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Feature film — 2024

National Theatre Live: The Motive and the Cue (2024)

7.52h 45mDrama — Comedy

Returning to cinemas in 2027. In 1964, Richard Burton, newly married to Elizabeth Taylor, is to play the title role in an experimental new Broadway production of Hamlet under Sir John Gielgud’s exacting direction. But as rehearsals progress, two ages of theatre collide and the collaboration between actor and director soon threatens to unravel.

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A high-signal pick with 4 votes.

National Theatre / Neal Street Productions

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Director: Sam Mendes

On screen

Cast & crew

Johnny Flynn as Richard Burton

Johnny Flynn

Richard Burton

Mark Gatiss as Sir John Gielgud

Mark Gatiss

Sir John Gielgud

Tuppence Middleton as Elizabeth Taylor

Tuppence Middleton

Elizabeth Taylor

Aysha Kala as Assistant to Sir John Gielgud

Aysha Kala

Assistant to Sir John Gielgud

Luke Norris as William Redfield

Luke Norris

William Redfield

Allan Corduner as Hume Cronyn

Allan Corduner

Hume Cronyn

Ryan Ellsworth as George Voskovec

Ryan Ellsworth

George Voskovec

Elena Delia as Jessica Levy

Elena Delia

Jessica Levy

Huw Parmenter as Clement Fowler

Huw Parmenter

Clement Fowler

Laurence Ubong Williams as Hugh McHaffie

Laurence Ubong Williams

Hugh McHaffie

M

Michael Walters

M

Mark Extance

Mick Burrows

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