This is not the most exciting or engaging version of The Tempest, but it is an excellent one in terms of its portrayal of the characters and realising of the themes of the text. Michael Hordern is a particularly memorable and engaging Prospero. Wise and dependable, but also flawed and Machiavellian, both at the same time. David Dixon also does a really camp but really captivating Ariel. I would say this is the one that should be shown in schools as it is a complete and 3-dimensional rendering of the play. But there is a more exciting version if you can get your hands on it: the 2017 RSC version.
Review of The Tempest
The Tempest
(1980 TV Movie)
Michael Hordern is the perfect Prospero. A complete rendering of the play and its themes. Not the most exciting though.
7 February 2022