James Earl Jones gives a commanding performance in this production of KING LEAR as the titular king, who gradual descent into madness begins when, before he divides his kingdom among his daughters, he asks them to tell him how much they love him. This is the New York Shakespeare Festival version of the play that received rave reviews during its stage run in 1974, and this performance was tailored to be filmed for broadcast on television. LEAR`s dream cast features Rosalind Cash as Goneril, and Raul Julia and Rene Auberjonois as Edmund and Edgar, respectively, this KING LEAR is a moving and haunting production, and as exciting as all productions of the Bard should be.