The Tempest

1979·95'

★ 5.7

Letterboxd TMDB #104874

“We are such stuff as dreams are made on and our little life is rounded with a sleep.”

Prospero, a potent magician, lives on a desolate isle with his virginal daughter, Miranda. He's in exile, banished from his duchy by his usurping brother and the King of Naples. Providence brings these enemies near; aided by his vassal the spirit Ariel, Prospero conjures a tempest to wreck the Italian ship. The king's son, thinking all others lost, becomes Prospero's prisoner, falling in love with Miranda and she with him. Prospero's brother and the king wander the island, as do a drunken cook and sailor, who conspire with Caliban, Prospero's beastly slave, to murder Prospero. Prospero wants reason to triumph, Ariel wants his freedom, Miranda a husband; the sailors want to dance.

Cast

Heathcote Williams Prospero, the Right Duke of Milan

Toyah Willcox Miranda, his daughter

Karl Johnson Ariel, an airy spirit

Jack Birkett Caliban, a savage and deformed slave

Peter Bull Alonso, the King of Naples

David Meyer Ferdinand, his son

Neil Cunningham Sebastian, his brother

Richard Warwick Antonio, his brother

Christopher Biggins Stephano, a drunken mariner

Peter Turner Trinculo, his friend

Ken Campbell Gonzalo, an honest councillor

Elisabeth Welch A Goddess