BBC Shakespeare Collection: Romeo and Juliet

In 1978, the BBC set itself the task of filming all of William Shakespeare's plays for television. The resulting productions, renowned for their loyalty to the text, utilised the best theatrical and television directors and brought acclaimed performances from leading contemporary actors.

Romeo, heir of the lordly Montague family of the Italian city of Verona, attends a masked dance held by the Capulets, their bitter rivals in the city. There, Romeo falls in love with Juliet Capulet. Secretly married by the obliging Friar Lawrence, the couple have only their love with which to confront the violence of the ancient warring factions.

This BBC production of Shakespeare's study of fate and the power and contrary nature of love features an all-star cast with Sir John Gielgud as the Chorus and a young Alan Rickman as Tybalt. It has been acclaimed as one of the most faithful versions ever to be filmed.