Waiting for Godot

This TV production comes from 1961, and features Burgess Meredith and the great Zero Mostel. It was directed by Alan Scheider - who also directed the first ever production of Beckett's seminal work in the USA. That was something of a commercial and critical disaster: it opened at the Coconut Grove in Florida - where it had been advertised as the "the laugh hit of two continents" - and starred Burt Lahr, the "Cowardly Lion" from "The Wizard of Oz". The first night audience was clearly not expecting the sort of existential drama that Beckett had written - and many of them walked out during the performance. It was also comprehensively panned in press reviews. However, the production subsequently transferred to Broadway. It performed reasonably well there - but, by then, Schneider had been replaced as its director. The cast is different for this TV production, but this tape makes clear that Scheider had a deep appreciation and understanding of the piece - and how it should be played. His direction is seldom obtrusive, but never moves far from the heart of the drama, and there is a fluidity and assurance in his use of cameras which remains very impressive. Of course, Scheider was helped by a very strong cast - who not only display a high level of performance skill, but also show a convincing grasp of the play's underlying themes. This tape was recorded almost half-a-century ago, and there are inevitably a few technical glitches - but what comes across is the startlingly contemporary nature of both Beckett's work, and this production.

I loved this story and have analyzed it for several English classes from high school and college

I ordered this version as well as the version starring Barry McGovern (part of the Beckett on Film Series) and although both were good, the Beckett on Film version is better. This version feels slightly dated, and not because it's in black and white (whereas the BOF version is in colour). It feels slightly overdone and a little too clownish. It's worth watching but if you have to choose one version to buy, go with the newer BOF film.

This is a review of "Waiting for Godot," Naxos Audio Books; Unabridged edition (March 2006). A great play rendered in a pitch-perfect performance. Listening to this recording brought to life a play I already know quite well in new ways. The actors capture the language's cadences, the characters' vacillations between resignation and curiosity, and the play's intelligence and humor. The sound effects are simple and effective, and the recording quality flawless.

The story I heard was that when this play was first performed, it was ill received by the audiences and quickly closed. Then, a group of inmates at Jolliet Prison undertook the production for their fellow prisoners. When the last line was spoken and the curtain went down, there was absolute silence, and not a dry eye in the house. They understood every nuance of the play. I'm not sure if this is a true story or not, but I like it, and I like the play. I work with people with brain injuries, and the clients that are never quite content I warmly think of as waiting for their own Godot's.

I'd never heard of “Max Notes” (unlike Cliff, Monarch and Spark notes). The implication is that this book contains the play, along with analytical commentary, as the description references a 1961 performance. Nope. This is purely synopsis and commentary, the poor man's Cliff notes. You have to seek the text of the play elsewhere, or watch it on YouTube. The Sparknotes analysis and commentary version is free on the internet. Don't waste your money.

Such a fantastic play/novella. Great characters, pace, and humor throughout. I've bought several copies for friends and reread it pretty frequently.

A must see play. What do we do while waiting for our Godot? Life is short and worth living fully

A simple brilliant play.

Mind blowing novel

OK

Je suis vraiment dégoûté de recevoir ce livre avec une page abîmée voir photos. Un livre que j’attendais depuis des semaines .

Ottimo