Jan. 27, 1975|United Kingdom | United States|145 Min.|PG
Genre: Drama
Description: The 1975 film *Galileo* closely follows the American adaptation of Bertolt Brecht’s play. Set in 1609, the story revolves around Galileo, a mathematics professor in Padua, Italy. Despite his low salary, he enjoys the freedom to conduct controversial scientific research under the protection of the Venetian Republic. Using a telescope, a relatively new invention from the Netherlands, Galileo aims to test Nicolaus Copernicus’ theory that the Sun, not the Earth, is the center of the universe. As his discoveries progress, Galileo accepts a more prestigious position in Florence, Italy. However, this new role lacks the government protection he had in Venice. When summoned before the Inquisition, Galileo finds no support from his influential friends in the Roman Catholic Church.
Director Joseph Losey had a longstanding connection with Brecht, beginning in the 1930s and culminating in the 1947 stage performances of *Galileo*. After his blacklisting in the US during the early 1950s due to his political activities, Losey moved to England, where he revived his career. He made multiple attempts over the years to adapt Brecht’s play into a film, finally succeeding with the 1974–1975 season of the American Film Theatre. The American Film Theatre produced thirteen film adaptations of notable plays during its two seasons, focusing on translating theatrical works into films while remaining faithful to the original scripts. Although the films were intended for U.S. audiences, *Galileo* was produced in England.
The screenplay for *Galileo* was co-written by Joseph Losey and Barbara Bray. Bray was a prominent editor, translator, and critic, as well as the longtime companion of Nobel Prize-winning author Samuel Beckett. In addition to *Galileo*, she collaborated with Losey on two other screenplays.
The film offers a compelling exploration of Galileo’s struggle between scientific discovery and religious authority, set against the backdrop of 17th-century Italy. It remains a significant adaptation of Brecht’s work, reflecting Losey’s dedication to bringing theatrical masterpieces to the screen.
Cast director: Joseph Losey
Cast actor: Chaim Topol, Edward Fox, Colin Blakely, Georgia Brown, Clive Revill, Margaret Leighton, John Gielgud, Michael Gough, Michael Lonsdale, Richard O’Callaghan
Original name: Galileo