Robert Burns on Film and Television

Robert Burns has appeared in historical drama, documentary, archive television, and programs examining the worldwide reach of his work. Screen portrayals can be useful introductions, but viewers should distinguish dramatized biography from documentary evidence.

Search film and television records

Search IMDb for Robert Burns films and television programs. The results may include people with the same name, so check the title, year, cast, and description for a connection to the Scottish poet.

Starting points

The Loves of Robert Burns (1930) — an early British musical biography starring the Scottish tenor Joseph Hislop. The film emphasizes romance and song rather than functioning as a complete historical account.
Auld Lang Syne (1937) — a British biographical film built around Burns’s life and enduring song tradition.
In Search of Robert Burns — a documentary series presented by David Hayman that revisits Burns’s life, relationships, work, and reputation.
Angelou on Burns — a documentary following Maya Angelou’s personal and literary connection with Burns and her visit to Ayrshire.
Burns in the USA — a documentary exploring Burns’s influence in the United States, a country he never visited.

Availability varies by country and changes over time. Use IMDb to confirm production details, then check a broadcaster, library, archive, or retailer for a legal viewing copy.

Find Robert Burns books, films, and music

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