Abstract

Films

It seems to be settled that people shall hear no more than half the text of any play by dramatist William Shakespeare which wanders into the movies. But in the case of film "As You Like It," it does appear that about half of the effective words are missing, and at any rate it has become clear by now that people must accustom themselves as best they can to an all-but-mortal surgery; noting as they pass that even when the heart has been cut out and thrown away a remarkable amount of life remains in the other members. The question, of course, is not whether the text as such is sacred. For movie purposes it certainly is not. The question is whether the whole of Shakespeare's effect in a given play can somehow be preserved on the screen; and whether, when his own verbal means to this end are perhaps not practicable, any other means are available, or so far have shown themselves to be available.