Macbeth (1913) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

The available reference documents the film's adaptation status, release history, preservation, and critical reception rather than recounting its scenes.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

Adaptation and Principal Cast

The reference identifies the film as a German silent adaptation of Macbeth. It names Arthur Bourchier as Macbeth and Violet Vanbrugh as Lady Macbeth.

Key Events

• Film Identified — The film is identified as a German 1913 silent adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth. Characters: Macbeth, Macbeth Location: Not specified
• Fifth Adaptation — The reference describes the film as the fifth film adaptation of Macbeth. Characters: Macbeth, Macbeth Location: Not specified

Release and Distribution Record

The film was released in the United Kingdom on 17 November 1913. It was later distributed in the United States as a five-reel film.

Key Events

• Macbeth Cast — Arthur Bourchier is identified as the performer playing Macbeth. Characters: Macbeth Location: Not specified
• Lady Macbeth Cast — Violet Vanbrugh is identified as the performer playing Lady Macbeth. Characters: Macbeth Location: Not specified

Format and Survival History

Several British film lengths were announced, ranging from 4200 to 4700 feet. The film was later thought to be lost.

Key Events

• British Release — The film was released in the United Kingdom on 17 November 1913. Location: United Kingdom
• American Distribution — The film was distributed in the United States as a five-reel film. Location: United States
• British Lengths Announced — Announced British lengths were 4200, 4500, and 4700 feet. Location: United Kingdom

Preservation and Reception

A surviving print is held by the International Museum of Photography and Film at the George Eastman Museum. Robert Hamilton criticized the adaptation and its photography.

Key Events

• Film Considered Lost — The film was thought to be lost before a surviving print was identified. Location: Not specified
• Print Preserved — The International Museum of Photography and Film has a surviving print. Location: George Eastman Museum
• Critical Response — Robert Hamilton criticized the film's tragic spirit and described its photography as poor. Characters: Macbeth, Macbeth Location: Not specified

Story Breakdown

• Adaptation Identity — The film is identified as a German silent version of Shakespeare's Macbeth and the fifth film adaptation.
  • German Silent Version — The reference explicitly calls the production a German 1913 silent film adaptation.
  • Fifth Adaptation — The reference places the film as the fifth film adaptation of Macbeth.
• Principal Performers — Two named performers are associated with the two listed characters.
  • Macbeth Performance — Arthur Bourchier plays Macbeth.
  • Lady Macbeth Performance — Violet Vanbrugh plays Lady Macbeth.
• British Release — The reference records the film's United Kingdom release date.
  • November Release — The stated United Kingdom release date was 17 November 1913.
  • British Exhibition — The film's British release is part of its documented distribution history.
• American Distribution — The film was distributed in the United States in a five-reel format.
  • Five Reel Format — The United States distribution used five reels.
  • American Release Record — The reference separately records United States distribution.
• Film Length Records — The reference provides three announced British lengths.
  • Shorter Announcement — One announced British length was 4200 feet.
  • Longer Announcements — The other announced British lengths were 4500 and 4700 feet.
• Preservation and Reception — The film's survival and later critical response form the final documented strand.
  • Surviving Museum Print — A print is held at the International Museum of Photography and Film at the George Eastman Museum.
  • Negative Critical Response — Robert Hamilton criticized the film's treatment of the tragedy and its photography.

Directed by

Arthur Bourchier

Key Cast

• Arthur Bourchier — Macbeth
• Violet Vanbrugh — Lady Macbeth