Twelfth Night 1957
David Greene's charming 1957 adaptation of Shakespeare's classic comedy Twelfth Night transports audiences to the sun-drenched shores of Illyria, where love, disguise, and mistaken identity spark a delightful comedy of errors.
Director: David Greene
Cast
Rosemary Harris
Viola
Denholm Elliott
Sebastian
Lloyd Bochner
Duke Orsino
Frances Hyland
Lady Olivia
Maurice Evans
Malvolio
Alice Ghostley
Maria
Dennis King
Sir Toby Belch
Max Adrian
Sir Andrew Aguecheek
Howard Morris
Feste
Gregory Morton
Antonio
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Twelfth Night (1957) about?
Twelfth Night follows Viola, a shipwreck survivor who disguises herself as a man to serve Duke Orsino in Illyria. Her mission to woo the aloof Lady Olivia takes an unexpected turn when love and mistaken identity collide—especially when her long-lost twin brother Sebastian arrives, looking exactly like her.
Who directed Twelfth Night?
David Greene directed this 1957 adaptation of Shakespeare's play, bringing a light and elegant touch to the classic comedy.
Who stars in Twelfth Night?
The film features Rosemary Harris as Viola, Denholm Elliott as Duke Orsino, Frances Hyland as Olivia, Lloyd Bochner, Maurice Evans, and Alice Ghostley.
Is Twelfth Night (1957) worth watching?
While unrated on IMDb, this 1957 adaptation offers a polished and enjoyable take on Shakespeare's comedy, blending romance, mischief, and timeless wit. Its accessible pacing and strong performances make it a fine introduction to the play or a nostalgic watch for seasoned fans.
How long is Twelfth Night?
Twelfth Night (1957) runs for 90 minutes.
About Twelfth Night (1957) — Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors in a 1950s Classic
David Greene's charming 1957 adaptation of Shakespeare's classic comedy Twelfth Night transports audiences to the sun-drenched shores of Illyria, where love, disguise, and mistaken identity spark a delightful comedy of errors. Here, the spirited Viola, played with warmth by Rosemary Harris, washes ashore after a shipwreck and adopts the guise of Cesario to serve the lovesick Duke Orsino. Sent to woo the aloof Olivia, Viola finds herself entangled in a web of romance that grows more tangled when her twin brother Sebastian reappears—his uncanny resemblance to Viola unleashing a cascade of comic confusion. Beneath the farce lies a gentle critique of class and ambition, embodied by the pompous Malvolio whose misguided ambitions lead to hilarious consequences. With its breezy tone and elegant direction, this version captures the play's spirit of merriment and melancholy alike.
Starring Denholm Elliott as the melancholic Orsino and Frances Hyland as the resolute Olivia, the ensemble shines under Greene's light-touch direction, blending drama and comedy with effortless grace. The film's visual warmth and witty pacing make it a standout entry in the Shakespearean canon, ideal for fans of period romance and clever storytelling.
