Edward II (1970 TV Movie) User Reviews

McKellen and Laurenson shine in a memorable production

[mkb-8 · 10/10 · 29 November 2006]

Shakespeare's Richard II and Marlowe's Edward II were successful stage productions recorded in the studio for BBC Television in the early days of colour transmissions. At that time only the recently inaugurated BBC 2 channel was broadcasting in colour and the new TV sets were very expensive.

I was a university student at the time and watched these outstanding productions in the colour TV lounge in my hall of residence. I've remembered them vividly ever since, particularly the young Ian McKellen's highly charged and sensual performances in the title roles. Those were less enlightened times and young Ian was still firmly 'in the closet' but to my youthful mind his gay sensibility was more than evident, especially in the role of Edward II. James Laurenson was also outstanding as Gaveston.

These landmark productions are crying out for a DVD release.

Christopher Marlowe done to perfection

[TheLittleSongbird · 10/10 · 1 September 2012]

My main attraction to watching Edward II, not including my love for literature, was Ian McKellen. And he is superb here, passionate and very spontaneous. Plus there are few performances of his where he has been more handsome. James Laurenson is also outstanding, very nuanced, while the support cast of Timothy West and Diane Fletcher are also on their level. There is a memorable turn towards the end by Robert Eddison. The dialogue I can't fault and it is delivered with great feeling and intensity by all, and the story is well measured in pace and gives the love between Edward and Gaveston a certain depth. The production values are fine, the settings are appropriately regal and the costumes at least don't look drab. The filming is very good. Overall, helped hugely by the performances this is Christopher Marlowe done perfectly, highly recommended. 10/10 Bethany Cox

everybody knows what happens to poor ed...due for DVD

[danielj_old999 · 9/10 · 8 September 2005]

this is a wonderful, fiery production with the most gruesome murder scene I've ever seen on public TV....I don't know how they handle it on stage but they pulled out all the stops here....a great early performance from McKellen that should be seen again (all the actors are great) I saw this when I was about 10 and that climactic scene has never left me...I wouldn't bet on anything this graphic being made for PBS nowadays...there was something about that time when anything went...to me this production was virtually as good as the Olivier Lear from Granada Television....certainly deserves to be rereleased along with so many of the old public television productions

Excellent filming of Play for BBC Channel 2. in 1970.

[jaybob · 9/10 · 5 June 2009]

This movie is a photographed stage play.Richard Marquand and Toby Robertson directed Christopher Marlowe's tragedy of King Edward 11 of England. Many Kings & rulers have had sad tragic lives,his was one of the saddest.

He dared to love another man in a period of time when such romances were kept quiet. Christopher Marlowe was a very noted playwright of the same prediction. He was murdered before his 29 the birthday. He was a contemporary of Shakespeare & like the mighty Will, Marlowes plays still love on.

Ian McKellen is superb as the tragic king. Ian at this time (1969), was exceptionally handsome even more so as he is today.

In the late 1960's it was shocking for audiences to see two men passionately kiss. James Laurenson is his lover Piers Gaveston.

This movie was shown on Channel 2 BBC, & not in theatres.

Surprisingly its very adult, there is no nudity, SPOILER ALERT.for those unfamiliar with these 2 men.

We do see there ultimate fates,The Kings demise is reasonably realistic in detail.

The filmed-play is wonderfully done down to the final details. the acting by all is magnificent

It will remind you plays by Shakespere that were lacking in details as well.Just pay attentively & all becomes clear./

The DVD has an additional movie; an 81 minute documentary type examining today the inquest into Marlowe's Murder.

It is very informative & very well done. BE SURE to see this part.

Both the play & movie make for a fine evening of viewing.

Ratings: ***1/2 (OUT OF 4) 95 points(out of 100) IMDb 9 (out of 10)

NOTE: my rating is for same for both parts of DVD>