Stage 2 (TV Series) Mrs. Warren's Profession (1972) User Reviews

Worthwhile but somewhat disappointing

[Bob Pr. · 7/10 · 21 June 2016]

Recently our play reading group finished "Mrs. Warren's Profession" and, as we often do, we obtained a copy of a film of the play we've read to show both to our group's participants (about 10+) as well as to any others who care to see it from the larger membership of our society (retired university peeps) -- those visitors added another 12. We viewed it this afternoon. The cast seemed excellent as did all the "sets" and costumes. However, IMO considerable liberties were taken with the play -- probably to make it less appropriate to a stage production and rather more flexible as in films -- which apparently involved also adding considerably more dialog. The DVD specifically said it had closed captioning but several experts in the Alumni Center (where we meet) could not get those to display. The actors were all English (with that accent) and spoke rather rapidly which made a good understanding of what was being said beyond reach for all but 3 of our viewers (of 22 total) who were native to Great Britain. I think the movie ran longer than the performance of the actual play. I no longer have my copy of the play available to check but it's my strong impression that a number of scenes wereRecently our play reading group finished "Mrs. Warren's Profession" and, as we often do, we obtained a copy of a film of the play we've read to show both to our group's participants (about 10+) as well as to any others who care to see it from the larger membership of our society (retired university peeps) -- those visitors added another 12. We showed it this afternoon. The cast seemed excellent as did all the "sets" and costumes. However, IMO considerable liberties were taken with the play -- probably to make it less appropriate to a stage production and rather more flexible as in films -- which apparently involved also adding considerably more dialog. The DVD specifically said it had closed captioning but several experts in the Alumni Center (where we meet) could not get those to display. The actors were all English (with that accent) and spoke rather rapidly which made a good understanding of what was being said beyond reach for all but 3 of our viewers (of 21 total) who were native to Great Britain. I think the movie ran longer than the performance of the actual play. I no longer have my copy of the play available to check but it's my strong impression that a number of scenes were greatly expanded, for instance the final scene between Vivie and her mother as well as a number of earlier scenes. While these were all completely in keeping with the overall plot they aren't with either Shaw's language or intent. Worthwhile to see but somewhat disappointing and less than 95% Bernard Shaw.

Sparkling version of a very modern play

[didi-5 · 25 January 2010]

Recently popular again on stage, Shaw's controversial play 'Mrs Warren's Profession' receives an excellent adaptation for television here, directed by Herbert Wise, and starring Coral Browne as a stylish and gravel-voiced Mrs Warren, Penelope Wilton as her daughter Vivie, and Robert Powell as Vivie's beau Frank.

With just the right touch - ie without pushing the comic elements, this play zips along and allows the audience to sit back and enjoy the performances. Browne and Wilton are especially good and for them alone, this play is highly recommended.

As far as sets for the play are concerned, the Warrens' country house, the church gardens, and Vivie's office look realistic and as if a bit of money has been spent on them - same with the costumes and the wigs. But the print currently available suffers from poor sound in the early scenes, which is a bit of a shame.

There are no secrets better kept than the secrets everybody guesses." - From Mrs. Warren's Profession

[Sylviastel · 10/10 · 27 December 2018]

Coral Browne was sensational in the performance as Mrs. Warren and a young Penelope Wilton as her daughter, Vivie Warren. Perhaps Shaw's best play besides Pygmalion, Shaw has created unforgettable characters in Mrs. Warren and her daughter, Vivie. The production is a bit staged without an audience reaction. Wilton and Brown are incredible in their performances as mother and daughter. I found Brown to be an unforgettable actress and perhaps one of the best ever.