I just watched this and loved it but I couldn't follow all the conversations - just enough to get the gist. My first question is about the opening when Beatrice and Benedict had just been in bed together. How does that fit in? Did they sleep together before the gathering at the house? And, why did some of them have their hands tied up when they arrived? Thanks.
Look - Spartacus draws blood. ~ Lucretia
Beatrice and Benedict are rumored to have had a prior relationship. The beginning is a flashback to show that.
The ones who were tied up were prisoners.
Straightedge means I'm better than you.
Was the rumor mentioned in the dialog? I re-watched to see who the prisoners were, but why were they escorted to a party and let go? Sorry if I seem dumb. I watched this without knowing anything about the play.
Look - Spartacus draws blood. ~ Lucretia
The prisoner is Don John; he is brother of Don Pedro.
The prior relationship is alluded to:
DON PEDRO:
Come, lady, come, you have lost the heart of Signior Benedick.
BEATRICE:
Indeed, my lord, he lent it me awhile, and I gave him use for
it, a double heart for his single one. Marry, once before he
won it of me with false dice. Therefore your Grace may well
say I have lost it.
Straightedge means I'm better than you.
They were together previously...
BEATRICE.
Indeed, my lord, he lent it me awhile; and I gave him use for it, a
double heart for a single one: marry, once before he won it of me with
false dice, therefore your Grace may well say I have lost it.