The third and final entry in Laurence Olivier's Shakespeare triptych, Richard III (1954) is an audacious portrait of a man determined to prove himself a villain. As the personification of evil impudence, Olivier portrays the Duke of Gloucester with such aplomb that he brings the audience onto his side. This is true even as Richard engineers plots to murder his brother Clarence (John Gielgud), betray his cousin Buckingham (Ralph Richardson), and seduce his niece Lady Anne (Claire Bloom). From the play's famous opening lines ("Now is the winter of our discontent"), Olivier delivers every speech with truly Machiavellian splendor, and his superb staging of the climactic battle rivals his work on Henry V. Regrettably, this would be Olivier's last Shakespeare film, as a planned... More Info about this DVD Actor(s): Laurence Olivier Director(s): Laurence Olivier DVD Release Date: Released the 24 February 2004 Usually ships in 24 hours
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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... More Info about this DVD Actor(s): Laurence Olivier - Robert Newton Director(s): Laurence Olivier DVD Release Date: Released the 22 June 1999 Usually ships in 24 hours
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This is not a "movie" version but a filmed play along the lines of the BBC Shakespeare productions. The performances are all quite good, but surprisingly, this expensive DVD does not have subtitles or closed captions. Therefore, if you enjoy Shakespeare with subtitles, as I do, then my recommendation is that the excellent Ian Holm version of King Lear is the better purchase. (Olivier fans will want to get both.) More Info about this DVD Director(s): Michael Elliott DVD Release Date: Released the 29 February 2000 Usually ships in 24 hours
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Liz and Dick (a.k.a. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton) almost seemed to be importing the psychodramas of their marriage into this 1967 film (of course, the same was true of every film they made together). Adapted from Shakespeare's play and directed by Franco Zeffirelli (Romeo and Juliet) with his usual eye for sumptuousness, this version of Taming features a particularly boisterous, bawdy, fun performance by its stars. Composer Nino Rota--best known for scoring several of Fellini's best-known works--received a National Board of Reviews award for his vivid soundtrack. --Tom KeoghMore Info about this DVD Actor(s): Elizabeth Taylor - Richard Burton Director(s): Franco Zeffirelli DVD Release Date: Released the 26 October 1999 Usually ships in 24 hours
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