The American Film Theatre Collection: Galileo

Part of the 1970s American Film Theatre series, this stage-to-screen adaptation of Bertolt Brecht’s play concentrates on the period in the life of the brilliant Italian mathematician Galileo Galilei when his theories about the solar system fell foul of the edicts of the Catholic Church. Directed by Joseph Losey, the play questions the role – and responsibilities – of the scientist in society, portraying Galileo (played by Israeli-born actor Topol) as both an undisputed genius and a self-indulgent opportunist, who is not above stealing someone else’s idea and claiming it as his own. The supporting cast includes John Gielgud, Edward Fox, Tom Conti and Georgia Brown.