Othello

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Othello

1965,

2h 46m,

Drama

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Watchlist

Watchlist

82%

11 Reviews

Tomatometer

63%

500+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

82%

Tomatometer

11 Reviews

63%

Popcornmeter

500+ Ratings

When a secret marriage is planned between Othello (Laurence Olivier), a Moorish general, and Desdemona (Maggie Smith), the daughter of Senator Brabantio (Anthony Nicholls), her old suitor Roderigo (Robert Lang) takes it hard. Allying himself with Iago (Frank Finlay) who has his own grudge against Othello, the two conspire to bring the general down. When their first plan, to have him accused of witchcraft, fails, they plant evidence intended to make Othello think Desdemona is unfaithful.

Pauline Kael

McCall's

Sep 19, 2023

Olivier’s presence on the screen is the pictorial beauty of heroism. Perhaps that is why we may leave the photographed version of Othello with a sense of exaltation and the wonder of sheer admiration.

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Wendy Michener

Maclean's Magazine

Jul 16, 2019

There are, of course, many ways to film a staged play, and some are so crude as to be of little value even for the record. Fortunately Othello has been made both wisely and well.

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Phil Hall

Film Threat

Oct 24, 2007

3/5

Even with its imperfections and politically incorrect presentation, this film is a memorable achievement.

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Jeffrey M. Anderson

Combustible Celluloid

Sep 6, 2007

It's a bloated corpse of a movie, running a numbing 166 minutes with only Olivier's lifeblood to sustain it.

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Peter Canavese

Groucho Reviews

Aug 5, 2007

3/4

Whether taken as a cultural relic or the definitive screen treatment, Othello demands to be seen for Olivier's bravura, high-wire performance.

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Cole Smithey

ColeSmithey.com

Jul 17, 2007

4/5

A great cinematic touchstone.

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Draco W

Nov 9, 2017

Great acting in movie. Good acting, profound messages. The film kept my attention for a this very long film,. Profound movie. Was controversial for Oliver to wear make up that made him looks black.

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Stuart Burge

Director

Laurence Olivier

Othello

Frank Finlay

Iago

Maggie Smith

Desdemona

Robert Lang

Roderigo

Anthony Nicholls

Brabantio

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Synopsis

When a secret marriage is planned between Othello (Laurence Olivier), a Moorish general, and Desdemona (Maggie Smith), the daughter of Senator Brabantio (Anthony Nicholls), her old suitor Roderigo (Robert Lang) takes it hard. Allying himself with Iago (Frank Finlay) who has his own grudge against Othello, the two conspire to bring the general down. When their first plan, to have him accused of witchcraft, fails, they plant evidence intended to make Othello think Desdemona is unfaithful.

Director: Stuart Burge
Producer: Anthony Havelock-Allan, John Brabourne
Screenwriter: William Shakespeare
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co: National Theatre, BHE Films
Genre: Drama
Original Language: British English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 15, 1965, Original
Release Date (DVD): Aug 14, 2007
Runtime: 2h 46m

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