National Theater Live: The Crucible

The Crucible of Life

February 1918 •English

After a brief and unhappy marriage, Gladys Dale finds work as the companion to Diana Dorset, the daughter of a society matron. Mrs. Dorset also has a spendthrift son, Robert, who makes a number of unwelcome advances to Gladys. However, with the arrival of Edwin Fairfax, Mrs. Dorset's younger brother, Gladys finds a soul mate. But then Fairfax has to report for duty in France (being as World War I is going on) and he leaves.

Crime and Punishment

Invalid date •Swedish

A modern adaptation of Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment, set in contemporary Helsinki. Raskolnikov, a struggling law student, commits a brutal murder, believing himself above the law. As guilt and paranoia consume him, he spirals into a mental and moral crisis, all while the relentless lead investigator closes in on him.

King and Women

December 1967 •Czech

A married couple in which he is the older and powerful one and she is young and charming. Their mutual teasing, fussing and bickering filled a royal morning in the bedroom. The mighty King Henry VIII of England, who, as we know from history, had more than one of his wives put to death, and the last of them, Catherine Parr, using all the powers of her youth. The main dispute is over the colour of Alexander the Great's horse. Was he white or black? Will he, she, or the love that lies behind all the words win?

A Man for All Seasons

December 1966 •English

A depiction of the conflict between King Henry VIII of England and his Lord Chancellor, Sir Thomas More, who refuses to swear the Oath of Supremacy declaring Henry Supreme Head of the Church in England.

The 13th Warrior

August 1999 •English

A Muslim ambassador exiled from his homeland joins a group of Vikings, initially offended by their behavior but growing to respect them. As they travel together, they learn of a legendary evil closing in and must unite to confront this formidable force.

The Passion of the Christ

February 2004 •English

A graphic portrayal of the last twelve hours of Jesus of Nazareth's life.

Stalag 17

May 1953 •English

It's a dreary Christmas 1944 for the American POWs in Stalag 17 and the men in Barracks 4, all sergeants, have to deal with a grave problem—there seems to be a security leak.

National Theatre Archive: Death of England

February 2020 •English

After the death of his dad, Michael is powerless and angry. In a state of heartbreak, he confronts the difficult truths about his father’s legacy and the country that shaped him. At the funeral, unannounced and unprepared, Michael decides it is time to speak.

National Theatre Live: 'Master Harold’… and the boys

November 2019 •English

St George's Park Tea Room, Port Elizabeth, 1950. On a long rainy afternoon, employees Sam and Willie practise their steps for the finals of the ballroom dancing championship. Hally arrives from school to hide out in his parents’ tea room. These two men have been unlikely best friends to Hally his whole life. But it is apartheid era South Africa: he’s Master Harold, and they are the boys. Tony Award-winning playwright Athol Fugard’s semi-autobiographical and blistering masterwork explores the nature of friendship, and the ways people are capable of hurting even those they love.

National Theatre Live: After Life

November 2021 •English

A group of strangers grapple with this impossible question as they find themselves in a bureaucratic waiting room between life and death. Encouraged by enigmatic officials, they must sift through their past lives to choose their forever. Adapted from Hirokazu Kore-eda's award-winning film, After Life is a surreal and powerfully human look at the way we view our lives, and a haunting meditation on what it is to live - and to die.

Dreaming Lips

September 1932 •German

The young Gaby is happily married to the musician Peter but cannot ignore the impression that his friend Michael, a violin virtuoso, makes on her. Even when Peter falls seriously ill, she cannot forget her love for Michael. Torn between the two men, Gaby sees only one way out...

Trenck, der Pandur

August 1940 •German

Film about the fictitious adventures of Franz Freiherr von Trenck, who lived during the times of empress Maria Theresia of Austria garnished with espionage and twisted love affairs.

Madame Sans-Gène

January 1972 •Czech

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

June 1996 •English

Isolated bell-ringer Quasimodo wishes to leave Notre Dame tower against the wishes of Judge Claude Frollo, his stern guardian and Paris' strait-laced Minister of Justice. His first venture to the outside world finds him Esmeralda, a kind-hearted and fearless Romani woman who openly stands up to Frollo's tyranny.

Hamlet

December 1996 •English

Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, returns home to find his father murdered and his mother now marrying the murderer... his uncle. Meanwhile, war is brewing.

Shadowlands

December 1993 •English

C.S. Lewis, a world-renowned writer and professor, leads a passionless life until he meets spirited poet Joy Gresham.

Death and the Maiden

May 1994 •English

A political activist is convinced that her guest is a man who once tortured her for the government.

The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant

October 1972 •German

Petra von Kant is a successful fashion designer -- arrogant, caustic, and self-satisfied. She mistreats Marlene (her secretary, maid, and co-designer). Enter Karin, a 23-year-old beauty who wants to be a model. Petra falls in love with Karin and invites her to move in.

Strictly Ballroom

August 1992 •English

Brave new steps put Scott's career in jeopardy. With a new partner and determination, can he still succeed?

The Fatal Encounter

April 2014 •Korean

Late 18th-century Joseon dynasty. The King is beleaguered and surrounded by traitors of the ruling elite. They plan to assassinate and replace him with a puppet. But the King has some aces up his sleeve that may help him defeat them all.