Peter Grimes
Synopsis
This 1969 BBC production is about as close as we can get to a definitive version of Benjamin Britten's PETER GRIMES, one of the greatest 20th Century operas. The story of the individualistic fisherman hounded by his neighbors who believe he murdered his young apprentice packs tremendous emotional power. The compelling narrative is richly enhanced by its subtexts: the lone outsider versus the conformist mob; the dreamer of improbable dreams that lead to tragedy; the artist (dreamer) versus the Philistines, and the homosexual overtones of Grimes' abuse of his child apprentices. Britten is conductor of his work and tenor Peter Pears is Grimes, 25 years after he created the title role at the opera's premiere. As the widow Ellen Orford, soprano Heather Harper is magnificent. Best of all, the sea is an ever-present actor here. When we don't see it in the background it exerts its presence in the abundant visual references to nets, barrels, and other paraphernalia of a seaside fishing village.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Brian Large
- Screenplay & Story
- Montagu Slater
- Original Title
- Peter Grimes
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 22m
- Production Studios
- BBC
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Brian Large
Montagu Slater
John Culshaw
Department Leadership Roster
David Myerscough-Jones
Production Design
John Culshaw
Producer
Montagu Slater
Writer
Brian Large
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Peter Grimes.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Peter Grimes.
list11
Similar Titles to Peter Grimes
Movies sharing stylistic DNA, tone, and thematic storytelling
9.5
10.0
6.0
7.0
10.0
8.5
10.0
8.0
7.2
8.5
More Like Peter Grimes
Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peter Grimes
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Peter Grimes about?
This 1969 BBC production is about as close as we can get to a definitive version of Benjamin Britten's PETER GRIMES, one of the greatest 20th Century operas. The story of the individualistic fisherman hounded by his neighbors who believe he murdered his young apprentice packs tremendous emotional power. The compelling narrative is richly enhanced by its subtexts: the lone outsider versus the conformist mob; the dreamer of improbable dreams that lead to tragedy; the artist (dreamer) versus the Philistines, and the homosexual overtones of Grimes' abuse of his child apprentices. Britten is conductor of his work and tenor Peter Pears is Grimes, 25 years after he created the title role at the opera's premiere. As the widow Ellen Orford, soprano Heather Harper is magnificent. Best of all, the sea is an ever-present actor here. When we don't see it in the background it exerts its presence in the abundant visual references to nets, barrels, and other paraphernalia of a seaside fishing village.
Who directed Peter Grimes?
Peter Grimes was directed by Brian Large.
Who stars in Peter Grimes?
The principal cast of Peter Grimes includes Peter Pears, Heather Harper, Bryan Drake, Elizabeth Bainbridge.
When was Peter Grimes released and how long is it?
Peter Grimes was released in 1969 with a total runtime of 2h 22m.