A Midsummer Night's Dream

About This Movie

Dieterle's 1935 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' captures that whimsical spirit of Shakespeare's text but with a 30s flair. The pacing can feel a bit leisurely for modern tastes, yet it allows the charm and humor to breathe. The interplay between the fairy world and the human characters is handled with an enchanting lightness, though the special effects, like the flying fairies, bring a certain quaintness that some might find charming, others less so. The performances, particularly from the likes of James Cagney as Bottom, are a mixed bag—some moments are genuinely delightful, while others might seem over the top. It’s all part of the film’s eccentric character, making it a noteworthy artifact of early sound cinema.

Black and white; runtime 109 minutesNotable for early special effects in fairy sequencesFeatures a score by Mendelssohn, enhancing the atmosphereCagney's performance as Bottom is a standout choice