Adventures Of Don Quixote, The (BBC-1 1973, Rex Harrison, Frank Finlay)

This exotic version of Cervantes’ novel of The Adventures of Don Quixote and his faithful servant Sancho Panzo was a big buget, high profile cast co-production between the BBC (broadcast under their play of the month strand but more akin to a TV Movie) and Universal in the US.

Harrison and Finlay were perfect in the main role but there were also strong performances from the likes of Rosemary Leach and Bernard Hepton. Cult names popping up includes the likes of Roger Delgado and the gorgeous Francoise Pascal from Mind Your Language.

production details
UK – USA / BBC One – Universal / 1×90 minute episode / Broadcast 7 January 1973

Writer:Hugh Whitmore / Novel: Miguel de Cervantes / Costumes: Elizabeth Waller / Producer: Gerald Savory / Director: Alvin Rakoff /

cast
REX HARRISON as Don Quixote
FRANK FINLAY as Sancho Panzo
ROSEMARY LEACH as Dulcinea
BERNARD HEPTON as The Priest
ROGER DELGADO as The Monk
RONALD LACEY as The Barber
ROBERT EDDISON as The Duke
MURRAY MELVIN as Travelling Barber
GWEN NELSON as Housekeeper
PAUL WHITSUN-JONES as First Landlord
BRIAN COBURN as First Muleteer
ATHOL COATS as Second Muleteer
JOHN HOLLIS as First Prisoner
WALTER SPARROW as 2nd Prisoner
BRIAN SPINK as Death
FRANCOISE PASCAL as Harlot
JON C.P. MATTOCKS as Goatherd

Head of film reviews at The Viewers Guide with an erudite, insightful, slightly sardonic, deep appreciation for classic cinema. Has a habit of quoting obscure lines from old films in everyday conversation. He keeps a meticulously organized film logbook. He's a bit of a tea snob.