It was Tom Patterson’s idea to start a Shakespeare festival—but not in England's Stratford-upon-Avon; he envisioned one in Ontario, Canada. Beginning with only C$125, he traveled to New York to see if there was any interest and then, remarkably, secured the money needed to construct an outdoor theater and persuade Tyrone Guthrie, who directed London’s Old Vic Theatre, to offer guidance. Be prepared for bold moves, potential risks, and expenses! While they readily embraced the first two aspects, this group of passionate individuals faced a critical challenge: raising C$15,000 within a weekend to cover travel costs for Guthrie, Irene Worth, Michael Bates, and Alec Guinness. Fortunately, anonymous benefactors stepped in at the last moment, allowing them to proceed with preparations for Richard III, which would culminate in a sold-out performance on July 13th, 1953, in front of a town population of 30,000. The documentary itself effectively tells this story, offering insightful glimpses into their logistical hurdles and the actors' dedication as they worked to stage an unconventional production of a dynamic play under canvas. The cameraman secured some excellent perspectives during rehearsals, illustrating how committed the cast was to their roles. It’s definitely worth watching.

Source on TMDB