This is unique, I'll give it that. Almost 300 years old, it tells of a highwayman who captures the loyalty of the commoners in the English countryside. MacHeath (of Mack the Knife fame!) is a womanizer and all-around rogue and hedonist. This is a given in the story - all we see is people (especially women) forgiving his every lie and cheat. The music is OK - nothing memorable. Olivier apparently sang his own parts, which was merely adequate. Stanley Holloway - of My Fair Lady infamy - is a delight. On the whole though, none of the performances, music or storylines were very interesting. If it wasn't for Olivier, no-one would watch this, and he doesn't add much.
Review of The Beggar's Opera
