6 Films Based on Public Domain Plays

Movies based on classic literature have always been popular among filmmakers. However, adapting a famous play can be a challenging task because the story is already well-known and beloved by audiences. Fortunately, there are many public domain plays that can be adapted without any legal complications. In this article, we will take a look at six movies that are based on public domain plays.

1. Romeo and Juliet (1968)

Romeo and Juliet is perhaps the most famous play ever written by William Shakespeare. This tragic love story has been adapted countless times for stage and screen. However, the 1968 film adaptation directed by Franco Zeffirelli stands out as a classic. Starring Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey as the titular characters, this film perfectly captures the beauty and tragedy of Shakespeare’s original text.

2. A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)

A Streetcar Named Desire is a play written by Tennessee Williams, and it was first performed in 1947. The play was later adapted into a film in 1951, directed by Elia Kazan and starring Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh. The story follows the character of Blanche DuBois, a former schoolteacher who moves in with her sister and brother-in-law in New Orleans. The film was a critical and commercial success, and it won several Academy Awards.

3. The Importance of Being Earnest (2002)

The Importance of Being Earnest is a play written by Oscar Wilde, first performed in 1895. The play is a satirical comedy that pokes fun at Victorian society. In 2002, the play was adapted into a film directed by Oliver Parker and starring Colin Firth and Rupert Everett. The film was praised for its witty dialogue and excellent performances.

4. Pygmalion (1938)

Pygmalion is a play written by George Bernard Shaw, first performed in 1913. The play is a social satire that tells the story of a professor who tries to transform a Cockney flower girl into a lady. In 1938, the play was adapted into a film directed by Anthony Asquith and Leslie Howard. The film starred Leslie Howard as the professor and Wendy Hiller as the flower girl. The film was a commercial success and won an Academy Award for Best Screenplay.

5. The Taming of the Shrew (1967)

The Taming of the Shrew is a play written by William Shakespeare, first performed in 1593. The play tells the story of a wealthy merchant who tries to find a husband for his shrewish daughter. In 1967, the play was adapted into a film directed by Franco Zeffirelli and starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. The film was a box office success and was praised for its humour and strong performances.

6. Much Ado About Nothing (1993)

Much Ado About Nothing is a play written by William Shakespeare, first performed in 1598. The play is a romantic comedy that tells the story of two couples and their humorous adventures. In 1993, the play was adapted into a film directed by Kenneth Branagh and starring Branagh himself alongside Emma Thompson, Denzel Washington, and Keanu Reeves. The film was praised for its sharp wit and excellent performances.

These six films based on public domain plays are a testament to the enduring appeal of classic literature. They show that even stories that were written hundreds of years ago can still resonate with modern audiences when adapted with care and skill.