A Midsummer Night’s Dream

(William Dieterle and Max Reinhardt, US 1935, 117 min., 35mm)

“Not of an age, but for all time.” Shakespeare’s romantic and fantastical comedy is given prestige treatment by Warner Bros. in this star-studded and lavishly designed production. Warners imported the legendary German stage director Max Reinhardt for a rare excursion into cinema and the cast includes a number of top WB contract players including James Cagney (as Bottom), Joe E. Brown, Olivia de Havilland, Dick Powell, and, as the impish Puck, Mickey Rooney.