Storyline

Will Shakespeare is a known but struggling poet, playwright and actor who not only has sold his next play to both Philip Henslow and Richard Burbidge but now faces a far more difficult problem: he is bereft of ideas and has yet to begin writing. He is in search of his muse, the woman who will inspire him but all attempts fail him until he meets the beautiful Viola de Lesseps. She loves the theatre and would like nothing more than to take to the stage but is forbidden from doing so as only men can be actors. She is also a great admirer of Shakespeare's works. Dressing as a man and going by the name of Thomas Kent, she auditions and is ideal for a part in his next play. Shakespeare soon sees through her disguise and they begin a love affair, one they know cannot end happily for them as he is already married and she has been promised to the dour Lord Wessex. As the company rehearses his new play, Will and Viola's love is transferred to the written page leading to the masterpiece that is ...

Plot Keywords

gender disguise, marriage of convenience, assumed identity, play rehearsal, play within a film, woman dressed as man, reference to shakespeare's romeo and juliet, 16th century, shakespeare play, drag, extramarital affair, face slap, famous score, dog, deception, debt collector, dancing, chase, castaway, farce

Short Review

In a little more than two hours, director John Madden, screenwriters Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard and a terrific cast and crew accomplish the miraculous.

Trailer

Streaming Service

1. Apple iTunes : Track Price: 7.99, Track Rental Price: 3.99, Collection Price: 7.99, Track Hd Price: 9.99, Track Hd Rental Price: 3.99, Collection Hd Price: 9.99

2. Amazon Video : From $3.99 to rent, Or $0.00 with a SHOWTIME trial on Prime Video Channels

3. Microsoft Store : Rent From $3.99

4. Vudu : [SD - Buy: 7.99, Rent: 3.99] [HDX - Buy: 9.99, Rent: 3.99]