Genre:
Historical Film
Release Date: 02/24/2004
Dubbed: English
Sound: DD1
Run Time: 158 Minutes
Flags: Mild Violence, Adult Situations, Questionable for Children
Distributor/Studio: Criterion
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.
~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
;)
