomes frightened of a great text... a torrent of gabble and shouting. Some of the most concise dramatic poetry in all Shakespeare received treatment worthy of the race results." ''The Age'' said it was an "inordinately successful presentation." In its year review of drama, that paper said it was one of the "outstanding" productions of the year.

References

External links

* Australian television plays Films based on Macbeth 1960 television plays Films directed by William Sterling (director) 1960s English-language films Television shows based on Macbeth Australian films based on plays {{Australia-tv-film-stub