I remember seeing this as a child and being absolutely captivated. Shakespeare should not be read, it should be heard like this, and THEN it makes sense.
I just looked it up online; when Shakespeare was writing his PLAYS, only 30 percent of the English population could read. That's less than 1 in 3 that could read! These were meant to be stage plays, not BOOKS to be read.
IMO watching his work brings out the genius of his characterization, but reading it brings out the genius of his language. When you watch the plays it’s not as obvious that the dialogue isn’t just written in prose, which is a shame considering his poetic genius.
The thing that astonishes me is, the voice, used as a tool, like a knife, in some speeches,yet strangely cajoling in others. What a master of the English language Olivier was.
I saw Ian Holm in the role of Richard III at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford Upon Avon in 1965, I think it was. Was 13. The gentleman was fabulous in the role. Have never forgotten him.
I was very sad when I heard of Ian Holm's death a few weeks ago. I saw him at Stratford as Coriolanus many moons ago. But I have never forgotten the brilliance of his performance.
Patrick Troughton is standing between Olivier and Richardson at 0:57. Stay tuned, as we'll get to see him take over a particular role on TV in about eleven years.
There was an interesting movie that I saw once, called "Looking for Richard." Al Pacino led a discussion about "Richard III" with other actors and Shakespeare experts. But they also performed scenes from the play, in full costume and sets. Pacino as Richard performed this scene with Kevin Spacey as Buckingham. I thought it was a terrific scene.
This is basically Pesci and De Niro in the desert, in Casino, I jest ye not. Buckingham has until now been the willing and skilful enabler of Richard’s plans (there was enough for the ambition of both men while the kingdom was put in stable pragmatic hands, the former thought). But the latter’s monomania produces this moment where his once closest ally realises he’s made a grave miscalculation, and that he genuinely never knew the man he thought his most trusted friend.
@@jhornburg01 Sure, you’re right. And I’m not seeking to overplay the parallel. But both scenes are really about someone who thought a person was their friend, ally and protector having that person turn round and telling, “I’m really in charge here and can kill you whenever I like.” The perspective is interesting too. For most of Richard III we have seen everything from his perspective. He has either spoken directly to the audience, we have had scenes where he’s manipulating everyone around him to realise his plans, or we’ve seen people being bumped off in such plans being put into action. Here, we’re actually regarding things briefly from Buckingham’s perspective as he tries to secure what was promised to him to get his allegiance.
@@jhornburg01 Nicky was the crime king of Vegas, and eventually got killed when his own men deserted him. Although Nicky only had 1 brother, and never betrayed him.
Staring dumbly. Then Richard rolling his eyes at his cousin. Haha. Biting his finger and lolling his tongue. Then smiling like a madman before giving his cousin a scolding haha. the details.
I saw Sir Ian Holm in the role at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in '65. He was excellent in the role. I feel certain he would bow to Sir Laurence however.
I think Ian McKellen in the 1995 movie could hold his own. Of course, I love that movie for more than just the performances. It's retelling of the story in modern dress gives it a whole extra power level.
@@marichristian1072 Mari, you had quite the understanding I see as a child. I LOVE Olivier in Hamlet, his performance truly assisted me in grasping the physique of society. Good to know that you've not strayed from the classical introspective playwrights.
I don't really get shakespeare because of the english. Maybe I'm american and it just doesn't translate very well but I feel if shakespeare wasn't played by actors who think that every line has to be dramatic and was just spoken plainly then it would be easier to digest.
Funny how people did what they were told to do just because a guy in a weird hat told them to do it. Still, Richard swore he would make it his lifes purpose to achieve.. the crown . A hat. So if the cap fits..wear it .
I was just thinking earlier of how close this portrayal comes to being campy, but I would say it rides the line. This Richard is two-faced, menacing and yet comical, grotesque and yet able to portray confidence and a (false) romantic figure. I can see how the comic and the grotesque bits could be seen as camp though.
I remember seeing this as a child and being absolutely captivated. Shakespeare should not be read, it should be heard like this, and THEN it makes sense.
I agree!!
Gary Davis Yes. I am enthralled by both, if well done.
I just looked it up online; when Shakespeare was writing his PLAYS, only 30 percent of the English population could read. That's less than 1 in 3 that could read! These were meant to be stage plays, not BOOKS to be read.
IMO watching his work brings out the genius of his characterization, but reading it brings out the genius of his language. When you watch the plays it’s not as obvious that the dialogue isn’t just written in prose, which is a shame considering his poetic genius.
The thing that astonishes me is, the voice, used as a tool, like a knife, in some speeches,yet strangely cajoling in others. What a master of the English language Olivier was.
"Thou troublest me. I'm not in the vain". That's getting said at work.
Sorry to be nit-picky, but that should be 'in the vein'. Yes, people resent me, sorry.....
@@douglasdaniel4504 Not I!!!!
vein 🙄
@@douglasdaniel4504 "Thou troublest me!" LOL
I had a t-shirt made
Sir Laurence amazes me. He talks with so much passion and depth. A Superb actor indeed.
Laurence Olivier and Ralph Richardson. Brilliant.
I think Olivier gave some of his best performances as antagonists in "Richard III" (1955)," Spartacus" (1960), and "Marathon Man" (1976).
It's always great to play "the bad guy"
I saw Ian Holm in the role of Richard III at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford Upon Avon in 1965, I think it was. Was 13. The gentleman was fabulous in the role. Have never forgotten him.
I was very sad when I heard of Ian Holm's death a few weeks ago. I saw him at Stratford as Coriolanus many moons ago. But I have never forgotten the brilliance of his performance.
Here he is, in 1965 ... ua-cam.com/video/pUcAzPwio8M/v-deo.html
It’s as if Shakespeare wrote this for Olivier! No one else!
It does. Greatest actor ever.
Ron Cook is the all time best Richard. 1983 bbc. Casting is 100% perfect all around
wrote --> had written
@@stepaushi Thou troublest me.
@@macaronidelta1925 Good grammar √
Just ordered this on Bluray, the restoration looks fantastic. I'm guessing I'm in for a treat ; - )
Patrick Troughton is standing between Olivier and Richardson at 0:57. Stay tuned, as we'll get to see him take over a particular role on TV in about eleven years.
Looks like they modeled Lord Farquaad after him
What and Incredible amount of range and power he has
One of my all time favorite role by Larry 👏✨ Absolutely brilliant.
There was an interesting movie that I saw once, called "Looking for Richard." Al Pacino led a discussion about "Richard III" with other actors and Shakespeare experts. But they also performed scenes from the play, in full costume and sets. Pacino as Richard performed this scene with Kevin Spacey as Buckingham. I thought it was a terrific scene.
One such as yourself should be applauded by thee for the lollapalooza of this great clip.
*Ah ha!! You put ME as your profile picture! Glad to see we both enjoy watching Richard 💖*
I need to find the complete play..... and sit in glorious envy
This is basically Pesci and De Niro in the desert, in Casino, I jest ye not.
Buckingham has until now been the willing and skilful enabler of Richard’s plans (there was enough for the ambition of both men while the kingdom was put in stable pragmatic hands, the former thought). But the latter’s monomania produces this moment where his once closest ally realises he’s made a grave miscalculation, and that he genuinely never knew the man he thought his most trusted friend.
I’d like to see De Niro tell Sharon Stone, “get thee to a nunnery”
I can sorta see it, but Nicky was never king of the Tangiers, was he?
@@jhornburg01 Sure, you’re right. And I’m not seeking to overplay the parallel. But both scenes are really about someone who thought a person was their friend, ally and protector having that person turn round and telling, “I’m really in charge here and can kill you whenever I like.” The perspective is interesting too.
For most of Richard III we have seen everything from his perspective. He has either spoken directly to the audience, we have had scenes where he’s manipulating everyone around him to realise his plans, or we’ve seen people being bumped off in such plans being put into action. Here, we’re actually regarding things briefly from Buckingham’s perspective as he tries to secure what was promised to him to get his allegiance.
@@jhornburg01 Nicky was the crime king of Vegas, and eventually got killed when his own men deserted him. Although Nicky only had 1 brother, and never betrayed him.
Classic stuff!
God Joaquin Phoenix looks so similar to Olivier in this role!
You're right, they do look alike.
Staring dumbly. Then Richard rolling his eyes at his cousin. Haha. Biting his finger and lolling his tongue. Then smiling like a madman before giving his cousin a scolding haha. the details.
The definitive Richard the third what actor could follow that ?
I saw Sir Ian Holm in the role at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in '65. He was excellent in the role. I feel certain he would bow to Sir Laurence however.
I think Ian McKellen in the 1995 movie could hold his own. Of course, I love that movie for more than just the performances. It's retelling of the story in modern dress gives it a whole extra power level.
This sounds like my wife. I'm not in the giving vein,not in the vein!
As she take's her stern gaze and pushes me away. Hahahaa! Indeed ,yes indeed.
@Wade My sister and I always used to joke about that line.
You and your sister must be fun to be around!
I love using this line when able! When someone
ask for a loan, it comes in handy! hAHAHA!
@@wadewheelingtonii7690 Yes, Wade it was usually about money. We watched this production as children and that line never left us.
@@marichristian1072 Mari, you had quite the understanding I see
as a child. I LOVE Olivier in Hamlet, his performance truly assisted me in grasping the physique of society. Good to know that you've not
strayed from the classical introspective playwrights.
A young James Taylor.
The wizard in Dragonslayer!
Thou troublest me........
"then let it strike!!"
Only bit
I don't git..
Is when it says
To take is not to give.
Anybody any idea what Shakespeare is on about?
Cos so far.. I'm lost.
Olivier said that Richardson was too 'oily' for the part of Buckingham. He had too much of a glint in his eye.
I realize the man had a long, wonderful career, and I've enjoyed every one of his appearances, but he's always going to be the Supreme Being to me.
I wonder what he would have thought of Jim Broadbent in the 1995 Richard III, basically Broadbent playing Heinrich Himmler playing Buckingham.
Why then thou hast it!
poor Buckingham....
I thought he was on the phone
I'm on pins and needles waiting for my copy of this movie, but China is sooooo slow!
I don't really get shakespeare because of the english. Maybe I'm american and it just doesn't translate very well but I feel if shakespeare wasn't played by actors who think that every line has to be dramatic and was just spoken plainly then it would be easier to digest.
Funny how people did what they were told to do just because a guy in a weird hat told them to do it.
Still, Richard swore he would make it his lifes purpose to achieve.. the crown .
A hat.
So if the cap fits..wear it .
It's all very theatrical....
I just wet my pants.
Everybody should see Olivier's campy Richard 111. It has become the basis of so many comedic take-offs. See Richard Dreyfus the "The Goodbye Girl"!
Olivier's Richard the Third.... CAMPY???? How dare you? This is almost the DEFINITIVE version of the play onscreen.
Campy? Wth?!
I was just thinking earlier of how close this portrayal comes to being campy, but I would say it rides the line. This Richard is two-faced, menacing and yet comical, grotesque and yet able to portray confidence and a (false) romantic figure. I can see how the comic and the grotesque bits could be seen as camp though.
Peter Sellers Hard Days Night
@@alibaba2894 That's one I missed!. Thanks Wilson.
They speakish oddly.
Thou typeth even oddlier.
Wut
So, is it true that Richard did exclaim...'I want to be Pope AND King'...
Republicans should take note.
obvious "sausage party" references...and "o CLOCK"....and an evil conniving killer tyrant...add it up,....Dee.