This fascinating film tells the story of the greatest rescue in cultural history: how in 1623, two former colleagues of William Shakespeare took on the task of saving The Bard’s work for posterity by collecting his plays into one incredible book.

"First Folio" preserved 18 plays that had never been printed before, including "Macbeth,'""Twelfth Night," and "The Tempest." It was the first book to divide Shakespeare’s plays by genre: comedies, histories, and tragedies. Plus, its engraved portrait is thought to be one of the most authentic likenesses of the playwright in existence.

Shakespearean scholar Emma Smith presents and reveals John Heminges and Henry Condell feared that when their friend died, his words might fade with him. Featuring performances from Mark Rylance, Stephen Fry, Roger Allam, and more.

The extraordinary story of how two of William Shakespeare's friends saved some of his greatest plays from being lost and forgotten.

Will's Book: Shakespeare's First Folio

Take a trip through Italy with Shakespeare's plays as your guide. 

This fascinating documentary series explores the enchanting landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of Italy that inspired one-third of Shakespeare's plays. Guided by renowned Italian historian and presenter, Francesco da Mosto, explore the romantic canals of Venice, the ancient streets of Verona, and the rolling hills of Tuscany. 

Discover how the myths and legends of this region shaped some of The Bard's greatest works.

This fascinating documentary series explores the enchanting landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of Italy that inspired one-third of Shakespeare's plays.

Shakespeare in Italy

This uplifting feature documentary follows two friends on a global road trip to meet eight knights and a dame while immersing themselves in the world of William Shakespeare. 

Dan and Giles, former Shakespeare skeptics who became enthusiasts after being captivated by Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes in "Romeo and Juliet," journey to London to pursue acting careers and cultivate a profound appreciation for the Bard. 

Over the course of four years, they encounter a host of Shakespearean luminaries, including Ian McKellen, Judi Dench, and Baz Luhrmann. This heartfelt and entertaining film aims to demystify and illuminate Shakespeare’s work for everyone. Think he’s no great Shakes? Think again!

Two young actors embark on a road trip to get to the heart of the world’s greatest storyteller, William Shakespeare. 

Muse of Fire

In this critically acclaimed series, Shakespearean actors and directors explore the world and works of the greatest dramatist who ever lived to uncover the stories behind his best-known plays.

Series three sees Helen Hunt, F. Murray Abraham, Romola Garai, Brian Cox, Simon Russell Beale, and Sir Antony Sher skillfully combine their personal passions with history, fresh perspectives, and legendary performances.

Each episode investigates where The Bard found his plots, how his plays would have been performed, and asks how they have survived over 400 years to still have a potent impact on the world today. 

This is Shakespeare Uncovered.

Shakespeare Uncovered tells the stories behind the plays by the greatest dramatist who ever lived. 

Shakespeare Uncovered: Season 3

This critically acclaimed docudrama depicts a monumental night in Gothic history that gave birth to two iconic figures of modern horror: Mary Shelley’s ''Frankenstein'' and John Polidori’s ''Vampyre.''

In 1816, at Villa Diodati on Lake Geneva, the notorious poet Lord Byron—a rock star of his era—sought refuge from scandal. He was joined by the equally infamous Percy Shelley and his teenage lover, Mary. Rumors of free love, drunken revelry, and drug use circulated about their stay at the villa—some of which were true.

On a dark and stormy night, the group challenged one another to write the best ghost story. The literary legends would later recount their life-changing stay at the villa in letters, journals, and diaries, forming the basis of this film. Contemporary authors Margaret Atwood, Neil Gaiman, and Charlaine Harris explore why this night had such a profound impact on our culture.

A scandalous villa stay sparks the creation of Mary Shelley’s ''Frankenstein'' and John Polidori’s ''The Vampyre.''

Frankenstein and the Vampyre: A Dark and Stormy Night

18 months in the making, this Omnibus documentary follows Pulitzer-winning author Annie Proulx across the American West as she researches and writes her next book, ''That Old Ace in the Hole.''

Best known for ''The Shipping News'' and ''Brokeback Mountain,'' which accumulated three Academy Awards, the Connecticut-born former journalist heads out from New York on a personal assignment to capture the essence of life "western-style'' which sees her interview a knife maker, a food forager, and a fiddler en route.

A major literary novel's writing process from start to finish has never been documented on film before. Omnibus offers a unique insight.

Join award-winning author Annie Proulx as she journeys through the American West researching her next novel.

Omnibus: Annie Proulx - Way Out West

Explore the rich history of American tap dancing, from its roots in the fusion of African rhythmic traditions and Irish step dancing to its vibrant present-day expression, in this fascinating documentary. 

Let the electric energy of America's tap dancing legacy put a pep in your step and some twinkle in your toes. Uncover the origins of tap dance, tracing its evolution from the streets to the stage, and its enduring impact on American culture. From its intertwined evolution with the syncopated beats of jazz music to the heyday of Vaudeville and Broadway and the postwar resurgence led by trailblazers like Gregory Hines and Savion Glover, this documentary reveals the intricate steps that have woven the tapestry of tap dance throughout the ages.

Explore the rich history of American tap dancing in Mark Wilkinson's documentary. 

American Tap

Discover the fascinating story behind one of literature's most famous families, the Brontës. 

Charlotte gave us "Jane Eyre," Emily "Wuthering Heights," Anne "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall," and Branwell, the only portrait of the three. Few families had as prolific an impact on English literature as the Brontës. 

This two-part dramatized documentary series reveals the layers of myth surrounding the gifted yet ill-fated Brontë family, offering a deeper insight into their lives and works. By challenging long-standing misconceptions, "Searching for the Brontës" sets the record straight, unveiling the complexities of these literary icons' lives 150 years after their untimely deaths, offering a compelling exploration of family bonds, artistic ambition, and the enduring legacy of three extraordinary sisters whose works continue to captivate readers worldwide.

Discover the fascinating story behind one of literature's most famous families, the Brontës. 

In Search of the Brontes

Recommendations

In Shakespeare Uncovered, join esteemed hosts like Morgan Freeman, Hugh Bonneville, Kim Cattrall, Joseph Fiennes, David Harewood, and Christopher Plummer as they take a deep dive into one of their favorite Shakespearean plays. 

In this captivating series, each episode offers expert analysis and insight, giving a fresh perspective on beloved classics like The Taming of the Shrew, Othello, Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Antony and Cleopatra, and King Lear. In candid interviews renowned actors and directors share their deep-seated passion for these iconic works, offering valuable insights and plenty of behind-the-scenes anecdotes.

Join Morgan Freeman, Hugh Bonneville, Kim Cattrall, Joseph Fiennes, David Harewood, and Christopher Plummer as they explore and analyze their favorite Shakespeare play. 

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Shakespeare Uncovered

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