Shakespeare in Silent Film

Shakespeare in Silent Film is a collection of over 50 streaming silent films that have been digitized from the collections of the BFI National Archive, dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It includes films originally produced in Britain, the United States, France, Germany, Australia, and Italy. These films typically condensed the plays or focused exclusively on noteworthy scenes familiar to audiences. Some aim to closely replicate theatrical productions, while others are satirical adaptations. Some films include audio commentary and musical accompaniment from a silent film pianist. The collection also includes a single original sound film, The Merchant of Venice, from 1927, produced by De Forrest Phonofilm but never distributed.