The Tempest 45 years old

The Tempest

Prospero, a potent magician, lives on a desolate isle with his virginal daughter, Miranda. He's in exile, banished from his duchy by his usurping brother and the King of Naples. Providence brings these enemies near; aided by his vassal the spirit Ariel, Prospero conjures a tempest to wreck the Italian ship. The king's son, thinking all others lost, becomes Prospero's prisoner, falling in love with Miranda and she with him. Prospero's brother and the king wander the island, as do a drunken cook and sailor, who conspire with Caliban, Prospero's beastly slave, to murder Prospero. Prospero wants reason to triumph, Ariel wants his freedom, Miranda a husband; the sailors want to dance.

Credits

The Tempest Cast

Name Character
Karl Johnson He was 31, now 76 years old as Ariel, an airy spirit
Heathcote Williams He was 37, 75 years old when he died as Prospero, the Right Duke of Milan
Neil Cunningham He was 17, 53 years old when he died as Sebastian, his brother
Richard Warwick He was 34, 52 years old when he died as Antonio, his brother
Peter Bull He was 67, 72 years old when he died as Alonso, the King of Naples
Toyah Willcox She was 21, now 66 years old as Miranda, his daughter
Jack Birkett He was 45, 75 years old when he died as Caliban, a savage and deformed slave
Helen Wellington-Lloyd She was 25, now 70 years old as A Spirit
David Meyer He was 32, now 77 years old as Ferdinand, his son
Elisabeth Welch She was 75, 99 years old when she died as A Goddess
Christopher Biggins He was 30, now 75 years old as Stephano, a drunken mariner
Ken Campbell He was 37, 66 years old when he died as Gonzalo, an honest councillor

The Tempest Crew

Name Department
William Shakespeare as Writer. He was 415 (51) years old when He died Writing
Lesley Walker as Editor. She was 20 (now 24) years old Editing
Ian Whittaker as Art Direction. He was 51 (now 96) years old Art
Tony Anscombe as Sound Re-Recording Mixer. Sound
Brian Hodgson as Music. He was 41 (now 86) years old Sound
Derek Jarman as Director. He was 37 (52) years old when He died Directing
Derek Jarman as Writer. He was 37 (52) years old when He died Writing
John Lewis (pianist) as Music. He was 59 (80) years old when He died Sound
The Tempest poster
The Tempest (45 years)

  • Release day: Thursday, September 13, 1979
  • Runtime: 95 minutes