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King Lear poster
6.5 / 10(21 votes)IMDbPG-1319702h 17mDenmark, United Kingdom

King Lear

Synopsis

King Lear is a proud man who solicits praise from his three daughters in return for inheritance of the kingdom. Daughters Goneril and Regan profess their affection vehemently. Cordelia, who does not respect the process her father has chosen, does not humor him. Lear's perceived rejection from Cordelia leads to her banishment, thus splitting the kingdom between the other two. This hasty decision becomes his fatal error.

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Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes

Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.

King Lear (1970) Trailer

Type: Trailer • Published 2021-07-07

Release History & Theatrical Window

Theatrical Premiere

November 22, 1971

Wide Cinema Exhibition

Key Information & Fast Facts

Director
Peter Brook
Screenplay & Story
Peter Brook, William Shakespeare
Original Title
King Lear
Country of Origin
Denmark, United Kingdom
Spoken Languages
English
Runtime
2h 17m
Production Studios
Royal Shakespeare Company, Athena Film A/S, Laterna Film

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

Peter Brook

Screenplay & Story

Peter Brook, William Shakespeare

Director of Photography

Henning Kristiansen

Film Editing

Kasper Schyberg, Albert Jurgenson

Producers

Sam Lomberg, Michael Birkett, Mogens Skot-Hansen

Department Leadership Roster

Peter Brook

Peter Brook

Director

Peter Brook

Peter Brook

Writer

Georges Wakhévitch

Production Design

Adele Angard

Costume Design

Kasper Schyberg

Editor

Michael Birkett

Producer

Mogens Skot-Hansen

Producer

Henning Kristiansen

Director of Photography

Sam Lomberg

Producer

Albert Jurgenson

Editor

Age Classification & Content Advisories

Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.

Primary: PG-13

PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.

International Certification Matrix

France (CNC)TP
United Kingdom (BBFC)U

Universal — Suitable for all audiences.

United States (MPAA)PG-13

Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.

Official cinematic photography and background stills for King Lear.

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Frequently Asked Questions About King Lear

Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.

What is King Lear about?

King Lear is a proud man who solicits praise from his three daughters in return for inheritance of the kingdom. Daughters Goneril and Regan profess their affection vehemently. Cordelia, who does not respect the process her father has chosen, does not humor him. Lear's perceived rejection from Cordelia leads to her banishment, thus splitting the kingdom between the other two. This hasty decision becomes his fatal error.

Who directed King Lear?

King Lear was directed by Peter Brook.

Who stars in King Lear?

The principal cast of King Lear includes Paul Scofield, Irene Worth, Susan Engel, Anne-Lise Gabold, Alan Webb.

When was King Lear released and how long is it?

King Lear was released in 1970 with a total runtime of 2h 17m.

What is the age rating and content advisory for King Lear?

King Lear holds official age classifications: FR: TP; GB: U (Universal — Suitable for all audiences.); US: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.).