The Beggar’s Opera 12/27/25

It’s a movie musical ripe for rediscovery … a film version of a classic ballad opera from 1728, a satircal lampoon of ‘noble highwayman’ tales. Laurence Olivier is Macheath, a rogue repeatedly rescued by the women that love him; with society so corrupt, Macheath’s stylish thievery feels heroic. Some of the vintage songs and lyrics are said to be period- authentic. They’re wickedly witty and clever, as is a stellar lineup of talent that makes the musical farce fly high and funny: Hugh Griffith, Dorothy Tutin, Stanley Holloway, Daphne Anderson, Athene Seyler and Yvonne Furneaux. Digitally remastered, picture and audio, on Blu-ray from The Warner Archive Collection.
12/27/25