Watch Tempest

Tempest is a 1928 American silent film directed by Sam Taylor, based on William Shakespeare's play The Tempest. Starring the legendary actor John Barrymore as the lead character, the film is a romantic drama that weaves passion, revenge, and magic into a thrilling narrative. The story revolves around Phillip, the rightful Duke of Milan, who is overthrown and sent with his young daughter Miranda to a deserted island. There, he becomes a sorcerer and spends 12 years plotting his revenge against his enemies. He conjures a storm that brings to the island the men who have wronged him, including his usurping brother Antonio, who is now the Duke of Milan. As events unfold, the shipwrecked crew is separated, and each one follows a different path. Phillip makes himself known to his brother and reveals his plans to retake his dukedom. Meanwhile, Miranda falls in love with Ferdinand, the son of Alonso, the King of Naples, who was also on the ship. The other men stranded on the island, including Stephano and Trinculo, become involved in a drunken escapade that threatens to ruin Phillip's plan. The film is notable for its visual effects, including the storm scene that opens the film, which was created using miniature ships and a wind machine. The costumes and sets are also impressive, with Phillip's magical garb and the muted colors of the island's landscapes adding to the film's dreamlike quality. John Barrymore's performance as Phillip is superb, demonstrating his range as an actor. He plays the part with a mix of intense passion, wry humor, and a touch of madness. Camilla Horn as Miranda is equally impressive, delivering a nuanced performance that captures the character's youthful innocence and romantic fervor. Louis Wolheim, who plays the role of Stephano, injects a comic relief element to the film with his excellent comedic timing and physical acting skills. His scenes with Trinculo, played by George Fawcett, are a highlight of the film. Overall, Tempest is a timeless classic that weaves together Shakespearian drama with elements of fantasy and adventure. The stunning visuals, brilliant performances, and haunting musical score make it a must-watch for film enthusiasts and Shakespeare fans alike. The film's themes of betrayal, revenge, and forgiveness are as relevant today as they were almost a century ago when the film was first released.