General Othello's marriage is destroyed when vengeful Ensign Iago convinces him that his new wife has been unfaithful.
Acting
Olivier's physical transformation—vocally, physically, totally committed.
Production
Shot on a single soundstage, claustrophobic as a coffin.
Director
Stuart Burge
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Olivier's blackface performance was controversial even in 1965—critic James Baldwin called it 'embarrassing' while praising his technique. The film's reputation remains deeply complicated.
Maggie Smith met her future husband Robert Stephens during this production. Their marriage lasted six years—ironically, jealousy rumors plagued them too.
GB
