Henry V

About Henry V

Henry V is a British technicolor film adaptation from 1944, directed by and starring Laurence Olivier. Olivier's film contains elements of William Shakespeare’s plays Henry IV, Part 1 and Part 2, and Henry V.

The movie follows the story of the young King Henry V of England, invoking the "Saint Crispin's Day" and experiencing a victory at the Battle of Agincourt during the Hundred Years' War.

Making / Production

The film was made near the end of World War II and was intended as a morale booster for Great Britain. The film used a minimal set, presenting it as a play within a play set in the actual Shakespearean Globe theatre, transitioning to realistic imagery for the battle scenes.

Actors

• Laurence Olivier as King Henry V Olivier's portrayal of Henry V is packaged with determination, eloquence, and nationalistic fervor.
• Robert Newton as Ancient Pistol, provides comic relief and contrast to Olivier’s stalwart king.
• Renée Asherson as Princess Katherine, Asherson provides a subtly romantic touch to a largely war-dominant film.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This is the first of Laurence Olivier's Shakespeare adaptations to be filmed in color.
• The film was one of the last major films to use miniatures in a major action sequence.

Awards

The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor. Laurence Olivier won an honorary award for outstanding achievement as actor, producer, and director in bringing Henry V to the screen.

Quotes

• "Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more."
• "We few, we happy few, we band of brothers."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's music was conducted by Muir Mathieson.
• The soundtrack was composed by William Walton and includes traditional English folk tunes, and Shakespearean dialogues set to music.