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The Beggar's Opera (Original title)
Dates: 1953 (Copyright), 05 October 1953 (Release)

Country: United Kingdom

Director: Peter Brook

Synopsis: Adaptation of the comic operetta by John Gay. A notorious highway man is betrayed by tavern doxies in the pay of his wife's family, but is reprieved at the last moment.

Genres:
Musical, Period drama

Subjects:
Opera, 18th century
Releases
Date: 1953Country: United KingdomRelease type: unknownFormat: 35mm Film - Colour - Technicolor - SoundRuntime: 94 mins Length: 8500 FeetDialogue (original): English

Credits (62)
©: Imperadio Pictures Limited, Produced by: Laurence Olivier, Produced by: Herbert Wilcox, Associate Producer: Eric Goodhead, Production Manager: J.D. Wilcox, Production Assistant: John Brabourne, Assistant Director: Frank Hollands, Jack Causey, 2nd Assistant Director: Geoffrey Helman, Harold Buck, 3rd Assistant Director: John Draper, Continuity: Elaine Schreyeck, Casting: Patricia Smith, Screenplay by: Denis Cannan, Additional Dialogue and Lyrics: Christopher Fry, [Original Play] By: John Gay, Photographed by: Guy Green, Colour Consultant: Joan Bridge, Camera Operator: Austin Dempster, Camera Operator: Denys Coop, Camera Operator: Arthur Ibbetson, Camera Operator: Herbert Salisbury, Focus Puller: Ken Gray, Camera Assistant: Godfrey Godar, Camera Assistant: Mike Brandt, Camera Assistant: Dennis Fox, Camera Assistant: Wally Fairweather, Stills: James Swarbrick, Special Effects: Wally Veevers, Special Effects: George Samuels, Supervising Editor: Reginald Beck, Assembly Cutter: Basil Warren, 1st Assistant Editor: Tony Lowen, 2nd Assistant Editor: Ronald Freeman, 2nd Assistant Editor: Tony Williams, Derek Fairhead, Art Director: William C. Andrews, Assistant Art Director: Albert Witherick, Opera Sets and Costumes: Georges Wakhevitch, Set Dresser: Leonard Townsend, Draughtsman: Frank Willson, Scene Artist: A. Van Montagu, Assistant Dress Designer: Bernard Sarron, Wardrobe Supervisor: Maude Churchill, Make-up: Tony Sforzini, Hairdressing: Joyce Wood, Colour by: Technicolor, Music Arranged and Composed by: Arthur Bliss, Sir Arthur Bliss's Score Conducted by: Muir Mathieson, Repetiteur: William Blezard, Dance Arrangements: Frank Staff, Sound Camera Operator: James Dooley, Sound Assistant: Alan Blay, Jack Davis, Sound Recordist: Peter Handford, Sound Recordist: Red Law, Boom Operator: Bill Cook, Boom Assistant: Denis Kavanagh, Dubbing Editor: Gerry Hambling, Sound System: Western Electric Recording, Produced at: Shepperton Studios
Cast (51)
Hugh Griffith (The Beggar), George Rose (1st turnkey), Stuart Burge (1st prisoner), Denis Cannan (The Footman), Cyril Conway (2nd prisoner), Gerald Lawson (3rd prisoner), Eileen Harvey (young female traveller), Dorothy Tutin (Polly Peachum), Adele Leigh (Polly Peachum (singing voice)), George Devine (Peachum), Bruce Boyle (Peachum (singing voice)), Mary Clare (Mrs. Peachum), Edith Coates (Mrs. Peachum (singing voice)), Edward Pryor (Filch), Athene Seyler (Mrs. Trapes), Joan Cross (Mrs. Trapes (singing voice)), Stanley Holloway (Lockit), Daphne Anderson (Lucy Lockit), Jennifer Vyvyan (Lucy Lockit (singing voice)), Eric Pohlmann (innkeeper), Edith Coates (Mrs. Coaxer), Yvonne Furneaux (Jenny Diver), Kenneth Williams (Jack the pot boy), Sandra Dorne (Sukey Tawdrey), Laurence Naismith (Matt of the Mint), Max Brent (a drunkard), Mercy Haystead (Dolly Trull), Patricia Raine (Mrs. Slammekin), Jocelyn James (Molly Brazen), Isabel George (Mrs. Vixen), Helen Christie (Betty Doxey), John Kidd (2nd turnkey), H.C. Walton (3rd turnkey), Eugene Leahy (4th turnkey), Edgar Norfolk (5th turnkey), Oliver Hunter (1st chairman), John Baker (2nd chairman), Madge Brindley (gin seller), Felix Felton (governor), Denis Cannan (John the footman), Margot Grahame (the actress), Tamba Alleney (negro page), Terence Greenidge (chaplain), Billy Wells (hangman), Laurence Olivier (Captain MacHeath), John Cameron (singing voice), Jennifer Vyvyan, Bruce Boyce, Edith Coates, Adele Leigh (Singing Voice), Alanna Boyce (urchin)
Articles held in BFI Reuben Library (17)
In: Sight and Sound v14 n10 October 2004  Page: 74
Title: Home movies: reviewsAuthor: MACNAB, Geoffrey Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English

In: Sight and Sound v9 n9 September 1999  Page: 65
Title: Video: retailAuthor: MACNAB, Geoffrey Article type: Video ReviewLanguage: English

In: Monthly Film Bulletin v20 n234 July 1953  Page: 100
Title: [Monthly Film Bulletin - v20 n234 July 1953: no known title]Language: English

In: Films in Review v4 n9 November 1953  Page: 486
Title: [Films in Review - v4 n9 November 1953: no known title]Language: English
Description: Music.

In: Film Music v13 n1 Sep-Oct 1953  Page: 3
Title: [Film Music - v13 n1 Sep-Oct 1953: no known title]Language: English

In: Today's Cinema v80 n6755 11 May 1953  Page: 3
Title: [Today's Cinema - v80 n6755 11 May 1953: no known title]Language: English

In: Variety 17 Jun 1953  Page: 22
Title: [Variety - 17 Jun 1953: no known title]Language: English

In: Films in Review v4 n8 October 1953  Page: 431
Title: [Films in Review - v4 n8 October 1953: no known title]Language: English

In: The Cine-Technician v19 n102 May/Jun 1953  Page: 66
Title: [The Cine-Technician - v19 n102 May/Jun 1953: no known title]Language: English

In: Today's Cinema v80 n6772 5 Jun 1953  Page: 14
Title: [Today's Cinema - v80 n6772 5 Jun 1953: no known title]Language: English

In: Kinematograph Weekly n2398 11 Jun 1953  Page: 22
Title: [Kinematograph Weekly - n2398 11 Jun 1953: no known title]Language: English

In: Sight and Sound v23 n2 Oct/Dec 1953  Page: 90
Title: [Sight and Sound - v23 n2 Oct/Dec 1953: no known title]Language: English

In: Motion Picture Herald v192 n9 29 Aug 1953  Page: 1965
Title: [Motion Picture Herald - v192 n9 29 Aug 1953: no known title]Language: English

In: Today's Cinema v79 n6555 28 Jul 1952  Page: 10
Title: [Today's Cinema - v79 n6555 28 Jul 1952: no known title]Language: English

In:   Page: 29
Title: [ - : no known title]

In:
Title: [ - : no known title]

In:
Title: [ - : no known title]


Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(47)
Accessible materials to view(2)
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: AcetateSound: CombinedLength: 8435 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-14089
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)


Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: CTASound: CombinedLength: 8437 FeetBFI identifier: C-202421
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)



Video materials(2)
Description: Umatic Low BandDuration: 179.27 minutesLine standard: 625Colour standard: PALBFI identifier: C-14092
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 1-inch C-FormatDuration: 179.27 minutesLine standard: 625Colour standard: PALBFI identifier: C-14093
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved videotape



Film materials(45)
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 400 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-1605263
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 500 FeetStock date: 1954BFI identifier: C-14074
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Colour PositiveSound: CombinedLength: 8462 FeetBFI identifier: C-14091
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: AcetateSound: CombinedLength: 8435 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-14089
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)


Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: CTASound: CombinedLength: 8437 FeetBFI identifier: C-202421
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)


Description: 35mm Cyan Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 350 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-14059
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Cyan Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 450 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-14066
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Cyan Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 350 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-14080
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Cyan Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 60 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-14085
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Cyan Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 350 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-14087
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Dupe Cyan Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 160 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-14056
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Dupe Cyan Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 350 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-14063
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Dupe Magenta Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 160 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-14057
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Dupe Magenta Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 350 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-14061
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Dupe NegativeBase: SafetySound: SoundLength: 150 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-14052
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Dupe Yellow Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 160 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-14055
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Dupe Yellow Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 350 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-14062
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Dupe Yellow Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 250 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-14079
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Dupe Yellow Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 350 FeetStock date: 1952BFI identifier: C-14088
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Magenta Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 350 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-14060
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Magenta Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 450 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-14065
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Magenta Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 350 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-14075
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Magenta Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 450 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-14077
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Magenta Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 350 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-14082
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Magenta Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 60 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-14086
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Magenta Separation PromasterBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 250 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-14049
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm NegativeBase: SafetySound: SoundLength: 8525 FeetStock date: 1950BFI identifier: C-14041
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm NegativeBase: SafetySound: SoundLength: 50 FeetStock date: 1952BFI identifier: C-14042
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 350 FeetStock date: 1954BFI identifier: C-14043
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm NegativeBase: SafetySound: SoundLength: 450 FeetStock date: 1950BFI identifier: C-14044
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 450 FeetStock date: 1952BFI identifier: C-14045
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm NegativeBase: SafetySound: SoundLength: 330 FeetStock date: 1952BFI identifier: C-14058
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm NegativeBase: SafetySound: SoundLength: 350 FeetStock date: 1950BFI identifier: C-14067
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 300 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-14069
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 160 FeetStock date: 1954BFI identifier: C-14070
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 350 FeetStock date: 1954BFI identifier: C-202420
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Original / Dupe Cyan Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 9250 FeetBFI identifier: C-14071
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Original / Dupe Magenta Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 9550 FeetBFI identifier: C-14072
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Original / Dupe Yellow Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 9125 FeetBFI identifier: C-14083
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Original NegativeBase: SafetySound: SoundLength: 9250 FeetStock date: 1952BFI identifier: C-14073
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Yellow Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 450 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-14053
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Yellow Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 350 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-14064
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Yellow Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 350 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-14076
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Yellow Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 60 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-14084
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Yellow Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 450 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-202419
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status