VIDEO: Sneak Peek - GREAT PERFORMANCES' Richard II, Premiering Today

Watch The Hollow Crown: Richard II on PBS. See more from Great Performances.

The Hollow Crown, the lavish new series featuring four of Shakespeare's most compelling history plays; Richard II, Henry IV, Parts I and II and Henry V, will air as the season premiere of Great Performances beginning Friday, September 20 at 9 p.m. ET on PBS (check local listings). Below, get a sneak peek at RICHARD II!

The films have been produced under the supervision of Sam Mendes, and feature a Who's Who of British stage and Hollywood luminaries:Jeremy Irons,Tom Hiddleston, Ben Wishaw, Rory Kinnear, Patrick Stewart, Michelle Dockery, Julie Walters, John Hurt, Simon Russell Beale,
David Suchet, Lambert Wilson, and many others.

For additional information about The Hollow Crown, including cast bios, production bios and play synopses visit the Great Performances website:

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/episodes/the-hollow-crown-shakespeares-history-plays/about-the-series/1747/

About RICHARD II (September 20, 9 p.m.):

KING RICHARD (Ben Whishaw) is called upon to settle a dispute between his cousin HENRY BOLINGBROKE (Rory Kinnear) and Thomas Mowbray (James Purefoy). RICHARD calls for a duel but then halts it just before swords clash. Both men are banished from the realm. RICHARD visits JOHN OF GAUNT (Patrick Stewart), BOLINGBROKE's Father, who, in the throes of death, reprimands the King. After seizing GAUNT's money and lands, RICHARD leaves for wars against the rebels in Ireland. BOLINGBROKE returns to claim back his inheritance. Supported by his allies, NORTHUMBERLAND (David Morrissey) and the DUKE OF YORK (David Suchet), BOLINGBROKE takes RICHARD prisoner and lays claim to the throne.

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