This version was originally a live TV broadcast in 1959. The PBS version had Richard Thomas ("John-Boy Walton") introducing the play with interviews from the cast and director about producing a 90 minute live TV broadcast. The best part about this version is that it is very close to actually seeing the play performed in a theatre because of the live nature of the original broadcast with only short breaks between acts--including flubs, prop problems and sound variations. The director claims to have gone back to the original Norweigan for a new translation before going into production.Julie Harris is a wonderful Nora--her slightly shrill voice and perfectly slight frame give her a great angle on the "little squirrel" character she plays. Christopher Plummer plays the stolid and oh-so-proper Torvald very well. He shows the attitude of the Head of the Household toward wife and children stunningly accurately.
Other noteables are Jason Robards as Dr. Rank, played well, if a little flatly; Hume Kronon as Krogstad--has the most flubs, but still convincing as the weasely lawyer; and Julie Heckart with her already gravely voice as Christine.
I show this every school year to my English classes when we study drama. They read the play, a version translated by Otto Reinhart, and they have generally felt that this video version explored the characters and issues very clearly--showing Nora's change and Krogstad's redemption well.
An enjoyable version--even in black and white!
