The Lumpy Lothario

Sir John Falstaff — noble knight, serious trencherman and extra-plush lover — wanders into Windsor in need of cash. He sets to work immediately, sending identical letters of romantic intent to both Mistress Ford and Mistress Page, two fine ladies of wealthy backgrounds who are far too young for the old man. The women are both wise enough to spot the con of a lech when it's directed at them, and concoct a scheme that will get Falstaff's hopes up (ahem) as well as draw him out into the open for public scorn and ridicule. The young ladies have some relationship trouble of their own (their respective daddies don't like the ladies' chosen beaus), but that plot point pales beside the trouble they make for ye olde heavy lover. There's nothing like watching a fat man being beaten with sticks — it's a staple of physical comedy. You can enjoy comedic beatings and identity confusion during the Shakespeare's Globe London Cinema Series screening of The Merry Wives of Windsor, tonight at 7 p.m. at the AMC Esquire 7 (6706 Clayton Road, Richmond Heights; www.fathomevents.com). William Shakespeare's comedy was recorded during a 2010 performance at the Globe Theatre, and the screening includes a special documentary with behind-the-scenes footage from the Globe and interviews with cast members. Tickets are $12.50.
Mon., June 27, 6:30 p.m., 2011