- Film Review
- Reviewed By David Parkinson
-
5 out of 5
Having failed to secure the services of William Wyler or Carol Reed, Laurence Olivier embarked on his directorial debut with some misgivings. David O Selznick had already refused to allow Olivier's wife Vivien Leigh to play Katharine as he didn't want his star in a bit part, and the war had necessitated the shooting of the Agincourt scenes in Ireland to find enough extras. Nevertheless, Olivier's triumphant interpretation of Shakespeare's warrior king succeeded in making the Bard's work a truly cinematic experience and paved the way for the director's Oscar-winning Hamlet four years later. Released to great acclaim with victory over Hitler in sight, the film chimed in with the nation's ebullience and it remains a colourful and rousing spectacle.
Plot Summary
Classic historical drama, based on Shakespeare's play, directed by and starring Laurence Olivier. Having won the support of the Archbishop of Canterbury for his claim to the throne of France, Henry prepares his army for invasion.
Cast and crew
Cast
- King Henry V
- Laurence Olivier
- Ancient Pistol
- Robert Newton
- Chorus
- Leslie Banks
- Princess Katharine
- Renée Asherson
- Fluellen
- Esmond Knight
- Constable of France
- Leo Genn
- Montjoy, a French herald
- Ralph Truman
- King Charles VI of France
- Harcourt Williams
- Alice, lady-in-waiting
- Ivy St Helier
- Duke of Berri, French ambassador
- Ernest Thesiger
- The Dauphin
- Max Adrian
- Duke of Orleans
- Francis Lister
- Duke of Burgundy
- Valentine Dyall
- Duke of Bourbon
- Russell Thorndike
- Gower, captain in English army
- Michael Shepley
- Jamy, captain in English camp
- John Laurie
- MacMorris, captain in English army
- Niall MacGinnis
- Archbishop of Canterbury
- Felix Aylmer
- Duke of Exeter
- Nicholas Hannen
- Bishop of Ely
- Robert Helpmann
- Mistress Quickly
- Freda Jackson
- Williams, soldier in English camp
- Jimmy Hanley
- Sir John Falstaff
- George Robey
Crew
- Director
- Laurence Olivier
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