Silent Shakespeare

As oxymorons go, "silent Shakespeare" ranks right up there with "darkness visible," "military intelligence," or, for that matter (as some would say), "video librarian." Yet, silent indeed are the seven shorts collected here (1899-1911), with only the final entry, Richard III, sporting snippets of actual Shakespearean dialogue in the title cards. Leaving aside the philosophical question of whether the other one or two reel "photoplays" can rightfully be called "Shakespeare," the larger question looms of who (or even whom) would want to watch these pieces, which include a one-scene King John and a so-choppy-in-places-as-to-be-nigh-well-unwatchable The Merchant of Venice? Even the lengthy Richard III is filmed entirely from the point of view of a single static camera planted somewhere in or around the 7th row, making it a rather unengaging cinematic experience. Neither good Shakespeare nor great film, Silent Shakespeare would only be of interest to either that small subset of Shakespearean scholars concerned with the historical portrayal of the Bard's works on film or rabid silent film fans. Not recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (R. Pitman)