Richard III (1955)
Directed by Laurence Olivier
Genres - Drama, War, Historical Film |
Sub-Genres - Historical Epic, Tragedy |
Release Date - Mar 11, 1956 (USA - Unknown), Mar 11, 1956 (USA) |
Run Time - 158 min. |
Countries - United Kingdom |
MPAA Rating - NR
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Synopsis by Paul Brenner
Laurence Olivier was the director, co-screenwriter (with Alan Dent), and star of this robust adaptation of Shakespeare's drama, which, as Bruce Eder has written, "was the final, crowning glory of the British studio system and the end of the great cycle of British films aimed at international audiences." Olivier begins his Richard III with Edward IV (Cedric Hardwicke) being crowned king. In the background of the celebration, Richard (Laurence Olivier) jealously views the proceedings and begins to pick off those obstructing his pathway to the throne. Eventually, Richard becomes king and, after proceeding with a succession of intrigues and duplicities, he finds his kingdom in dire peril, set upon by Henry Tudor (Stanley Baker) and mustering a final defense for his realm at the Battle of Bosworth.
Characteristics
Moods
Themes
Keywords
successor, aristocracy, battle [war], betrayal, Britain, killing, king, maniac, mental-illness, overthrow, scheme, throne
Attributes
High Artistic Quality, High Historical Importance