loading loading...

Richard III Details

1955 Certificate U Certificate U (TBC)
  • Rated:
  • 60
  • from 735 members

Soon after Edward IV is crowned King, his brother, Richard, a hunchback, twisted in mind as well as body, starts scheming for the throne of England. He woos and wins Lady Anne and then poisons Edward's mind against their brother, Clarence, later organising his death. But even after his coronation, Richard continues with his .. Read more

Starring Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud, Ralph Richardson, Claire Bloom
Director Laurence Olivier
Genres Drama

loading loading...

Richard III

Soon after Edward IV is crowned King, his brother, Richard, a hunchback, twisted in mind as well as body, starts scheming for the throne of England. He woos and wins Lady Anne and then poisons Edward's mind against their brother, Clarence, later organising his death. But even after his coronation, Richard continues with his villainous campaign to secure his position as King... This award-winning adaptation of Shakespeare's play won Laurence Olivier BAFTAs for Best British Actor and Best British Film, as well as an Oscar nomination and various other awards. This star-studded adaptation stars Olivier (Hamlet, Marathon Man), John Gielgud (Arthur, Becket), Ralph Richardson (The Heiress, Greystoke: Legend of Tarzan), Cedric Hardwicke, Claire Bloom, Alec Clunes, Esmond Knight, John Laurie, Patrick Troughton and Stanley Baker. This version of the film is taken from a digitally-restored High Definition print of Richard III. It is the first time this version has been available uncut since its original theatrical release in 1955. This special edition also includes The Trial of Richard III; unseen since its first television transmission in 1984, this 225 minute show puts Richard on trial for murder using historical evidence and expert witnesses, including acclaimed historian David Starkey. Will he be acquitted or convicted?

Starring Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud, Ralph Richardson, Claire Bloom, Cedric Hardwicke, Nicholas Hannen
Director Laurence Olivier
Studio WIENERWORLD LTD
Run time DVD: 2 hrs 30 mins
Watch now: 2 hrs 41 mins
Certificate DVD: Certificate U, Watch Online: Certificate U (TBC)
Genres Drama
Language DVD: English
Released DVD: 04 Jun 2004
Watch now: 02 Jun 2009
Production year: 1955
Watch now Subscribe and watch this as part of an unlimited package.
Format DVD
  • Critics' reviews (2) of Richard III

    View all
  • 3 stars out of 4

    Theatrical but highly satisfying filming of a splendidly melodramatic view of history. Interesting but not fussy camera movement, delightful sets (followed by a disappointingly 'realistic' battle) and superb performances.

    • Halliwell's Film Guide
  • Olivier's third film as actor/director, and his third 'personal' Shakespeare adaptation. Whether you take his central... read more on Time Out

    • Time Out
  • Most helpful member's review of Richard III

    View all
  • 9 out of 9 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    Excellent

    Yes this film is old and could do with a little digital restoration but Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud, Ralph Richardson and Claire Bloom made renting this movie the bargain of the year for me. Yes this film did remind me of school day performances but in my day it was 'O' levels rather than GCSEs and perhaps that explains the difference in views. If you like Shakespeare and four of the greatest actors of the last century then this film will not disappoint.

      • J B from Sutton Ely Cambs
  • Most recent members' review of Richard III

    View all
  • 3 out of 3 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 2 stars

    Boring

    I bought this DVD in a One Pound store. It's just a play so boring that I watched it for a few minutes. A few days later I tried to give it a second chance but finally I had to throw it away.

      • A customer from London
  • News and features

    View all
    K-Pax

    West End's touch of Hollywood takes prizes

    • 01 Feb 2006

    West End musicals Billy Elliot and Guys and Dolls were among a number of West End musicals that won awards at the Theatregoers' Choice awards yesterday. Billy Elliot was awarded the prize for best new musical, with Guys and Dolls taking the gong for best musical revival. Best actress and actor were given to Ewan McGregor (Moulin Rouge!, Little Voice, Velvet Goldmine) and Jane Krakowski (Alfie, Ally McBeal) for their roles in Guys and Dolls. West End musical Mary Poppins took an award for best... Read more

  • More like this

    View all

Rating breakdown

735 Member ratings
  • 100
87
  • 90
48
  • 80
112
  • 70
120
  • 60
142
  • 50
77
  • 40
53
  • 30
37
  • 20
39
  • 10
20

Buy from the LOVEFiLM shop


    • Richard III
      Soon after Edward IV is crowned King, his brother, Richard, a hunchback, twisted in mind as well as body, starts scheming for the throne of England. He woos and wins Lady Anne and then poisons Edward's mind against their brother, Clarence, later organising his death. But even after his coronation, ...