Dubbed the greatest actor of the twentieth century, Sir Laurence Olivier, the classically trained and majestically handsome English theater veteran, first transplanted his passion for Shakespeare to the big screen in the 1940s, and in so doing, allowed Elizabethan verse to break free of its stage-bound origins. Olivier directed only five films in his sixty-year career, yet his three Shakespeare adaptations (Henry V, Hamlet, Richard III), presented here together on DVD for the first time, are still widely considered the definitive film adaptations. Faithful to the playwright’s words yet open to the unique possibilities of the cinema, these works transcend both screen and stage with timeless passion. Criterion is proud to present this unprecedented filmmaking legacy.
Starring:
Laurence Olivier
Renée Asherson
Robert Newton
Leslie Banks
Studio: Two Cities Films, United Artists, Eagle-Lion Distributors Limited
Filmed: 1944 - Released: 1944
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The Guthrie Theater has announced the cast and creative team for its 50th production of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, adapted by Lavina Jadhwani and directed by Addie Gorlin-Han, based on the original direction by Joseph Haj. This festive tale of hope and inspiration has delighted Guthrie audiences for five decades and become a beloved holiday tradition for audiences of all ages to enjoy.
Featuring a strikingly charismatic yet grounded performance from its leading actor, HENRY V presents a compelling study of the excitement and danger inherent in even the best-intended feelings of nationalism.
Helen Hayes Recommended We Happy Few will try their hand at an underseen sci-fi classic for this year's fall production.
Berk’s Nest and double Emmy award-nominated actor, comedian, and writer Nick Mohammed have announced that the iconic character of Mr. Swallow is preparing to spread Christmas cheer once again as a brand-new version of the ensemble comedy A Christmas Carol (ish) transfers to the West End this Winter.
Ensemble Theatre Company of Santa Barbara has announced the first production of its 2024/2025 season, the hilarious Off-Broadway hit comedy with plenty of bite, DRACULA: A COMEDY OF TERRORS, written by Gordon Greenberg & Steve Rosen and directed by Jamie Torcellini.
Touchstone Theatre has announced its 2024/2025 season, featuring a lineup of new productions and returning favorites.
Get a first look at Chicago Shakespeare Theater's production of William Shakespeare’s Henry V, staged by Artistic Director Edward Hall in the Courtyard Theater, now on stage through October 6.
Thornton Wilder’s Our Town will begin previews on Tuesday, September 17 ahead of an opening on Thursday, October 10 at the Barrymore Theatre for a strictly limited engagement. Meet the cast of Our Town here!
Full casting has been announced for the five-time Tony Award winning production of The Lehman Trilogy which returns to London's West End following highly acclaimed international performances.
Troupe, in association with Park Theatre, has announced the full cast for the world première of a new stage adaptation of John Galsworthy’s seminal work, The Forsyte Saga.
Westport Country Playhouse has announced the cast for SATCHEL PAIGE AND THE KANSAS CITY SWING, set to open on September 9.
Seán Aydon's acclaimed adaption of Mary Shelley's classic novel Frankenstein will begin a second UK theatre tour this autumn, opening at Portsmouth New Theatre Royal on 3 October.
The Barn Theatre has announced casting for the world premiere of Room 13, a brand-new play by Duncan Abel and Rachel Wagstaff, inspired by the ghost stories of M.R. James, set in the modern day.
Ken Ludwig's MORIARTY: A NEW SHERLOCK HOLMES ADVENTURE will open at Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre, featuring a thrilling new mystery for the iconic detective. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Chicago will continue to produce some of the most exciting work in the country this Fall. Offerings from the city’s more than 250 producing theatres include a wide variety of plays and musicals, as well as comedy, dance, festivals, and more.
The Brooklyn Chamber Orchestra has unveiled its 2024-2025 season. This year's lineup will offer a journey through the realms of classical music, featuring cinematic experiences, festive celebrations, and collaborations with esteemed soloists and ensembles.
The Royal Shakespeare Company announced the full cast for its upcoming production of OTHELLO, featuring Hugh Quarshie in the title role and Lucian Msamati as Iago. The production opens in November.
Discover WELFARE, a new play by Abi Zakarian at Derby Theatre, directed by Sarah Brigham. Running from Sep 28 to Oct 12.
Never has there lived a writer who has been better at capturing the complexities of the human condition like William Shakespeare. Shakespeare’s writing about life resonates across time because it examines the essence of what it means to be human, and not since the Bard have the realities of existence been articulated so profoundly. Study up on some of his best with these 30 iconic Shakespeare quotes about life.
The cast has been announced for The Truth About Harry Beck, a new play about the designer of the iconic version of the London Tube map, that will open at the Museum's on-site Cubic Theatre, right in the heart of Covent Garden.
The full cast has been announced for the new production of Seán O'Casey's timeless masterpiece, Juno and the Paycock, directed by Tony and Olivier award-winner Matthew Warchus.
An employment tribunal has ruled two actors previously engaged by Cambridge Shakespeare Festival were in fact ‘workers', not volunteers.
Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre will present NOISES OFF, a hilarious play-within-a-play that reveals the chaos behind the scenes of a British theatre troupe. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
It is not truly summer until we’ve seen a few Shakespearean plays, so we were thrilled when we heard Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre was bringing HENRY V to various locations in Arkansas. Under new leadership and nonprofit status, AST had a limited run from July 10 through July 15 before heading up north to perform with Shake on the Lake in New York. I happened to catch them at Witherspoon Auditorium at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville on the 15th and was thrilled to hear the happiness coming from this welcoming community.
The New York Choral Society reveals its 2024-25 season, introducing new leadership and an exciting lineup of performances. Stay updated on the latest developments and upcoming events.
Lyric Hammersmith Theatre has announced the full cast and creative team for Olivier Award-winning classic Our Country's Good, written by Timberlake Wertenbaker, and directed by Artistic Director Rachel O'Riordan.
Drury Lane Theatre has announced casting for its production of The Audience. Written by Peter Morgan, writer of the Emmy Award-winning “The Crown,” Drury Lane’s production is directed by Jessica Fisch and runs August 28 – October 20, 2024.
The Old Globe brings an epic two-show adaption of “Henry 6” to the stage with a fantastic cast to tell a story filled with intrigue, battles, and a pursuit for power that would forever alter England’s history. “Henry 6 Part One: Flowers and France” and “Two: Riot and Reckoning” are playing in repertory at The Old Globe through September 15th.
FRIGID New York will present FRIGID Nightcap: Classical Cabaret at Under St. Marks Theatre. Experience a late-night variety show where classical themes receive a modern, offbeat twist. Learn how to purchase tickets.
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