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There is arguably no figure that has had a greater contribution to the art of the written word than William Shakespeare. Not only has the 16th century playwright given the English language so many unique words and expressions, but his works continue to be among the most frequently adapted to a wide variety of different mediums. There are far too many films, television programs, and other visual media that have drawn inspiration from Shakespeare, and there are far too many works of Shakespeare’s that have been repeatedly given such treatment, to the tragedy of “Hamlet” to the more comedic “Much Ado About Nothing”. The subject of today’s discussion, meanwhile, presents a cinematic interpretation of one of Shakespeare’s lesser known (yet no less deserving of appreciation) plays, that being the 1936 film “As You Like It”.
Following his successful overthrow and banishment of his older brother Duke Senior, the less admirable Duke Ftederick allows his niece Rosalind to remain in his inner circle with his daughter Celia. However, Rosalind has fallen in love with the charming Orlando, who, like Duke Senior, has also been banished by his older brother, causing Duke Frederick to banish Rosalind. Accompanied by Celia and the jester Touchstone, Rosalind disguises herself as the male Ganymede and retreats to the Forest of Arden, where the recently disposed Duke Senior resides. What follows is a string of events involving mistaken identities and complicated romance that, against all odds, ultimately concludes with a happily ever after for just about everyone.
For those familiar with the many film adaptations of William Shakespeare, then it should not be too much of a surprise that the name Laurence Olivier, that of the actor who plays the film’s leading male hero Orlando, appears in this motion picture’s opening credits. This was actually the first time Olivier had portrayed a Shakespearean character in film, and he would go on to be part of several other film adaptations of Shakespeare in the years to follow, even directing himself in a Best Actor Academy Award winning performance as the titular role of 1948’s Best Picture winner “Hamlet”. Having to convincingly play off such an extraordinary talent is no easy task, but fortunately, Elisabeth Bergner, who plays Orlando’s love interest Rosalind, is more than capable of living up to this challenge. Looking back at Bergner’s career, this is not the least bit shocking, as she made a name for herself as the lead protagonist of “Escape Me Never”, a play/film written by Margaret Kennedy that would give Bergner an Oscar nomination.
Made during the rise of Nazi Germany and featuring a cast and crew heavily populated by Jewish refugees, “As You Like It” comes across as very relevant to the time period it was produced in, as the characters’ escape to the refuge that is the Forest of Arden reflects the experiences of Jews fleeing the growing presence of Germany’s new fascist government. Historical context aside, this classic of British cinema makes for a fine representation of Shakespeare’s work, and those interested can find the film here and see for themselves.
