

The Tempest
“We are such stuff as dreams are made on and our little life is rounded with a sleep.”
Drama
Fantasy
Overview
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.
Status:
Released
Release Date:
1979-09-13
Runtime:
1h 35m
Director:
Derek Jarman
Writer:
Derek Jarman
Top 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
Official Videos

Mark Kermode reviews The Tempest (1979) | BFI Player

Elisabeth Welch - ‘Stormy Weather’
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