Uncle Vanya (1970)

An elderly professor (Roland Culver) and his much younger second wife (Ann Bell) visit the rural country estate that supports them. The professor's brother in law (Freddie Jones) and the local doctor (Anthony Hopkins) fall under the spell of the beautiful wife. Based on the classic play by Anton Chekhov and directed by Christopher Morahan. The plays of Anton Chekhov can be problematic in the sense that they deal with characters who are, for the most part, passive. Life passes them by and as they bemoan their bored lives, it's not so much about what they say but the subtext of their words. The narratives of Chekhov's plays are essentially plotless and it's not about the story but about the people who inhabit the story. His plays are often described as comedies but more in the irony than the execution. Unfortunately, this production of UNCLE VANYA is rather heavy going with the actors beating their chests and whimpering their unhappiness drearily. Freddie Jones plays Uncle Vanya rather creepily so it's easy to see why Ann Bell as Yelena is repulsed. Only Anthony Hopkins gives any texture to his performance. All the other actors seem to be playing on the surface while Hopkins gives us layers. With Jennifer Armitage and Anne Dyson.