Richard III

UK (1955): Drama/Historical/War

Laurence Olivier is 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 by recapitulating the final scene of Henry IV, Part III with Edward IV (Cedric Hardwicke) being crowned king. In the background of the celebration, Richard (Laurence Olivier) jealously views the proceedings. Soon afterwards, Edward IV is murdered, drowned in a vat of wine. 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. Cast also features Ralph Richardson, John Gielgud, Mary Kerridge, Pamela Brown and Claire Bloom. The first film to have its US premiere in theatres and on TV simultaneously. This occurred on 11 March 1956, when NBC-TV broadcast the film on the same day it had its US premiere in New York. (It had already had its world premiere and first run in London in 1955.) (London Film/Lopert) (Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide)

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1 nomination