What movie am I thinking of?

May 14, 2024 6:40 AM

About 10 or 20 years ago, I saw a trailer for an intriguing movie. Here's what I remember: A troupe of Shakespearean actors is stranded in a remote location when their train breaks down. I think they were somewhere in Australia.

My recollection was that this was more of a drama than a gritty survival story (I don't think the actors were in any real danger). I may have some of the details wrong:

• Maybe they were on a bus not a train
• Possibly not in Australia
• Possibly regular stage actors, not Shakespearean

It's definitely not these movies or series, which were suggested by ChatGPT:

• Station 11
• Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
• Transsiberian
• Snowpiercer

Any leads? My Google fu is getting me nowhere.

posted by alex1965 to Media & Arts (6 answers total)

The Band's Visit?
posted by latkes at 7:04 AM on May 14 [1 favorite]

In the Bleak Mid-Wiinter, with Kenneth Branagh?
posted by BostonTerrier at 7:04 AM on May 14

Best answer: Maybe The King is Alive?
posted by dizziest at 8:00 AM on May 14 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Pretty sure it was The King is Alive. Not quite the way I remember it, but most of the pieces fit. Plus, I see that Roger Ebert reviewed it, and I think that's how I originally learned about the movie.

Thanks go out to @dizziest.
posted by alex1965 at 8:22 AM on May 14

The Band's Visit?

This was my guess, the date's about right; but that film happens in Israel with an Egyptian police band and a bus, not with Shakespearean actors on a train in Australia.
posted by Rash at 9:35 AM on May 14

No stranding in the desert but an early Merchant-Ivory b/w film Shakespeare Wallah features a group of actors traveling around India performing plays and loosely based their real life story. Felicity Kendal, Shashi Kapoor, Madhur Jaffrey.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 10:16 AM on May 14 [1 favorite]