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- A Midsummer Night's Dream 1935 Colorized
Synopsis
Step into the whimsical world of Shakespeare’s timeless comedy with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” a lavish fantasy romance from 1935, now beautifully colorized for a viewing experience like never before. This film, directed by Max Reinhardt and William Dieterle, brings the Bard’s magical tale of love, mischief, and transformation to life with breathtaking visuals and unforgettable performances. Perfect for fans of classic cinema and Shakespeare enthusiasts alike, this HD download delivers a cinematic masterpiece that feels as fresh as ever.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” intertwines multiple storylines against the backdrop of an enchanted forest:
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Hermia (Olivia de Havilland) and Lysander (Dick Powell) flee into the woods to escape her father’s decree that she must marry Demetrius (Ross Alexander). They are pursued by Demetrius and Helena (Jean Muir), creating a tangled web of unrequited love.
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Meanwhile, Oberon (Victor Jory), King of the Fairies, quarrels with his Queen Titania (Anita Louise) over a changeling boy. Oberon enlists his mischievous sprite Puck (Mickey Rooney) to meddle with the lovers using a magical flower that causes people to fall in love with the first creature they see.
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In another corner of the forest, Nick Bottom (James Cagney) and his troupe of amateur actors rehearse their play for an upcoming royal celebration. Puck transforms Bottom’s head into that of a donkey, leading to Titania falling under the spell and falling in love with him.
The film masterfully captures Shakespeare’s themes of love, jealousy, transformation, and reconciliation. As chaos unfolds in the forest, Oberon eventually restores order, leading to happy unions for Hermia and Lysander as well as Helena and Demetrius.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” features an ensemble cast of Hollywood legends:
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James Cagney as Nick Bottom
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Olivia de Havilland as Hermia
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Mickey Rooney as Puck
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Dick Powell as Lysander
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Anita Louise as Titania
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Victor Jory as Oberon
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Ross Alexander as Demetrius
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Jean Muir as Helena
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Joe E. Brown as Flute
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a magical fantasy romance that combines elements of comedy, drama, and supernatural intrigue. Its enchanting setting and imaginative storytelling make it one of Hollywood’s most ambitious adaptations of Shakespeare’s work.
Released in 1935, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” was Warner Bros.’ lavish attempt to bring Shakespeare to mainstream audiences. The film was based on Max Reinhardt’s acclaimed stage production at the Hollywood Bowl and featured groundbreaking cinematography by Hal Mohr, who won an Academy Award for his work—the only write-in Oscar winner in history.
The production spared no expense, with elaborate sets designed to evoke an ethereal forest filled with shimmering cobwebs and glittering fairy dust. Mendelssohn’s iconic music was adapted by Erich Wolfgang Korngold to complement the dreamlike atmosphere. While some Hollywood actors struggled with Shakespearean dialogue, performances like James Cagney’s exuberant Bottom and Mickey Rooney’s wild Puck brought energy and charm to the film.
This colorized version has been meticulously restored using advanced digital techniques. The process involved carefully analyzing the original black-and-white footage to assign vibrant colors while preserving the film’s dreamlike aesthetic.
The colorization enhances the magical qualities of the film—from the shimmering costumes of Oberon’s fairy court to the lush greenery of the enchanted forest. It breathes new life into this cinematic gem while maintaining its timeless charm.
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: Max Reinhardt & William Dieterle
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: Charles Kenyon & Mary C. McCall Jr., based on William Shakespeare’s play
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: Hal Mohr
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: Felix Mendelssohn, adapted by Erich Wolfgang Korngold
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: Warner Bros.
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: Warner Bros.
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: 132 minutes
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: MP4
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: HD (1080p)
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: Compatible with most devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” received two Academy Awards for Best Cinematography and Best Film Editing. Though it lost Best Picture to “Mutiny on the Bounty,” its innovative visuals and ambitious scope have cemented its place in cinematic history.
The film remains a fascinating blend of Hollywood glamour and theatrical tradition. It showcases how early cinema could transform classical works into visual spectacles that appealed to mass audiences without losing their artistic integrity.
: Is “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” faithful to Shakespeare’s play?
A: While some liberties were taken for cinematic adaptation, it remains largely faithful to Shakespeare’s text.
: How does the colorized version enhance the experience?
A: The colorization highlights key visual elements like costumes and sets while preserving the ethereal quality of the original.
: Who steals the show in this adaptation?
A: James Cagney delivers a standout performance as Bottom with his comedic energy and charm.
: What makes this adaptation unique among Shakespeare films?
A: Its combination of Hollywood spectacle, theatrical roots, and groundbreaking cinematography sets it apart.
: How long is the movie?
A: The runtime is 132 minutes.
Experience Shakespeare’s Magical World Like Never Before—Download “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Today!
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