Peter Grimes (1969)
This 1969 BBC production is about as close as we can get to a definitive version of Benjamin Britten's PETER GRIMES, one of the greatest 20th Century operas. The story of the individualistic fisherman hounded by his neighbors who believe he murdered his young apprentice packs tremendous emotional power. The compelling narrative is richly enhanced by its subtexts: the lone outsider versus the conformist mob; the dreamer of improbable dreams that lead to tragedy; the artist (dreamer) versus the Philistines, and the homosexual overtones of Grimes' abuse of his child apprentices. Britten is conductor of his work and tenor Peter Pears is Grimes, 25 years after he created the title role at the opera's premiere. As the widow Ellen Orford, soprano Heather Harper is magnificent. Best of all, the sea is an ever-present actor here. When we don't see it in the background it exerts its presence in the abundant visual references to nets, barrels, and other paraphernalia of a seaside fishing village.
Cast
- Peter Pears - Peter Grimes
- Heather Harper - Ellen Orford
- Bryan Drake - Captain Balstrode
- Elizabeth Bainbridge - Auntie
Screenplay
Keywords
opera
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Peter Grimes about?
- This 1969 BBC production is about as close as we can get to a definitive version of Benjamin Britten's PETER GRIMES, one of the greatest 20th Century operas. The story of the individualistic fisherman hounded by his neighbors who believe he murdered his young apprentice packs tremendous emotional power. The compelling narrative is richly enhanced by its subtexts: the lone outsider versus the conformist mob; the dreamer of improbable dreams that lead to tragedy; the artist (dreamer) versus the Philistines, and the homosexual overtones of Grimes' abuse of his child apprentices. Britten is conductor of his work and tenor Peter Pears is Grimes, 25 years after he created the title role at the opera's premiere. As the widow Ellen Orford, soprano Heather Harper is magnificent. Best of all, the sea is an ever-present actor here. When we don't see it in the background it exerts its presence in the abundant visual references to nets, barrels, and other paraphernalia of a seaside fishing village.
- Who directed Peter Grimes?
- Peter Grimes was directed by Brian Large.
- Who stars in Peter Grimes?
- Peter Grimes stars Peter Pears, Heather Harper, Bryan Drake, Elizabeth Bainbridge.
- How long is Peter Grimes?
- Peter Grimes has a runtime of 2h 22m (142 minutes).
- What genre is Peter Grimes?
- Peter Grimes is a Music film.
- Where was Peter Grimes produced?
- Peter Grimes was produced in United Kingdom.