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Film Description
Six memorable performances from Laurence Olivier, one of the world's greatest Shakespearean actors. The set comprises King Lear (Michael Elliott, 1983), Henry V (Olivier, 1944), Hamlet (Olivier, 1948), The Merchant of Venice (John Sichel, 1974), Richard III (Olivier, 1955), and As You Like It (Paul Czinner, 1936).
King Lear: At 76, Olivier towers effortlessly over a stellar cast - including Colin Blakely, John Hurt, Diana Rigg, Leo McKern, David Threlfall and Brian Cox - in Shakespeare's classic tale of misplaced trust, filial ingratitude, envy and the lust for power.
Henry V: Cry God for Harry, England, and Laurence Olivier! As fine a piece of propaganda as was ever made, and a wonderful, wonderful film. Good looking, beautifully staged, brilliantly reflexive, and immensely enjoyable.
Hamlet: The first successful screen adaptation of a Shakespeare tragedy, it remains the only adaptation to have won the Best Picture and Best Actor Oscars.
The Merchant of Venice: Jonathan Miller's production with the National Theatre Company and musical score by Carl Davis.
Richard III: This award-winning adaptation of Shakespeare’s play won Olivier BAFTAs for Best British Actor and Best British Film, as well as an Oscar nomination and various other Awards. Noel Coward described Olivier's Richard as 'the greatest male performance' he had ever witnessed. Features an excellent supporting cast too.
As You Like It: A real treasure from the archives, this sees a young Laurence Olivier take on the role of Orlando in Shakespeare's popular comedy of entangled love affairs, cross-dressing and delightful wordplay. Even at this early stage, Olivier dominates his scenes, although Elisabeth Bergner's Austrian accent and delivery hampers things somewhat. Still, a fascinating example of an early Shakespeare "talkie", with camerawork by Jack Cardiff and editing by David Lean.
