Macbeth

This Hallmark Hall of Fame production of Macbeth is poorly lit; the actors appear either over-exposed by a bright spotlight or lost in shadow, and in both cases, facial expressions are difficult to read.

The soundtrack also has its flaws, with the actors throwing away some lines in too-soft whispers. The style of performance is overly theatrical, a caricature of Shakespearean acting.

The costumes and hairstyles are Hollywood-medieval, and the fight scenes, filmed with what sounds like wooden swords, are unrealistic, to say the least.

The witches are played as old hags in black robes.

The Macbeths are not a young couple, and Lady Macbeth could easily have doubled as one of the witches, particularly in the "unsex me now" scene, which is complete with music that is meant to be (but is not) unnerving.

The only outstanding aspect of the film is Pat O'Malley's performance as the Porter in the knocking-at-the-gate scene.

It is a real pity that this film is not available on video. I was surprised to see how much of the staging of the battle scenes was re-used in BRAVEHEART years later. There are some striking sets and the soundtrack and lighting are well above average. Production design is of a very high standard. The direction is excellent; there is a mounting feeling of dread as the action progresses, with the Sleepwalking scene and Banquo's Ghost being particularly well done. The cast is very good. Judith Anderson reminded me of the Witch in SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARVES, and Maurice Evans is a suitably ambitious Macbeth. Watch for a breathtakingly handsome 28-year old Jeremy Brett as Prince Malcolm.