Richard III (1955 film)

Richard III is a 1955 British Technicolor film adaptation of William Shakespeares historical play of the same name, also incorporating elements from his Henry VI, Part 3. It was directed and produced by Laurence Olivier, who also played the lead role. The cast includes many noted Shakespearean actors, including a quartet of acting knights. The film depicts Richard plotting and conspiring to grasp the throne from his brother King Edward IV, played by Sir Cedric Hardwicke. In the process, many are killed and betrayed, with Richards evil leading to his own downfall. The prologue of the film states that history without its legends would be a dry matter indeed, implicitly admitting to the artistic licence that Shakespeare applied to the events of the time.

King Edward IV of England Sir Cedric Hardwicke has been placed on the throne with the help of his brother, Richard, Duke of Gloucester Sir Laurence Olivier. After Edwards coronation in the Great Hall with his brothers George and Richard watching, he leaves with his son. Richard contemplates the throne, before advancing towards the audience and then addressing them, delivering a speech that outlines his physical deformities, including a hunched back and a withered arm. He goes on to describe his jealousy over his brothers rise to power in contrast to his lowly position.He dedicates himself to task and plans to frame his brother, George, Duke of Clarence Sir John Gielgud, for conspiring to kill the King, and to have George sent to the Tower of London, by claiming George will murder Edwards heirs. He then tells his brother he will help him get out. Having confused and deceived the King, Richard proceeds with his plans after getting a warrant, and enlists two ruffians Michael Gough and Michael Ripper to carry out his dirty work George is murdered, drowned in a butt of wine. Though Edward had sent a pardon to Richard, Richard stopped it passing. Richard goes on to woo and seduce the Lady Anne Claire Bloom, and though she hates him for killing her husband and father, she cannot resist and ends up marrying him. ........

Source: Wikipedia