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How would we interpret Shakespeare at the end of the 20th century if there were no Kenneth Branagh?  His devotion to the plays, his love of the characters for their strengths and their weaknesses, shines through his work.  I'll be the first to admit he goes a little over the top, he is not the best director; however, he brings fresh interpretations that reflect the age we live in, the way we think, and our relationship to the characterizations drawn 400 years ago by Shakespeare.

I am proud to be able to offer these selections from Kenneth Branagh's work.  The Shakespeare selections in his catalog are extensive.  He has done Hamlet, Much Ado About Nothing, and Henry V for the movies. 

Beginning
by Kenneth Branagh

Paperback Reprint edition (May 1991)
St. Martin's Press

An autobiography already?  If you're a theater lover you'll enjoy this.

Hamlet

AT LAST!  After an absence from the market, Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet will be available again!  If you want up to the minute news, please sign-up for our newsletter.

This Hamlet has the complete text, runs four hours (it has an intermission) and should be seen by every man, woman and child.  It captures the true scope of the play:   political intrigue, incest, and murder most foul.

The screenplay for Branagh's Hamlet includes 24 pages of color photos from the movie printed on good paper.  It's delightful to read and contains the entire text.   This edition also includes a production diary that contains interesting notes and humorous stories. 

Read Hamlet recommendation.

Order Widescreen VHS

Order Pan and Scan VHS

Order Soundtrack on CD  (includes Placido Domingo "In Pace")  -- brilliant score by Patrick Doyle.  No longer available -- sign up for our newsletter to get the latest news on what is and is not available.

BBC Radio Hamlet

 In 1993, Kenneth Branagh recorded Hamlet for BBC Radio.  You could consider this a dry run for the movie, since it features many of the same actors.

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Henry V

Branagh's Henry V is lavish, considering that he had a limited budget for this production.  Derek Jacobi is the Chorus, Emma Thompson is Katherine, and Branagh is, of course, King Henry V.  Ian Holm delivers an endearing performance as Fluellen.  

Henry V -- the Screenplay

I like to read these screenplays as much (or maybe better) as I like to read the plays.  The screenplay is presented in the form of a movie script, listing directions, some shots, bits of interest -- in other words, it lists enough details to make the drama breath for the reader.  Paperback - 107 pages 1st Amer. Ed edition (November 1997) W. W. Norton & Company.

Henry V by Kenneth Branagh on VHS

Henry V is no longer available on video.  Sign up for our private newsletter to receive up to the minute news on releases of this and other Shakespeare movies.

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Read Henry V recommendation

Much Ado About Nothing

Is there anything as delightful as a Shakespeare comedy?  How about one that is shot in Italy, and features handsome men wearing blue leather pants? 

Kenneth Branagh's Much Ado About Nothing is visually striking, hilarious, and thought provoking.  This is a perfect "introduction" to Shakespeare for your children who are old enough not to be disturbed by Margaret consorting with Borachio on the open balcony.  This is not graphic or overtly sexual -- it is a necessary scene on which the plot turns.  Michael Keaton is excellent as Dogberry ("Write it down that I am an ass," and you can see Emma Thompson's mother, Phyllida Law as the waiting woman Ursula.  Featuring Keanu Reeves as Don John (the villain), Denzel Washington as Don Pedro (the Prince) and Kenneth Branagh as Benedick.  The music is wonderful  -- it is done (of course) by Patrick Doyle, who also appears as Balthasar (listed in the play as Attendant to Don Pedro, a singer).

Much Ado About Nothing:

Screenplay, Introduction, and Notes on the Making of the Movie.
by William Shakespeare,
Kenneth Branagh,
Clive Coote (Photographer)
Paperback (May 1993) W W Norton & Co.

Much Ado About Nothing

The Sound Track Audio CD (May 4, 1993) Sony Music.  Music Composed by Patrick Doyle.

Listen to samples or order the soundtrack at Amazon.com

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Last updated 26 January, 2000