The Tempest
““We are such stuff as dreams are made on and our little life is rounded with a sleep.””
Synopsis
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.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Mark Kermode reviews The Tempest (1979) | BFI PlayerOfficial
Type: Featurette • Published 2023-11-02
Top Cast
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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
Claire Davenport
Sycorax
Kate Temple
Young Miranda
Helen Wellington-Lloyd
A Spirit
Angela Whittingham
A Spirit
Release History & Theatrical Window
Ars Independent Festival
Festival / Special Debut
September 13, 1979
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Derek Jarman
- Screenplay & Story
- Derek Jarman, William Shakespeare
- Original Score
- Stephen Pruslin, Brian Hodgson, John Lewis
- Original Title
- The Tempest
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 35m
- Production Studios
- Boyd's Company
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Derek Jarman
Derek Jarman, William Shakespeare
Stephen Pruslin, Brian Hodgson, John Lewis
Peter Middleton
Lesley Walker
Guy Ford, Mordecai Shreiber
Department Leadership Roster
Derek Jarman
Director
Derek Jarman
Writer
Stephen Pruslin
Original Music Composer
Brian Hodgson
Original Music Composer
Guy Ford
Producer
Yolanda Sonnabend
Production Design
Lesley Walker
Editor
Mordecai Shreiber
Producer
Peter Middleton
Director of Photography
John Lewis
Original Music Composer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Tempest.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Tempest
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Tempest about?
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.
Who directed The Tempest?
The Tempest was directed by Derek Jarman.
Who stars in The Tempest?
The principal cast of The Tempest includes Heathcote Williams, Toyah Willcox, Karl Johnson, Jack Birkett, Peter Bull.
When was The Tempest released and how long is it?
The Tempest was released in 1979 with a total runtime of 1h 35m.
Who composed the musical score for The Tempest?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Tempest was composed by Stephen Pruslin, Brian Hodgson, John Lewis.