Henry V starring Laurence Olivier
Director: Laurence Olivier

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If Kenneth Branagh's 1989 version of Shakespeare's tale of conquering greed reflects the post-Vietnam era, Laurence Olivier's version very much mirrored his time. When Olivier gave us his colorful adaptation in 1945, it was vivid, full of pageantry, and most definitely geared toward war. Pretty flags and white steeds, shining armor and theatrical emphasis figure into Olivier's attractive but decorous version, liberally adapted for a pro-war stance. He used the French as comic relief; they appeared foppish and foolish. Their presence implied no threat. If you had not read the play, you would not have to wonder who was going to win. Of course, Olivier wanted England to believe in the justness of war--his country was in the midst of one. The propaganda gets in the way only because it has been filtered through so many decades. His Henry remains, however, a handsome cinematic spectacle. Olivier's performance is gentle and elegant, his imagery rich and colorful. It was considered such a superb film he was awarded an honorary Oscar. He followed this with adaptations of Hamlet and Richard III.
Synopsis
Believing himself the rightful heir to the French throne, Henry Plantagenet, King of England, bids the clergy to back up his claim by stating -- in writing -- that he is a direct descendent of the line of Charlemagne. With this righteous ammunition in hand, Henry embarks on a war against his cousin, King Charles VI of France. But victory does not come easily to the English, and finally, while in retreat, Henry faces the French at the battlefield of Agincourt. There, with help of the King's rousing speech -- and his fabled Welsh bowmen, the English army wins the day. To solidify the victory, and his hold on the French crown, the triumphant Henry proceeds to woo the Princess Katharine, daughter of the French King.

Video Description
The young English King Harry overcomes ridicule and miraculous odds to defeat the French at Agincourt. Olivier's production of Shakespeare's 1599 play is full of pomp and pageantry. Academy Award Nominations: 4, including Best Picture, Best Actor--Laurence Olivier. Academy Awards: Laurence Olivier--Special Award for Outstanding Achievement as Actor, Producer and Director.

Video Annotation
"Henry V" was the directorial debut for British actor Laurence Olivier. Color by Technicolor. The film was previewed in the US on April 17th 1946. The original theatrical release print of "Henry V" was 127 minutes. The current cut stands at 136 minutes. The film was shot on location in Ireland, with local farmers and townsfolk working as extras. The film's opening sequence features a reconstruction of 16th Century London, and Shakespeare's own Globe Theater. In actuality the set was modeled after The Swan, a theater in walking distance from The Globe, since the design of The Swan had been better documented than that of The Globe. The surreal and fairy-tale-like world of Henry's 15th century is depicted as segments of medieval manuscript illustrations. Some scenes are directly modeled from the illuminations of a prayer book entitled "The Book of Hours." The film was produced when British patriotism was high, and served as an important WWII propaganda tool. Hence some of Henry's cruelty towards his old drinking companions had been cut from the finished script. In keeping with the spirit of the play, the wartime propaganda of "Englishmen as underdogs," and indeed history itself, the French army is depicted as extremely well armed and encased in heavy, cumbersome armor -- restricting their movement. In fact, during the early part of the fifteenth century the French pioneered the wearing of steel cuirasses (breast plates) which greatly limited mobility, but increased the ability to fight on horseback -- making the French cavalry a deadly military machine. The English forces had been lightly armored and had the tendency to arrive at the battle on horseback and dismount in order to fight. Since the actual site at Agincourt had been muddy, the French and their heavily armored horses charged into the lines of English arrow fire and ended up slipping and sliding all over the battlefield in their attempt to retreat.

 

 

 

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