Laurence Olivier's third Shakespeare film, after HENRY V and HAMLET, and in some ways the most suitable of the three for his rather cold talents. For once, Olivier finds a part in which he can fully exploit his chilly magnetism, and the viewer can only root for his vicious but
charismatic cripple.
The picture begins with Richard, Duke of York (Olivier) enviously observing the coronation of Edward IV (Cedric Hardwicke)--the sun (son) of York that illuminates Richard's metaphorical winter of discontent. Richard sets about scheming for the throne, arranging the deaths of Clarence (John
Gielgud) and Edward's young heirs, and incidentally seducing Lady Anne (Claire ...
Released:
1955
Rated:
NR
Length:
158 mins