Get the MovieNight app
Add it to your home screen — faster & full screen
Castle Rock Entertainment
Not part of a collection.
The drama. The passion. The intrigue... And the rehearsals haven't even started.
Out of work actor Joe volunteers to help try and save his sister's local church for the community by putting on a Christmas production of Hamlet, somewhat against the advice of his agent Margaretta. As the cast he assembles are still available even at Christmas and are prepared to do it on a 'profit sharing' basis (that is, they may not get paid anything) he cannot expect - and does not get - the cream of the cream. But although they all bring their own problems and foibles along, something bigger starts to emerge in the perhaps aptly named village of Hope.
DocTerminus
Feb 7, 2022 · via TMDB
Branagh's 2022 black and white film **BELFAST** is considered his most personal film. I offer that his 1995 black and white film **IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER** is equally autobiographical. And I guess that we will see a third black and white film in the future that would showcase the twilight of his career to close out the Branagh Trilogy. (_Cross your fingers_.) **IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER** is also the first film that Branagh does not appear. It is arguably the least popular film in his oeuvre, partially because of the release in the United States under the name **A MIDWINTER'S TALE**. For ease of understanding, this review will refer to it as **MIDWINTER**. The storyline is brief, almost a British **WAITING FOR GUFFMAN** as a small group of theatrical performers are mounting an overly ambitious, _underly_ funded production of that old Christmas classic, **HAMLET**. Yes the _everyone's dead at the end_ **HAMLET**. It even results in a powerful movie producer attending opening night in an environment not typical to great theatre. The screenplay is filled with great characters and very funny circumstances. Although not on screen, Branagh's voice is loud and clear. In fact, by this sixth film of his, we are able to see a bit of critical weakness. Branagh's films are lacking in quiet moments - usually wall to wall dialogue mixed with Patrick Doyle's regal musical scoring. This film is the first to subtly address that. In fact, it ends with many payoffs that the heart understands oh so well. **MIDWINTER** is a very good film, but will likely remain his most forgettable work... Until my _dream Branagh Trilogy_ Box Set exists!
User reviews courtesy of TMDB.
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home
Michael Maloney
Joe
Richard Briers
Henry
Joan Collins
Margaretta
Nicholas Farrell
Tom Newman
Julia Sawalha
Nina
Celia Imrie
Fadge
John Sessions
Terry Du Bois
Jennifer Saunders
Nancy
Gerard Horan
Carnforth
Mark Hadfield
Vernon Spatch
Adrian Scarborough
Young actor
Brian Pettifer
Ventriloquist
Patrick Doyle
Scotsman
Shaun Prendergast
Mule Train Man
Robert Hines
Mortimer
Edward Jewesbury
Nina's Father
Carol Starks
Audience Member
Jessica Manley
Audience Member
Simon Finney
Focus Puller
David Appleby
Still Photographer
Kenneth Branagh
Director
David Barron
Producer
Jimmy Yuill
Original Music Composer
Kenneth Branagh
Writer
Feb 9, 1996
New York City
Feb 16, 1996
© 2025-2026 MovieNight. All rights reserved.
Versus
Sign in to play →
Wasting, sinking, dazzling, floating
2024
That Model from Paris
1926
Sign in to vote
Battle your watched movies head-to-head
Community Top Movies
Evil Dead II
1987 · 14 wins
The Dark Knight
2008 · 14 wins
Halloween
1978 · 13 wins
Final Destination
2000 · 12 wins
Halloween II
1981 · 11 wins
Trivia
Leaderboard →Playing as a guest — sign in to save your score and rank on the leaderboard.
Movie Trivia
Guess the movie from a clue — tagline, plot, cast and more. Pick from four posters.
What movie experience do you prefer?
What is your favorite movie genre?
Versus
Sign in to play →
Wasting, sinking, dazzling, floating
2024
That Model from Paris
1926
Sign in to vote
Battle your watched movies head-to-head
Community Top Movies
Evil Dead II
1987 · 14 wins
The Dark Knight
2008 · 14 wins
Halloween
1978 · 13 wins
Final Destination
2000 · 12 wins
Halloween II
1981 · 11 wins
Trivia
Leaderboard →Playing as a guest — sign in to save your score and rank on the leaderboard.
Movie Trivia
Guess the movie from a clue — tagline, plot, cast and more. Pick from four posters.
What movie experience do you prefer?
What is your favorite movie genre?
We use essential cookies to run MovieNight, plus analytics (Google Analytics) and advertising (Google AdSense) cookies. By continuing to browse, you agree to this — or click No and we won't. See our Terms & Privacy Policy to learn more.