Shakespeare In... And Out (1999): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1999, Shakespeare In... And Out is a comedy and drama film directed by Peter Shushtari, running about 80 minutes. “The "Spinal Tap" of the porno industry!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. In the 1980s, a filmmaker begins a project to record the life of an average kid. In Perry, Ohio, he picks Rich Longfellow, a shy lad, and begins filming. Soon after, he dies in Mozambique. Sixteen years later, his son continues the project, finding Rich, now 23, in L.A., with dreams of being a Shakespearean actor, getting experience in porn films. We meet Betsy, Rich's sensible girlfriend, Lee, the impatient producer, and Carmichael, a director with artistic pretensions who inspires Rich. Problems with Besty and tension on the set bring Rich to a crisis; when his boyhood friend starts a Shakespeare company that tours nursing homes in the San Fernando Valley, Rich sees a way out.

Who’s in it. Shakespeare In... And Out stars Roger Shank as Rich Longfellow (as Roger William), Lawrence Trilling as Harold Asailian Jr, J.D. Smith as Lee Fernandez and William Neenan as Carmichael Astune, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 2.0/10, Shakespeare In... And Out has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Amazon Video. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Shakespeare In... And Out page.

If you liked it. Fans of Shakespeare In... And Out tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.