Henry V (1944)

7.0Approved143 minDirector: Laurence Olivier

1944 British film by Laurence Olivier

Henry V is a 1944 British Technicolor epic film adaptation of William Shakespeare's play of the same title. The on-screen title is The Chronicle History of King Henry the Fift with his battell fought at Agincourt in France (derived from the title of the 1600 quarto edition of the play, though changing the spelling from "Agin Court"). It stars Laurence Olivier, who also served as a director. The play was adapted for the screen by Olivier, Dallas Bower, and Alan Dent. The score was composed by William Walton.

The film was made near the end of World War II and was intended as a morale booster for Britain. Consequently, it was partly funded by the British government. The film was originally "dedicated to the 'Commandos and Airborne Troops of Great Britain the spirit of whose ancestors it has been humbly attempted to recapture.'" The film won Olivier an Academy Honorary Award for "his Outstanding achievement as actor, producer and director in bringing Henry V to the screen."

Plot summary adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

FAQ

What is Henry V about?
Henry V (1944) — In the inspired Olivier concept, Shakespeare's play begins as a performance in the Globe Theatre, shifting in broad cinematic terms to an epic narrative of Henry V, who had developed from a dissolute youth to a purposeful monarch. Proving his ability as a soldier and skillful lea
Is Henry V based on a true story?
See the production background and source material details on the official Wikipedia article.
Is Henry V scary?
Content rating: Approved. See the reviews tab for parental guidance and tone notes.
What is Henry V (1944) about? Plot, synopsis and ending explained — Screencodex