King Lear
Synopsis
James Earl Jones delivers a riveting performance as paranoid patriarch King Lear, an aging monarch who insists that his three daughters prove their love for him, only to learn he's exalted the two who seek to destroy him. This live performance recording of Joseph Papp's New York Shakespeare Festival production deftly envisions the bard's haunting tragedy with a fine supporting cast, including Raul Julia, Paul Sorvino and Rene Auberjonois.
Top Cast
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James Earl Jones
King Lear
Douglass Watson
Kent
Paul Sorvino
Gloucester
Raúl Juliá
Edmund
Rosalind Cash
Goneril
Lee Chamberlin
Cordelia
Ellen Holly
Regan
Robert Stattel
Albany
Robert Lanchester
Cornwall
Lou Quinones
Burgundy
Jean-Pierre Stewart
France
René Auberjonois
Edgar
Frederick Coffin
Oswald
Tom Aldredge
Fool
George Dzundza
Gentleman
John R. Tobinski
Curan
James Harper
First Servant to Cornwall
Anthony Chisholm
Servant to Cornwall
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Edwin Sherin
- Original Score
- Charles Gross
- Original Title
- King Lear
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 55m
- Production Studios
- Broadway Theatre Archive
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Edwin Sherin
Charles Gross
George Keenan
Department Leadership Roster
George Keenan
Editor
Santo Loquasto
Production Design
Theoni V. Aldredge
Costume Design
Edwin Sherin
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
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?
James Earl Jones delivers a riveting performance as paranoid patriarch King Lear, an aging monarch who insists that his three daughters prove their love for him, only to learn he's exalted the two who seek to destroy him. This live performance recording of Joseph Papp's New York Shakespeare Festival production deftly envisions the bard's haunting tragedy with a fine supporting cast, including Raul Julia, Paul Sorvino and Rene Auberjonois.
Who directed King Lear?
King Lear was directed by Edwin Sherin.
Who stars in King Lear?
The principal cast of King Lear includes James Earl Jones, Douglass Watson, Paul Sorvino, Raúl Juliá, Rosalind Cash.
When was King Lear released and how long is it?
King Lear was released in 1974 with a total runtime of 2h 55m.
Who composed the musical score for King Lear?
The original motion picture soundtrack for King Lear was composed by Charles Gross.