Famed German stage director Max Reinhardt, working in collaboration with his protegé William Dieterle, lent an eerie Expressionism to this Hollywood studio production of Shakespeare's play. The combination was electric, sometimes disturbing, always magical. The film's shimmering set pieces were the large-scale ballet “dream” sequences designed by Reinhardt, choreographed by the Paris Opera's Nijinska, and captured by the cinematographic genius of Hal Mohr. Unlikely casting with memorable results included James Cagney as Bottom, Mickey Rooney as Puck, and Dick Powell as Lysander. (Look for experimental filmmaker Kenneth Anger in his film debut at the age of three as the Indian changeling prince!) For years unavailable in a 35mm print, A Midsummer Night's Dream has now been beautifully restored to its original length.