There was a time during World War II when things looked very bleak for England. Germany had occupied all of Europe that it wanted to, and was bombing London on a nightly basis. England stood alone against the Axis, from the fall of France until the German invasion of Russia.
Henry V was a perfect vehicle to rally British spirits. The story told of an English military victory in France against all odds, a hopeful allegory to the nation's current troubles. Laurence Olivier produced, directed, starred and helped adapt the script. For this great effort, he was given an Honorary Oscar. (He was also nominated for Best Actor, and the film for Best Picture.)
With a production cost of two million dollars, it was the most expensive British film ever made at the time. Henry V was filmed in Ireland, a neutral country safe from the Luftwaffe. Difficulties included a severe shortage of film stock, and only one camera could be used, as it was the only technicolor camera in Ireland.
The story is relatively faithful to Shakespeare's play, although the character of Henry V has been softened (e.g. his threat during a siege to have "your naked infants spitted upon pikes" has been removed). Olivier and Alan Dent reworked some of the circa 1600 dialogue to make it easier to understand for modern ears. Still, using close captioning is recommended.
King Henry V (Laurence Olivier) invades France to reclaim promised lands and to avenge an insult from the arrogant Dauphin (Max Adrian). After a lengthy campaign, Henry's army has been reduced, and is greatly outnumbered by the better supplied French. King Henry inspires his soldiers to battle, with predictable results. Later, he romances lovely Princess Katherine (Renee Asherson), who has been promised to him by the dithering King of France (Harcourt Williams).
Henry V is a film fit for family viewing. Unlike Braveheart, the medieval warfare does not result in graphic onscreen violence. There is also much comic relief, with the French court generally portrayed as being pompous or sissies. Ancient Pistol (Robert Newton) is also a comic character, a cowardly rogue who suffers abuse from his fellow British soldiers.
Henry V often shows great imagination. Early scenes of the play are photographed as if performed at the Globe theater in contemporary times. The audience is shown, and their rowdy reaction to the play's lines helps bridge the gap in understanding how Shakespeare's plays were originally received. During one scene, it begins to rain on the outdoor theater. Both the audience and the performers are getting wet, but the show goes on after little commotion. There's also some brief but hilarious backstage antics.
However, when the play moves to France, we leave the Globe theater. The battle scenes are filmed in the Irish countryside, which is as rich and colorful as the opposing armies' costumes. The battles lack a certain vitality in their non-violence, sometimes they seems more like a thrashing pit for horses. At times an obvious (although charming) painting is used as a backdrop when a convenient castle (or such) might serve as well, but this is done to remind us that we are seeing a play.
The real-life Henry V had a life with similarities to Alexander the Great. He was a conqueror who died young, not in battle but due to an illness associated with camp deprivations. His battles were part of the Hundred Years War, which would eventually end with Joan of Arc helping to drive the English out of France.
Henry V was one of many Shakespearian adaptations in Olivier's film career, with Hamlet (1948) being the most famous. He also served as narrator in Romeo and Juliet (1968), which may be the best film version of any Shakespeare play.
Olivier's Henry V has often been compared to the 1989 version by Kenneth Branagh. They are both good films, but the remake is superior. While lacking some of the quaint charm of the original, Branagh's interpretation is deeper and more realistic, with even better cinematography. (65/100)
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