Please consider subscribing to our channel - th-cam.com/users/ShakespeareNetwork New Film adaptation - MISANTHROPOS - www.misanthropos.net - Timon of Athens - Shakespeare on Film! Adapted by Maximianno Cobra, from Shakespeare's "Timon of Athens", the film exposes the timeless challenge of social hypocrisy, disillusion and annihilation against the poetics of friendship, love, and beauty.
Apparently this has the most accurate armour in movies. Just came from a video with a historical armour expert commenting on inaccuracies and he couldn’t fault this. 10/10.
Then the expert needs to look a bit more closely. It's a complete myth that knights were lowered onto their horses with pulleys, and this movie, as brilliant as it is, bears a certain responsibility in perpetuating that stereotype.
@@duicic8541 I think he might be talking about Toby and I can’t remember what he scored the film but I’m pretty sure he said it’s the best that we’ve seen so far.
The armor looks fantastic, so much color and detail, straight out of a medieval painting. Its a real shame we only get to see a grey muddy esthetic in the majority of medieval movies. I really don't get why directors don't care at all about this time period and all periods prior to the 16th century. This movie looks fantastic and its unreal to watch it in such high quality.
Modern movies hate bright colors. Everything has to be drab, grey and grim for cinematic purpose. That's why MCU movies are a hit. They are visually refreshing. The movie 'The King', probably the most unappealing visual in medieval films. No one wear their colors to war, and the king himself (Timothy Chalamet) was so poorly outfitted that he can be mistaken as a commoner.
It is pretty sad that the armour and the surcoats used in this movie are 100x more accurate than in most medieval movies made after it. They even settled on a distinctive period - the correct one - rather than "theme-parking" the whole medieval era.
I remember going in 1955 as part of a class from my school see a special showing of this only for us a the local cinema.I will never forget. Thank you so much for allowing me to repeat the enjoyment.
this blew my mind, i have never seen any Shakespeare before and i have never seen Laurence Olivier before! i am in awe of both. Olivier was great on that horse, looked like he was flying around
One thing for certain. Nobody could recite the speeches better than Olivier. The rousing speech before the battle is always great to listen to, definitely stirs the blood and spirit of every Englishman! 🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴👍
I first saw this film as an 8 year old at the local Odeon with my Dad in the late 50's. I'm now 71. I still have the spoken word soundtrack LP 'Olivier', with Hamlet and Henry V which is pretty worn out as it was played so many times during my lifetime. I have both film versions but this one never fails to move me. It was a true masterpiece with an inspirational soundtrack by the great William Walton. Many thanks for uploading this version as I can clearly see it's benefitted from the 4k remastering. This story shall the good man teach his son. Many thanks Dad, you certainly did.
If you like the music it's well worth checking out the Chandos music CD of William Walton's film music (vol.4) that has 'Henry V - A Shakespeare Scenario' It's a long piece with many of the famous speeches, as well as the music
Amazing restoration of a classic film. The recreation of the performance at The Globe is priceless. Set decor and costumes deserve a truckload of roses. 5-stars.
That opening shot with the model is amazing. Apparently it was 50 feet by 70 feet. It always blows my mind watching old movies like this. Every single person on film and involved in the production is dead and gone. But they still live on here. Just as they were.
I've probably watched it a 100 times, but this movie never fails to amaze me. What a masterpiece. The acting, costumes, amount of colors, the armor and decore!😍 It's a shame we don't see quality like this more often. Thank you for uploading!
It is a fascinating contrast to the 1989 Kenneth Branagh version. Both are very clearly products of their time and very specific in their message. Olivier's version clearly comes with the political mood of late WWII - very glorious, about an indomitable England winning with gleaming colours against an enemy with a leader who easily lends himself to ridicule. Branagh's version is rather a coming-of-age tale, showing Henry as more of a military gambler battling the demons of his not-so-savoury past, who almost pays the ultimate price but overcomes it by sheer force of leadership, which is what eventually breaks the enemy's back - as Branagh had the luxury of not having to serve a larger political context. Both have radically different approaches, too. Olivier is classically Shakespearean, really - his movie could (battle scenes excluded) pretty much be set on a theatre stage, as Shakespeare intended. Branagh decided to play more with the medium that was available to him. For one, the flashback scenes were a stroke of genius, but at the cost of not being translateable into normal stage play. The same goes for Branagh's extensive usage of non-verbal clues - for instance, when the two bishops leave the audience hall at the end of Act I sc2, you can clearly see them exchanging glances as if to say "Told you this would work", or in Act 2 sc3, when the Dauphin bores everybody with his oh-so-clever advice, and Constable d'Albret exchanges looks with the dukes as if to say "Dear me, the lad has a LOT to learn". Good luck making that work without the camera focus. But that also served its purpose well; you can tell Olivier, like many before him, doesn't really know what to do with the Falstaff story arc which the Bard concluded here a bit haphazardly. Making that work is probably Branagh's greatest achievement. And with WWII in mind, Olivier really wanted to portray war as a clean and heroic thing, to entice people to serve. Make no mistake, this IS also a propaganda piece. Note how, for one thing, it isn't really shown how outmatched the English are. In real life, the English had nowhere near that amount of cavalry at Agincourt; the movie really echoes two classical WWII adages ("We beat 'em before... We will beat 'em again!", "em" being "those who would threaten England", and the "Mightier Yet" propaganda campaign for all branches of the British armed services, meant to somewhat desperately paint over the material shortages against the Nazi war machine). Branagh was a lot more drastic; when you can hear the French army thundering towards them, you can see an "Oh sh*t, we're all gonna die!" type of expression on the English faces. He also deserves credit for depicting the battle as this ungodly mire of muck and confusion - which is a lot more accurate, historically. Medieval war was bloody enough, and Agincourt particularly so. Seriously. It was a fricking mess. However, Branagh in my opinion went a bit overboard in showing the English as so bedraggled and as counterparts of the armoured french that Henry wears nothing but riveted gloves (not gauntlets!) and a leather bevor... and I will never get over the fact that he doesn't wear a helmet! Likewise, most of the dukes also go even without wearing the mail coif they have pointlessly flopping from their necks (not counting Brian Blessed as the Duke of Exeter, but no way you could talk him out of that suit of plate, obviously). Basically, Olivier was more accurate in the depiction of the combatants, but Branagh more accurate in the depiction of the combat.
Branagh also had the benefit of a half century's movie-making techniques : it was so much more polished. William Walton's score is terrific in this version, though. Pistol : Robert Stevens gives a dynamite performance (Branagh's version) Whereas, Robert Newton gives us a magnificent period piece.
First saw the Olivier version, in the early ‘70s, at the Brussels cinémathèque (I was about 16 at the time), and absolutely enjoyed it as a classic. The brand new Branagh movie came almost two decades later, and I equally loved it for different reasons. Both are definitely still worth watching! Interestingly, I discovered years later, when they showed it on the French TV, that Branagh’s voice had also been dubbed by… Gérard Depardieu! (who was originally involved, somehow, in the film’s co-production).
I really enjoyed reading your comparisons of the two Henry V films. I love both films, Olivier’s is artistically clever in many ways. One thing about Brannagh’s that I loved was the script editing. The subtle removal of the odd line here and there made for a very fluid dialogue. As I’m not a fan of heavily edited Shakespeare the fact that he did a full text version of Hamlet makes him someone special for me.
Only Gone with The Wind and Titanic could rival this for costume accuracy. INCREDIBLE. Henry's FABULOUS Liripipe in the sailing scene is frankly an orgasm in silk.
We watched this 20 years ago one wet rainy cold afternoon with our the 11 and 14 year old THEY LOVED IT ….my daughter went on to do drama doing Shakespeare … Beatrice from Much ado about nothing …… just love this ♥️
Such a charming movie. I love how the whole thing is bookended by the actors on the stage at the globe - and throughout the movie it's as though the audience forgets they are watching a play and is transported onto the fields of Agincourt. Wonderful.
This was wonderful! I had not seen this film before, but I am so happy to have found it, and quite by accident too! A work of art from start to finish!
Fantastic re-creation of Elizabethan stagecraft at the Globe Theater, eventually morphing into "real-time" events with no stage or audience at all! Glorious, breathtaking models of Elizabethan London, interspersed with beautiful, stylized background artwork. Gorgeous, awesomely impressive costumes, with many scenes looking like actual pages from history. Olivier makes a stunningly perfect Henry, especially in full battle-armor. I was a little disappointed with the portrayal of Agincourt, however, one of my favorite medieval battles. Except for a few highly realistic shots, it had a rather fairy-tale quality to it & was rather miniscule in scale. The final courtship & wooing scene between Henry & Katherine is most enjoyable & charming, making for a delightful ending. Clever fellow, that Shakespeare. Despite much of the dialogue being either inaudible or non-understandable, it doesn't really matter, as the movie's so lush & brilliantly imaginative. I wasn't bored for an instant & I'm glad I watched. It's left me with a special feeling, a deeply gratifying experience.
Laurence Lord Olivier has made a Great Spectacular movie with Stupendous Performences which are etched in our Mind for All Eternity ..Unbelievably Perfect of Shakespeare's Immortal plays❤❤❤
The most memorable part of this film was the charge of the horses into battle and the arrows flying through the air. My junior school rented this film in 1964 for everyone to watch.
Extraordinary that an epic movie like this was made at the height of WW2, when the fate of Europe was still in the balance. The show must go on I guess
I believe Olivier received special government permission to make this movie, which obviously required valuable resources (human and otherwise), because he pitched it as a rousing propaganda film that would make the British proud to fight. That's why the cynical motive for the invasion is undermined with slapstick comedy. And I might be wrong but I think it was the first Shakespearean movie to make money. Love this so much!
It's amazing to think of the people that sat, and enjoyed Shakespeare's performance, it's tough for me to grasp the production in modern times. Laurence Olivier is sublime, as always
One of my favourite films of all time. I love the transition to medieval manuscript like scenes, inspired by beautiful illuminations of the Duc de Berry.
Orson Welles and Roman Polanski have made some fine Shakey adaptations, but nothing comes close to this masterpiece. From the miniatures, sets and painted backdrops to the direction and performances; it's nigh on perfect. What a morale booster for D-Day.
I love that you upload so many different versions of these plays. They’re all so interesting in their own ways. I I think Kenneth Branagh’s version of Henry V is the best, mostly cause it keeps in the lines from the play that show how Henry is a morally ambiguous figure whereas this movie cleans him up a little, but Lawrence Olivier is still a great actor and I love actually being able to see more of his Shakespeare films.
Dear MysticAccount5, Thank you for your message and interest. Olivier’s Hamlet is already available on our channel - th-cam.com/video/tsPPI_7x1dk/w-d-xo.html Please be so kind as to subscribe to our channel in order to follow our publications/uploads for we cannot provide our esteemed visitors with “on demand publications/uploads”. Thank you for your understanding. Best regards, Shakespeare Network - TH-cam Channel Team
Thanks for the uploaded, the battle scenes are awesome. Cavalry charge scene, if it going downhill, I can hear "holding the line" in my head. 1:39:00 all firing arrows scene now I aware Hero may got the inspiration from. Not to mention flying paper scene for ending credit cut, it is amazing that these were done during WWII era.
It’s hard to believe they were making this during the Second World War, especially in 1944 . The Brits really did love battle. It’s not enough that they had a real one ongoing, that they had to re-enact one as well.
Well, since the days Caesar set foot on British shore till the Second Battle of Fallujah, in 2004, every generation of Brits had its fair share of battles. Britain was forged on the anvil of war. 😉
Love the view of the Tower of London, which overlooks fields! I wonder how accurate it is? My dad was a Yeoman Warder and could probably have told me. This is one of my favourite classic films, even if the notion of knights being lifted onto horses by crane is laughable
They did have one of the best heavy cavalary in those ages. I think the english had the first professional army organized with heavy infantry and the kind, financed by the crown. Or so I rmember from Total War:Medieval ;)
Why would the 'woke community' take issue with a film the purpose of which was to rouse the country against N*** Germany? It is moreso the right wing which has recently taken to blaming Churchill for the war.
At 50:00, John Laurie, the unforgettable Scottish character actor. Best known today as the doom-mongering Pvt Frazer in the sitcom 'Dad's Army', but long before that he got into three of the very best Britfilms. He was the moralizing crofter in 'The 39 Steps', the soldier-servant in 'The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp' and the Scottish officer in the International Scene of 'Henry V'.
While watching this movie I was following along with the actual script of the play. During the scene when the trio leave for France, Pistol says "Is it not passing brave to be a king, and ride in triumph", which is actually not from this play, it's from a Marlowe play about Tamerlane, and the full quote is "Is it not passing brave to be a king, and ride in triumph (through Persepolis)?". It's Shakespearean enough that it fits, and why it was included in the movie is open to interpretation, but I think it's there to serve as foreshadowing.
And this is not even (in my humble opinion) Sir Lawrence Olivier’s greatest performance. Olivier’s performance as Marcus Licinius Crassus in “Spartacus” is my all time favorite. Though his stage skill tended to spill out on occasion…”Spartacus…You are He…aren’t you?” Olivier is still the “Bruce Lee” of stage performance…every contemporary stage performer must measure up to Sir Lawrence Olivier!!!
1:33:24 The music tune is the Burgundian war song called "Reveillez vous Picard" One of the oldest french military songs. At this present day it is still the regimental song of the 1st infantery regiment of the french army.
If only today in medieval movies they include this historically accurate armour, events and heraldry as in this film it would be awesome. When i watched 'The King' i liked the part when Young prince Henry fought Percy hotspur in single combat but the battle of Agincourt was greatly inaccurate, no heraldry, no lances for the charging knights, no shields, no stakes, no French crossbowmen, Henry was dressed as a common soldier without even a helmet, Henry flanked the French from the side when in reality the French outflanked the English and attacked their camp and King Henry fought in the centre of the line. I know a movie is not a history book but keeping historically accurate is always better.
So glad I decided to read the original play alongside the No Fear Shakespeare translation alongside it. That way I could fully understand what was going on. Also, this happens to be the 559th Best Picture nominee I have seen. I only have 15 to go.
I very much appreciate you posting this for us to watch. The Old English is hard to understand. I can't keep track of what's going on. It's unwatchable for me at this time.
The look of the film once it leaves the stage was supposed to echo the style of French manuscripts of the time. Hence the odd angles and colourful illustrations.
It's a great film. However, it served a very specific role as WW2 propaganda. For example, in the film Henry turns up at Harfleur and they surrender. In the play Henry says to the town that if they don't surrender to his soldiers they will do the following to the townspeople "The blind and bloody soldier with foul hand . Defile the locks of your shrill-shrieking daughters;. Your fathers taken by the silver beards, And their most reverend heads dash'd to the walls, Your naked infants spitted upon pikes," Also missing is the Southampton Plot where three of Henry's retinue are executed for treason as well as Henry's old friend Bardolph being executed for theft.
To be fair, uttering fearsome threats before a fight was SOP. All part of imitating the action of the tiger. It was intended to make your enemy back down, a kind of verbal policy of deterrence. Henry has already used it in reacting to the Dauphin's mockery with the tennis balls. War was conducted according to rules of chivalry (well, before the Thirty Years' War) and the stock recitations of collateral damage to civilians were understood to be rhetorical. Victimizing your enemy unnecessarily was unChristian, and Henry's first words to the French envoys are 'we are no tyrant, but a Christian king.'
The battle of Agincourt is so famous in the world history. More famous that the king himself, l dare say.( most of us know the name of the battle, yet names of kings+nr. attached are hard to remember). What better propaganda : great victory great actor and the most famous play writer of all times
This is a good watch as an historic presentation of the play at the time. But, for a wonderful representation watch the Kenneth Branagh adaption - it's simply brilliant.
I remember seeing this at school when I was studying for English Language "O" level ... a few years ago! Beautiful film, I did not appreciate it so much when I was a teenager
We were taken to see it as a class in 1976 since it was one of our 'O' level texts for English Literature. The older I get the more grateful I am for that formal introduction presented so excellently by 'Biggles' who would take the trouble to mark and comment our essays with personal remarks and insight. So sad that the education system has given up on this. So short sighted. My own children and those of friends are now full grown but have read maybe one or two books throughout their school lives and are frankly ignorant. Not their fault. We had a good 50 years or so of quality but It has reached the point now that you need to educate your own children again.
Please consider subscribing to our channel - th-cam.com/users/ShakespeareNetwork
New Film adaptation - MISANTHROPOS - www.misanthropos.net - Timon of Athens - Shakespeare on Film!
Adapted by Maximianno Cobra, from Shakespeare's "Timon of Athens", the film exposes the timeless challenge of social hypocrisy, disillusion and annihilation against the poetics of friendship, love, and beauty.
Apparently this has the most accurate armour in movies.
Just came from a video with a historical armour expert commenting on inaccuracies and he couldn’t fault this. 10/10.
Me too. Uncanny.
I also wanna try use horses again.
Then the expert needs to look a bit more closely. It's a complete myth that knights were lowered onto their horses with pulleys, and this movie, as brilliant as it is, bears a certain responsibility in perpetuating that stereotype.
@@duicic8541 There are many inaccuracies of course, "but the expert said so it must be true"
@@duicic8541 I think he might be talking about Toby and I can’t remember what he scored the film but I’m pretty sure he said it’s the best that we’ve seen so far.
@@dmtrpp276 I misunderstood what you said sorry about that
How is it that a movie from 1944 has a more historically authentic look and feel than 99% of modern medieval movie productions?!
Government funding and dedication it seems
The film was shot during World War II to boost Britain's patriotic morale
The armor looks fantastic, so much color and detail, straight out of a medieval painting. Its a real shame we only get to see a grey muddy esthetic in the majority of medieval movies. I really don't get why directors don't care at all about this time period and all periods prior to the 16th century. This movie looks fantastic and its unreal to watch it in such high quality.
@Caitlyn Carvalho it's because in real life, Henry never went out partying consistently because he was too busy fighting wars at that age.
Modern movies hate bright colors. Everything has to be drab, grey and grim for cinematic purpose. That's why MCU movies are a hit. They are visually refreshing. The movie 'The King', probably the most unappealing visual in medieval films. No one wear their colors to war, and the king himself (Timothy Chalamet) was so poorly outfitted that he can be mistaken as a commoner.
@caitlyncarvalho7637That’s because Hal’s delinquency and his friendship with Falstaff are actually in Henry IV not Henry V.
@@nitrokidthat’s such an overcooked take on why “mcu movies” are big
It is pretty sad that the armour and the surcoats used in this movie are 100x more accurate than in most medieval movies made after it. They even settled on a distinctive period - the correct one - rather than "theme-parking" the whole medieval era.
Nearly eighty years old and the colours, especially the costumes jump off the screen. Amazing quality.
Thank you! Cheers!
Say, Yes to emulsion film, no to fake digital color...but I'm old, Father William....
The model of ShakespeareanLondon is extraordinary at the beginning of the film. I hope it is in a museum somewhere! There was no CGI back then,
1:03 The bridge with houses on top, which actually existed.
That's what made those companies so much better back then. They hired hundreds of actual craftsman.
Yeah it’s so cool, get your imagination going…
Truly a breathtaking opening shot! Just beautiful!
@wilhiamas.
At 1:39:14, the part where those arrows were flying through the air looked to be sketched into the scene.
I remember going in 1955 as part of a class from my school see a special showing of this only for us a the local cinema.I will never forget. Thank you so much for allowing me to repeat the enjoyment.
You're very welcome! Cheers!
this blew my mind, i have never seen any Shakespeare before and i have never seen Laurence Olivier before! i am in awe of both. Olivier was great on that horse, looked like he was flying around
There’ll never be another Olivier..!
Now you know hip hip hooray 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉.
One thing for certain. Nobody could recite the speeches better than Olivier. The rousing speech before the battle is always great to listen to, definitely stirs the blood and spirit of every Englishman! 🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴👍
He’s the GOAT for sure…
@john.highheels.3244
Does it stiffen the sinews and summon up the blood inside you?
@@redblade8160 Absolutely!
@@redblade8160 YES, No fear the heathen foe. for our names will live forever Hurrrah !
@@redblade8160forsooth it doth stout fellow...
I first saw this film as an 8 year old at the local Odeon with my Dad in the late 50's. I'm now 71. I still have the spoken word soundtrack LP 'Olivier', with Hamlet and Henry V which is pretty worn out as it was played so many times during my lifetime. I have both film versions but this one never fails to move me. It was a true masterpiece with an inspirational soundtrack by the great William Walton. Many thanks for uploading this version as I can clearly see it's benefitted from the 4k remastering. This story shall the good man teach his son. Many thanks Dad, you certainly did.
If you like the music it's well worth checking out the Chandos music CD of William Walton's film music (vol.4) that has 'Henry V - A Shakespeare Scenario' It's a long piece with many of the famous speeches, as well as the music
Olivier, the ONE, the ONLY. The way he nonchalantly tosses the crown to hang on the throne is pure gold, what a cool cat.
Amazing restoration of a classic film. The recreation of the performance at The Globe is priceless. Set decor and costumes deserve a truckload of roses. 5-stars.
That opening shot with the model is amazing. Apparently it was 50 feet by 70 feet. It always blows my mind watching old movies like this. Every single person on film and involved in the production is dead and gone. But they still live on here. Just as they were.
As William, meant them to be. For this is the Perfect England, under the perfect Queen. End of !
Omg. An actual medieval movie with colorful scenery and armor and sunshine! Im so tired of that blue/greyish filter that they slap on nowadays.
It so nice to see Shakespeare presented plainly and in such clear English.
@philipedwards9129.
It's not what I would call colloquial English.
I've probably watched it a 100 times, but this movie never fails to amaze me. What a masterpiece. The acting, costumes, amount of colors, the armor and decore!😍 It's a shame we don't see quality like this more often.
Thank you for uploading!
I've seen it a good few times, it comes of growing up in the '50s
This is my first time! So glad I found this!
Amazing effort and resources put into this movie, especially considering it was made at the height of WW2.
Best film ever. I have never seen a better historical production than this.
It is a fascinating contrast to the 1989 Kenneth Branagh version. Both are very clearly products of their time and very specific in their message. Olivier's version clearly comes with the political mood of late WWII - very glorious, about an indomitable England winning with gleaming colours against an enemy with a leader who easily lends himself to ridicule. Branagh's version is rather a coming-of-age tale, showing Henry as more of a military gambler battling the demons of his not-so-savoury past, who almost pays the ultimate price but overcomes it by sheer force of leadership, which is what eventually breaks the enemy's back - as Branagh had the luxury of not having to serve a larger political context.
Both have radically different approaches, too. Olivier is classically Shakespearean, really - his movie could (battle scenes excluded) pretty much be set on a theatre stage, as Shakespeare intended. Branagh decided to play more with the medium that was available to him. For one, the flashback scenes were a stroke of genius, but at the cost of not being translateable into normal stage play. The same goes for Branagh's extensive usage of non-verbal clues - for instance, when the two bishops leave the audience hall at the end of Act I sc2, you can clearly see them exchanging glances as if to say "Told you this would work", or in Act 2 sc3, when the Dauphin bores everybody with his oh-so-clever advice, and Constable d'Albret exchanges looks with the dukes as if to say "Dear me, the lad has a LOT to learn". Good luck making that work without the camera focus. But that also served its purpose well; you can tell Olivier, like many before him, doesn't really know what to do with the Falstaff story arc which the Bard concluded here a bit haphazardly. Making that work is probably Branagh's greatest achievement.
And with WWII in mind, Olivier really wanted to portray war as a clean and heroic thing, to entice people to serve. Make no mistake, this IS also a propaganda piece. Note how, for one thing, it isn't really shown how outmatched the English are. In real life, the English had nowhere near that amount of cavalry at Agincourt; the movie really echoes two classical WWII adages ("We beat 'em before... We will beat 'em again!", "em" being "those who would threaten England", and the "Mightier Yet" propaganda campaign for all branches of the British armed services, meant to somewhat desperately paint over the material shortages against the Nazi war machine).
Branagh was a lot more drastic; when you can hear the French army thundering towards them, you can see an "Oh sh*t, we're all gonna die!" type of expression on the English faces. He also deserves credit for depicting the battle as this ungodly mire of muck and confusion - which is a lot more accurate, historically. Medieval war was bloody enough, and Agincourt particularly so. Seriously. It was a fricking mess.
However, Branagh in my opinion went a bit overboard in showing the English as so bedraggled and as counterparts of the armoured french that Henry wears nothing but riveted gloves (not gauntlets!) and a leather bevor... and I will never get over the fact that he doesn't wear a helmet! Likewise, most of the dukes also go even without wearing the mail coif they have pointlessly flopping from their necks (not counting Brian Blessed as the Duke of Exeter, but no way you could talk him out of that suit of plate, obviously). Basically, Olivier was more accurate in the depiction of the combatants, but Branagh more accurate in the depiction of the combat.
Branagh also had the benefit of a half century's movie-making techniques :
it was so much more polished.
William Walton's score is terrific in this version, though.
Pistol : Robert Stevens gives a dynamite performance (Branagh's version)
Whereas, Robert Newton gives us a magnificent period piece.
First saw the Olivier version, in the early ‘70s, at the Brussels cinémathèque (I was about 16 at the time), and absolutely enjoyed it as a classic. The brand new Branagh movie came almost two decades later, and I equally loved it for different reasons. Both are definitely still worth watching!
Interestingly, I discovered years later, when they showed it on the French TV, that Branagh’s voice had also been dubbed by… Gérard Depardieu! (who was originally involved, somehow, in the film’s co-production).
I really enjoyed reading your comparisons of the two Henry V films. I love both films, Olivier’s is artistically clever in many ways. One thing about Brannagh’s that I loved was the script editing. The subtle removal of the odd line here and there made for a very fluid dialogue. As I’m not a fan of heavily edited Shakespeare the fact that he did a full text version of Hamlet makes him someone special for me.
A true classic. A wonderful gem of a film.
Thank you for this.
Our pleasure!
Only Gone with The Wind and Titanic could rival this for costume accuracy. INCREDIBLE. Henry's FABULOUS Liripipe in the sailing scene is frankly an orgasm in silk.
Chaperones ARE THE BEST accessory of all time.
We watched this 20 years ago one wet rainy cold afternoon with our the 11 and 14 year old
THEY LOVED IT ….my daughter went on to do drama doing Shakespeare … Beatrice from Much ado about nothing …… just love this ♥️
A little Cockney kid watched this in the early 1970's. I've been in love with Henry V and The Bard ever since....
Such a charming movie. I love how the whole thing is bookended by the actors on the stage at the globe - and throughout the movie it's as though the audience forgets they are watching a play and is transported onto the fields of Agincourt. Wonderful.
It is obvious many of the backdrops are painted, as in a theatre. They didn't try to make realistic matte paintings.
It's a genious choice of production design, and it works beautifully@@flitsertheo
The scale model of London with the matte paintings was magnificent and far more believable than if it had been done with modern CGI.
This was wonderful! I had not seen this film before, but I am so happy to have found it, and quite by accident too! A work of art from start to finish!
Me too!
Fantastic re-creation of Elizabethan stagecraft at the Globe Theater, eventually morphing into "real-time" events with no stage or audience at all! Glorious, breathtaking models of Elizabethan London, interspersed with beautiful, stylized background artwork. Gorgeous, awesomely impressive costumes, with many scenes looking like actual pages from history. Olivier makes a stunningly perfect Henry, especially in full battle-armor. I was a little disappointed with the portrayal of Agincourt, however, one of my favorite medieval battles. Except for a few highly realistic shots, it had a rather fairy-tale quality to it & was rather miniscule in scale. The final courtship & wooing scene between Henry & Katherine is most enjoyable & charming, making for a delightful ending. Clever fellow, that Shakespeare. Despite much of the dialogue being either inaudible or non-understandable, it doesn't really matter, as the movie's so lush & brilliantly imaginative. I wasn't bored for an instant & I'm glad I watched. It's left me with a special feeling, a deeply gratifying experience.
Laurence Lord Olivier has made a Great Spectacular movie with Stupendous Performences which are etched in our Mind for All Eternity ..Unbelievably Perfect of Shakespeare's Immortal plays❤❤❤
A beautiful lyrical film... genuinely thrilling and a sublime score from William Walton.
It stands as a testament to Laurence Olivier
many thanks to the people who restored this masterpiece and to you who posted it here
Thank you for uploading this masterpiece - and in such wonderful quality. This movie really captures the medieval feeling
Was not ready for that intro!
Awesome model
The most memorable part of this film was the charge of the horses into battle and the arrows flying through the air. My junior school rented this film in 1964 for everyone to watch.
Olivier admitted this particular scene was inspired by the Russian film Alexander Nevsky.
@@Romartus
The scene in the Russian film is called "Battle on the Ice".
The acting of King Henry 5 by Lawrence Olivier is really marvellous and praiseworthy
A Simply Stunning Work Of Art! Oliver Is A Master!!
Thank you good sir!
What a masterpiece!
And still in 2024 it's so hard to find a visual depiction of xv century that's THAT GOOD!
Our pleasure! Cheers!
Extraordinary that an epic movie like this was made at the height of WW2, when the fate of Europe was still in the balance. The show must go on I guess
I believe Olivier received special government permission to make this movie, which obviously required valuable resources (human and otherwise), because he pitched it as a rousing propaganda film that would make the British proud to fight. That's why the cynical motive for the invasion is undermined with slapstick comedy. And I might be wrong but I think it was the first Shakespearean movie to make money. Love this so much!
It's amazing to think of the people that sat, and enjoyed Shakespeare's performance, it's tough for me to grasp the production in modern times. Laurence Olivier is sublime, as always
At the Globe most of them stood. No restrooms either.
@@esmeephillips5888Henst the saying " don't p*ss on my boots and tell me it's raining"
One of my favourite films of all time. I love the transition to medieval manuscript like scenes, inspired by beautiful illuminations of the Duc de Berry.
Brilliant production, and so much attention to detail.
I've watched the 1989 Henry V and watching this one I'm impressed
Orson Welles and Roman Polanski have made some fine Shakey adaptations, but nothing comes close to this masterpiece. From the miniatures, sets and painted backdrops to the direction and performances; it's nigh on perfect. What a morale booster for D-Day.
I love that you upload so many different versions of these plays. They’re all so interesting in their own ways. I I think Kenneth Branagh’s version of Henry V is the best, mostly cause it keeps in the lines from the play that show how Henry is a morally ambiguous figure whereas this movie cleans him up a little, but Lawrence Olivier is still a great actor and I love actually being able to see more of his Shakespeare films.
You're a damned legend for uploading this! This film is a masterpiece. Any chance you could upload Hamlet and Richard III as well?
Dear MysticAccount5,
Thank you for your message and interest.
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Beautiful model work. And the film is a brilliant bridge between the theatric and the cinematic.
This is a treasure.
Tolle Ausstattung. Super Film. Danke
Ah this is just what I needed on a relaxing Sunday afternoon!
Thank you for uploading it!
Our pleasure! Cheers!
The scene where the storm of arrows is released always gets me.
Thanks for the uploaded, the battle scenes are awesome. Cavalry charge scene, if it going downhill, I can hear "holding the line" in my head. 1:39:00 all firing arrows scene now I aware Hero may got the inspiration from. Not to mention flying paper scene for ending credit cut, it is amazing that these were done during WWII era.
It’s hard to believe they were making this during the Second World War, especially in 1944 . The Brits really did love battle. It’s not enough that they had a real one ongoing, that they had to re-enact one as well.
Well, since the days Caesar set foot on British shore till the Second Battle of Fallujah, in 2004, every generation of Brits had its fair share of battles. Britain was forged on the anvil of war. 😉
🇬🇧⚘️🏵⚘️🇬🇧
A DARLING PIECE OF PERFECTION
🇬🇧⚘️🏵⚘️🇬🇧
Great Laurence Olivier. Genius of cinema
Love the view of the Tower of London, which overlooks fields! I wonder how accurate it is? My dad was a Yeoman Warder and could probably have told me. This is one of my favourite classic films, even if the notion of knights being lifted onto horses by crane is laughable
If they make a new movie with these accuracy it would be freaking insane
Thanks for putting this on here. We few we proud we band of brothers.
Loved the intro with the model village shot of London, whoever made the odd house have smoke coming out the chimney was genius 👍
It’s like watching a movie from painting. So artistic.
Beautiful quality - thank you!
Our pleasure!
Great stuff! Which do you prefer - Olivier's 1944 production, or Branagh's 1989 version?
1944 однозначно!
The best historical horse charge you will ever see (by the French!)
They did have one of the best heavy cavalary in those ages. I think the english had the first professional army organized with heavy infantry and the kind, financed by the crown. Or so I rmember from Total War:Medieval ;)
The cavalry charge Branagh's "Henry V" was better.
One can almost hear today’s woke community calling for a ban on this film. Far too jingoistic for them! White, Christian, British and proud of it!🇬🇧
Why would the 'woke community' take issue with a film the purpose of which was to rouse the country against N*** Germany? It is moreso the right wing which has recently taken to blaming Churchill for the war.
A truly; magnificent, spectacle.
Gorgeous. Brilliant. Superb. THANK YOU! ❤
Our pleasure!
At 50:00, John Laurie, the unforgettable Scottish character actor.
Best known today as the doom-mongering Pvt Frazer in the sitcom 'Dad's Army', but long before that he got into three of the very best Britfilms. He was the moralizing crofter in 'The 39 Steps', the soldier-servant in 'The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp' and the Scottish officer in the International Scene of 'Henry V'.
While watching this movie I was following along with the actual script of the play. During the scene when the trio leave for France, Pistol says "Is it not passing brave to be a king, and ride in triumph", which is actually not from this play, it's from a Marlowe play about Tamerlane, and the full quote is "Is it not passing brave to be a king, and ride in triumph (through Persepolis)?". It's Shakespearean enough that it fits, and why it was included in the movie is open to interpretation, but I think it's there to serve as foreshadowing.
Got to say, William Walton's music in the credits is wonderful!
The British Wizard of Oz,an extraordinary vision.
Brilliant in all aspects, acting, scenery, detail.
And this is not even (in my humble opinion) Sir Lawrence Olivier’s greatest performance. Olivier’s performance as Marcus Licinius Crassus in “Spartacus” is my all time favorite. Though his stage skill tended to spill out on occasion…”Spartacus…You are He…aren’t you?” Olivier is still the “Bruce Lee” of stage performance…every contemporary stage performer must measure up to Sir Lawrence Olivier!!!
If you do not have an appreciation for The Bard, then you should have one. It really is that simple. Do Shakespeare, it will make you a better person.
1:33:24 The music tune is the Burgundian war song called "Reveillez vous Picard"
One of the oldest french military songs. At this present day it is still the regimental song of the 1st infantery regiment of the french army.
Thankyou so much. I had no idea that Walton had worked French music into his score.
If only today in medieval movies they include this historically accurate armour, events and heraldry as in this film it would be awesome. When i watched 'The King' i liked the part when Young prince Henry fought Percy hotspur in single combat but the battle of Agincourt was greatly inaccurate, no heraldry, no lances for the charging knights, no shields, no stakes, no French crossbowmen, Henry was dressed as a common soldier without even a helmet, Henry flanked the French from the side when in reality the French outflanked the English and attacked their camp and King Henry fought in the centre of the line. I know a movie is not a history book but keeping historically accurate is always better.
Movies try to tell a good story and always at the expense of historical accuracy, just like Shakespeare.
Hi! History is just a passion for you or is your profession? Otherwise , I’m simply amazed. Details!!! Bravo
The cavalry charge is fantastic and unbelievable for it time.
49.28 nice fade cut for 1944 I like it a lot
wonderful - thank you so much !!!🌹🌹🌹
Our pleasure!
Wonder what happened to the model of London shown at the beginning of this.. it looks brilliant..🙂
I believe it’s at the Museum of London
What a marvelous channel! Subscribed, thanks!
You're so welcome! Cheers!
Ein echtes Meisterwerk, Daumen hoch.
Although historically inaccurate still a masterpiece...
Leslie Banks Steals The Show With His Legendary Introduction 📣📣📣📣📣.
Absolute gem of a film...how I wish we spoke such today.
Magnificent restoration!
Thank you! Cheers!
"Or may we cram within this LCD screen the very casks that did affright the air at Agincourt?" Why yes, William, we can and in HD!
So glad I decided to read the original play alongside the No Fear Shakespeare translation alongside it. That way I could fully understand what was going on.
Also, this happens to be the 559th Best Picture nominee I have seen. I only have 15 to go.
I very much appreciate you posting this for us to watch. The Old English is hard to understand. I can't keep track of what's going on. It's unwatchable for me at this time.
The look of the film once it leaves the stage was supposed to echo the style of French manuscripts of the time. Hence the odd angles and colourful illustrations.
Once more unto the breach dear friends , once more, for England, harry and St George
It's a great film. However, it served a very specific role as WW2 propaganda. For example, in the film Henry turns up at Harfleur and they surrender. In the play Henry says to the town that if they don't surrender to his soldiers they will do the following to the townspeople "The blind and bloody soldier with foul hand
. Defile the locks of your shrill-shrieking daughters;. Your fathers taken by the silver beards, And their most reverend heads dash'd to the walls, Your naked infants spitted upon pikes,"
Also missing is the Southampton Plot where three of Henry's retinue are executed for treason as well as Henry's old friend Bardolph being executed for theft.
To be fair, uttering fearsome threats before a fight was SOP. All part of imitating the action of the tiger.
It was intended to make your enemy back down, a kind of verbal policy of deterrence. Henry has already used it in reacting to the Dauphin's mockery with the tennis balls. War was conducted according to rules of chivalry (well, before the Thirty Years' War) and the stock recitations of collateral damage to civilians were understood to be rhetorical. Victimizing your enemy unnecessarily was unChristian, and Henry's first words to the French envoys are 'we are no tyrant, but a Christian king.'
The battle of Agincourt is so famous in the world history. More famous that the king himself, l dare say.( most of us know the name of the battle, yet names of kings+nr. attached are hard to remember). What better propaganda : great victory great actor and the most famous play writer of all times
This is so good, I am lost for words.
This is a good watch as an historic presentation of the play at the time. But, for a wonderful representation watch the Kenneth Branagh adaption - it's simply brilliant.
This looks great!
Thank you for this.
... and i still remember when a teacher told me that they didn't have colour films until the 1950's...
Laurence Olivier is the greatest Shakespearean actor of all time, I assume.
I remember seeing this at school when I was studying for English Language "O" level ... a few years ago! Beautiful film, I did not appreciate it so much when I was a teenager
We were taken to see it as a class in 1976 since it was one of our 'O' level texts for English Literature. The older I get the more grateful I am for that formal introduction presented so excellently by 'Biggles' who would take the trouble to mark and comment our essays with personal remarks and insight. So sad that the education system has given up on this. So short sighted.
My own children and those of friends are now full grown but have read maybe one or two books throughout their school lives and are frankly ignorant. Not their fault. We had a good 50 years or so of quality but It has reached the point now that you need to educate your own children again.
Amazing opening shot
Esmond Knight - WWII hero!!!
Cannot beat a bit of Shakespeare
A masterpiece.