A Midsummer Night's Dream Poster

A Midsummer Night's Dream 1968

★ 6.011 votes124 min📅 1968-09-30

Step into a whimsical world where love potions blur reality and mischievous fairies reign supreme in *A Midsummer Night's Dream* (1968), Peter Hall's enchanting adaptation of Shakespeare's classic comedy.

Director: Peter Hall

Cast

Derek Godfrey
Derek Godfrey
Theseus
Barbara Jefford
Barbara Jefford
Hippolyta
Helen Mirren
Helen Mirren
Hermia
David Warner
David Warner
Lysander
Michael Jayston
Michael Jayston
Demetrius
Diana Rigg
Diana Rigg
Helena
Ian Richardson
Ian Richardson
Oberon
Judi Dench
Judi Dench
Titania
Ian Holm
Ian Holm
Puck
Paul Rogers
Paul Rogers
Bottom

Frequently Asked Questions

What is A Midsummer Night's Dream (1968) about?

This Shakespearean comedy follows four young lovers who flee into a moonlit forest, only to find themselves entangled in a web of magical mischief. When mischievous fairies interfere with their hearts using a love potion, chaos erupts—identities blur, rivalries flare, and no one is quite sure who loves whom.

Who directed A Midsummer Night's Dream?

Peter Hall directed this 1968 adaptation, seamlessly blending his deep understanding of Shakespeare with the visual poetry of the English countryside.

Who stars in A Midsummer Night's Dream?

The film features Derek Godfrey as Puck, Barbara Jefford as Titania, Helen Mirren as Hermia, David Warner as Lysander, and Diana Rigg as Helena.

Is A Midsummer Night's Dream (1968) worth watching?

Despite being unrated on IMDb, this charming adaptation is a delightful watch for Shakespeare enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. Its blend of fantasy, romance, and humor makes it a timeless piece, though purists might prefer the original text.

How long is A Midsummer Night's Dream?

The film runs for 124 minutes, or just over two hours of magical woodland hijinks.

About A Midsummer Night's Dream (1968) — Shakespeare's Comedy Meets 1960s Whimsy

Step into a whimsical world where love potions blur reality and mischievous fairies reign supreme in *A Midsummer Night's Dream* (1968), Peter Hall's enchanting adaptation of Shakespeare's classic comedy. Filmed in the lush English countryside, this cinematic gem stars a powerhouse cast from the Royal Shakespeare Company, bringing Shakespeare's playful tale of mistaken identities, magical chaos, and romantic confusion to vivid life. Derek Godfrey leads the ensemble as the witty Puck, while Barbara Jefford and Helen Mirren dazzle as the bewitched lovers, Helena and Hermia, navigating a forest alive with supernatural pranks. With its blend of fantasy, romance, and slapstick humor, the film captures the dreamlike absurdity of mistaken desires and the sweet resolution of true love.

Directed by Peter Hall with a keen eye for Shakespearean nuance, this adaptation transforms the stage play into a cinematic confection, evoking the same sense of wonder as a moonlit woodland. The lush costumes, spirited performances, and the director's deft handling of the Bard's wordplay create an atmosphere that's both cerebral and delightfully silly—perfect for fans of Shakespeare or anyone who's ever fallen hopelessly in love after one too many fairy spells.