I've seen a lot of Hamlets in my time (including the German version with Maximillian Schell, and though I haven't seen the Oscar-Winning Olivier version, I'd have to say that MOST definately the best version is the BBC production. Sir Derek Jacobi is simply stunning as Hamlet...he acts so fluidly, it hardly seems like a Shakespeare play, and more like real life. Patrick Stewart is awesome as Claudius, he has the "damned smiling villian" part down pat, but he portrays him in a beautifully sympathetic way, it's hard to hate him. Eric Porter is the BEST Polonius I've ever seen--he is hilarious in his old man ramblings. My and my sister have this thing where we imitate the actors..."ahhh look to it my friend...!" Hmm..doesn't work without her voice saying it!

--Mbo