Ten Blocks on the Camino Real (1966)

The most idiotic play I've ever seen

My husband still hasn't forgiven me for buying this recording. I got it at a library sale for $2.00, and even that was too much to pay. April 1, 2008

Very Entertaining Performance of Rare Tennessee Williams

I had never heard of this play when I say the DVD on the shelf. So I got it, took it home, and watched it. I found it to be delightful. Martin Sheen glows in the bloom of his youth, Lotte Lenya is a hoot, and the rest of the cast, while unknown to me, were admirable, especially Janet Margolin as Esmeralda.

The production dates back to 1966, in a B&W TV staging for NET - National Educational TV. I suppose that is the predicessor of today's PBS. It was campy and fun, with lots of cheesy sets typical of live TV shows of the day. That aspect alone gives it an ambience that looks back to an earlier day of less than slick TV performances of more than worthy theatrical properties. Too bad such things are not particularly marketable today. Still, thanks to DVD, one can enjoy one of a kind performances like this one that would otherwise be lost.

This performance is apparently based on an early version of the play, rather than an "excised" version of the final published text. In my edition of Tennessee Williams plays, there is commentary on the fact that he reworked the material several times after its Broadway Premier before releasing the final published version. For that reason alone, this is an interesting historical document. What's more, this version, without commercials, fits neatly into the standard one hour TV time slot, and in my opinion, holds the stage quite well.

I really enjoyed the perfornace, and recommend it to anyone who is not put off by out of date TV production standards. If you are interested in a more "official" version of the play based on the final published text, there are always books at the library or book store. Meanwhile, this DVD will provide you with a good visual image while you read. September 4, 2006

A bird without wings!

Considering that this is the ONLY filmed version of "Camino Real" going, I suppose this DVD is better than nothing. That, however, still doesn't keep me from hating it. Apparently owing to television time constraints, much of the play has been excised. Unfortunately, what has been removed are the portions of the play which provide its theme and focus (e.g., the Don Quixote scenes). Thus, the play comes off like some absurdist piece with no point whatsoever!

If you're a fan of the play, you will hate this rendition as much as I do.

Lesson to be learned: a plucked bird cannot fly! (This bird, unfortunately, has not only been plucked, but has had its wings removed and has been microwaved for consumption!) June 20, 2002

More reviews at Amazon.com ...