Sganarelle

Sganarelle is the central character in four farces that were adapted for an evening's entertainment. In The Flying Doctor, Sganarelle tries to outwit a man who is forcing his daughter to marry someone she does not love. In The Forced Marriage, an older Sganarelle has fallen in love with a young woman who is interested only in his money. In Sganarelle, the only play of the four written in verse, the title character becomes convinced that his spouse is cheating on him. In A Dumb Show, a wife forces her woodcutter husband to cure a young woman who cannot speak. The American Repertory Theatre's production of Moliere's play, recorded at the Duke of York's Theatre, London.

Directed by Andrei Șerban, Bryan Izzard, Sganarelle leans on a strong ensemble — Cherry Jones, John Bottoms, Marianne Owen — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 1984.