As You Like It 1978
Basil Coleman's 1978 television adaptation of Shakespeare's pastoral comedy, As You Like It, whisks viewers into the sun-dappled Forest of Arden where exiled nobles, lovesick poets, and quick-witted jesters collide in a sunlit symphony of disguise and desire.
Director: Basil Coleman
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is As You Like It (1978) about?
This 1978 TV movie follows Rosalind, banished from court, who disguises herself in the Forest of Arden and encounters Orlando, a young nobleman wrestling for his future. Amidst rustic shepherds, exiled royalty, and a witty jester, mistaken identities fuel a cascade of romantic confusions that ultimately lead to clarity—and love.
Who directed As You Like It?
Basil Coleman directed this 1978 adaptation, bringing a cinematic warmth to Shakespeare's pastoral comedy.
Who stars in As You Like It?
The film features Helen Mirren as Rosalind, Brian Stirner as Orlando, Angharad Rees as Celia, and James Bolam as the jester Touchstone.
Is As You Like It (1978) worth watching?
With its charming performances, especially Mirren's magnetic Rosalind, and Coleman's thoughtful direction, this TV movie is a delightful entry point into Shakespearean comedy. Fans of witty dialogue and heartfelt romance will find plenty to like in this sunlit forest escapade.
How long is As You Like It?
The runtime is 151 minutes, or just over two and a half hours of Shakespearean escapism.
About As You Like It (1978) — Shakespeare's Comedy Comes Alive in a Sunlit TV Classic
Basil Coleman's 1978 television adaptation of Shakespeare's pastoral comedy, As You Like It, whisks viewers into the sun-dappled Forest of Arden where exiled nobles, lovesick poets, and quick-witted jesters collide in a sunlit symphony of disguise and desire. At its heart is a spirited Rosalind, brilliantly portrayed by Helen Mirren, who flees court intrigue alongside her cousin Celia (Angharad Rees) and stumbles upon Orlando (Brian Stirner), a young nobleman wrestling for his fortune. Cross-dressing shenanigans, love letters nailed to trees, and a merry band of forest-dwellers turn heartache into harmony as mistaken identities bloom into true romance under the rustic canopy. Coleman's lush visuals and Mirren's electrifying performance transform Shakespeare's timeless tale into a television jewel that balances wit, warmth, and wonder.
The 1978 TV movie captures the essence of Shakespearean comedy with a contemporary sparkle: duels of affection, sharp banter from the jester Touchstone (James Bolam), and a deposed duke ruling a woodland utopia where everyone, it seems, gets exactly what they like. Mirren's Rosalind steals every scene, especially in her disguise as Ganymede, while Richard Pasco's melancholic Jaques adds philosophical depth to the frothy fun. This isn't just a filmed play—it's a sunlit escape where love letters flutter on the breeze and every cross-dressing twist feels like a breath of fresh country air.