''Now is the winter of our discontent'' Soliloquy - Laurence Olivier

[@MaynardGKrebs-gv4vy]

I lived in England from 1963-66 as the son of a US Air Force serviceman. I went to a small American school on the base and my teacher for two years was Ms. Gloria Magnuson. She was a Shakespeare "freak" as we called her and she took us on field trips to Stratford Upon Avon and to plays at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre numerous times. I saw Ian Holm play Richard III and I was hooked for life. I saw David Warner play Hamlet and was hooked into eternity. I saw Mr. Holm play Henry V and that was the icing on the cosmic cake. I was 12 and 13 years old. Ms. Magnuson passed on many years back but I thank her to this day for taking a bunch of Yank kids out of their comfort zone and turning them on to the genius of Mr. Shakespeare. Rest in Peace, learned teacher. I miss you...

[@juliaconnell]

Thank you for sharing - the mark of a true teacher - one that changes our lives

[@MaynardGKrebs-gv4vy]

@@juliaconnell Thank you. She was a delightful personality too. Went to the University of Chicago and graduated Magna but chose to be a teacher when she had the chance to make "the big bucks". She must be resting peacefully knowing all the lives she changed. Peace and Love...

[@merxeddie6474]

Methinks your post has somewhat the swagger of the Bard!

[@MaynardGKrebs-gv4vy]

@@merxeddie6474 Until further notice, I will take that as a huge compliment. I'm not sure the Bard would use "freak" in his work but what the heck!! I loved living in England. Were it not for my wife, I would be there now. I love history and Britain is the proverbial goldmine. Cheers !!

[@mosespray4510]

David Warner was incredible. It seems no one remembers him anymore.

[@Jungleland33]

I heard some years ago that a camping supplies shop had a sale and had a banner "Now is the winter of our discount tents". Now that was wit.

[@marylousherman5471]

😎👍

[@stevekaczynski3793]

I wonder how many customers got the joke?

[@3John-Bishop]

Very good.

[@flaneurable]

@@stevekaczynski3793 Can you explain it?

[@TomBombadil851]

puns are the lowest form of wit

[@christianzafiroglu6705]

Olivier’s best work, I think. Mesmeric, hitting every beat of language with precision, revealing the disdain for his brother, the self-loathing and pity. Insulting himself to beat everyone else to the punch, he does so to justify his evil deeds to come. He could be speaking plain English and it would be as clear. Notice also this is all one tracking shot. A master at work at the peak of his confidence and skills.

[@alexjaybrady]

Agreed, and wonderful camera work too. Was the door at the start real or a green screen effect? Either way captivating stuff.

[@garryferrington811]

They used blue screens then, and no, it wasn't.

[@catherine87]

Did not his mammy raise him well, not only to dress well but always spake well

[@johnbrittingham4471]

Sir Laurence Olivier must have done this scene a thousand times. He perfected it with every fiber of his body.

[@emilyseal3207]

I fell in love with him when I saw this. Just not even human..

[@thenoblepoptart]

the glazing is crazy

[@davidbrattain1446]

One of the greatest soliloquies of Shakespeare's works. Envy is timeless.

[@cameradanblack]

It is actually two stitched together.

[@ryanpeplinski1884]

For everything else, there’s MasterCard…

[@fearlessfosdick160]

@@cameradanblack Olivier was always doing that. It is one of the things about his performances that I really detest.

[@DrKaii]

I don't know how to see what you see

[@curtisdaniel9294]

How about this same Actor in Henry V ? Another of Olivier's Tour de Force! ❤

[@discoveryman59]

I can't remember my own phone number and then there's this guy.

[@michaelmelen9062]

The big show-off.

[@tombrunila2695]

Neither do I remember my own phone number, mainly because I call myself so seldom and I have no need to remember it.

[@story1951]

How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice; practice; practice.

[@gilliebrand]

To be fair...he forgot to limp right at the end, he limped all the way through then stormed off at the end quite briskly. I can forgive him, I hope you can. I too can't remember my phone number, I can't understand how actors can remember their lines, it's a dark art.

[@marylousherman5471]

Nobody better than Olivier....

[@AbrahamLincoln4]

Imagine walking into the wrong room and this guy just starts talking to you like this.

[@hungrypromethean]

Was this not similar in any way to your father's daily breakfast soliloquy? "Now, is the time when you shall inform to me who ate the rest of my WORK-LUNCH baloney! I pray to hold thee nearest to my breast, and wring thy neck with the force of mighty stallions if I find the true culprit! Now dine on your Cheerios that which has issued from my loins for it may be the last earthly nourishment that you shall receive, courtesy of this gentleman's brow sweat, back, and anguish!" My dad worked at the GM plant in Kalamazoo, MI, and it was a whole thing he did every morning.

[@BearWa11ace]

We used to practice our monologues on 17th street, in Denver, while attending the NTC. We we do them for the public. I remember doing Mobray, "Let not my cold words" From Rich II. It's a smoldering piece, that builds and builds, where he challenges a relative of the sitting King to a duel. This was a good way to work the piece up. Raising your rehearsal stakes by presenting and force you into the moment. Some fun reaction stories associated with this practice. Reactions varied but for the most part, people got it and seemed to dig it. With out a room but.. pretty much the approach you are musing at.

[@kamuelalee]

@@hungrypromethean Genius...bravo, bravo!

[@RobToggles40]

Hungry Promethean your dad sounds legit

[@EK-yp8ip]

🤣😜😂😬😳

[@tahiragibson6407]

It’s wonderful how he goes further away from the camera when he wants to be theatrical and rhetorical, then moves closer when he wants to be intimate and insinuating. It’s a clever blend of acting in two different mediums in one speech.

[@simongleaden2864]

Media, not mediums.

[@MrStringybark]

Here I was thinking it would be the reverse. The more intimate he wants to become the further away he should get until his words become so indecipherable the "audience" has to get on stage to hear what he says. Then when he wants to throw his arms around he would natuarally go in for a close up of his face. Now that makes sense to me. But I have to bow to Olivier's wonderful genius.

[@pentuplove6542]

@@simongleaden2864 The Actor's Medium: On Stage and in Film. Marc Silberman. Modern Drama, Volume 39, Number 4, Winter 1996, pp. 558-565 (Article). To clarify your ignorance.

[@pentuplove6542]

He is speaking to someone. The door is pushed open slightly then one can hear the door close and the latch shut. Great work in both medium of stage and film. Media is incorrect. The Actor's Medium: On Stage and in Film. Marc Silberman. Modern Drama, Volume 39, Number 4, Winter 1996, pp. 558-565 (Article).

[@malcolmharris5277]

Ahem - the quoted sentence from the book is differently constructed to this comment. "Great work in both medium of stage and film." The second use of 'medium' is implied here, i.e. Great work in both medium of stage and (medium) of film. The plural of medium is media, so 'two different media' would be correct. I'm afraid using the quote from the book therefore does not support the argument.

[@matthewstoneback9]

All done in one glorious sustained take. This man had no equal.❤

[@dhouse-d5l]

Judi Dench

[@realSirDextrose]

@@dhouse-d5lno

[@DudeSilad]

@@dhouse-d5l To be fair, there a many amazing actors but they probably all used Lord Larry as the template. Tom Hiddlestone is fantastic in Shakespeare plays as is Ralph Fiennes.

[@bartonbank2531]

@@dhouse-d5ldon’t be stupid . You wouldn’t see old Larry doing a money supermarket advert

[@Andrew-q8k]

Not really... close but no cigar... Vivien Leigh better on stage than JD​@@dhouse-d5l

[@SophieLovesSunsets]

When I was a kid this scene scared the living daylights out of me. Now as an adult it's one of the most exquisite things I've ever seen. Olivier was cut from a very different cloth ❤

[@xectilus5530]

The direction here is just superb. When he says "but yet I know not how to get the crown" and pulls the camera along with him, you feel totally immersed.

[@pvonberg]

And guess who the director was.

[@charlieleonard7610]

So true, the interaction with the viewer is sublimely done

[@andreraymond6860]

Perfection. Olivier veaves two soliloquies together. The opening one from Richard III and one from Henry VI part 3. They compliment each other brilliantly. His delivery is awesome. Cutting each vowel and consonant, underlining the meaning of each phrase to clarify the poetry for modern audiences unfamiliar with Elizabethean prose. Genius.

[@DieFlabbergast]

*complement each other

[@fearlessfosdick160]

It is what I dislike most about Olivier's performances.

[@bloodgrss]

As did Alec Guinness; to each his own...@@fearlessfosdick160

[@edwardcoward5003]

I don't like It. I didn't age well at all

[@bloodgrss]

No, it is still good. Interesting to know what is more 'modern' and effective. Please do not say Ian McKellan...@@edwardcoward5003

[@GoGoTwice]

The use of lighting and shadow is just amazing

[@MantisCFS]

The way its set up, just a couple of empty, echoey rooms but by moving to certain places, with long shadows or the dark, green lighting from the stained glass windows it changes the tone without need for music or editing. Its a case of knowing Olivier can bring the goods and keeping everything else subdued, but not bland.

[@stephaniestanley8041]

Exquisite

[@PG-lw5bg]

Garbo understood that..She used her own lighting man whenever filming.

[@TyrSkyFatherOfTheGods]

The way the shadows darken on his face at the end!

[@ProgrammedForDamage]

When he says, "and frame my face to all occasions" it is perfectly lit and framed. Absolute perfection.

[@drbalbon7332]

Perfect poise, intonation, volume, and delivery. This is how you chat up a lady.

[@MrCantStopTheRobot]

I've watched this clip many times over several years. This time, I noticed the broken lighting en route to the throne. As Olivier limps back toward the viewer, he flashes in and out of the shadows with a lurch. Perfect.

[@xhagast]

You know the signs of a cheap, BAD movie? Narrow shots. You only see a person or two and little of the background.

[@michaelryan6947]

Hearing Richard Burton do his impersonation of L.Olivier reciting Richard III, then just for giggles repeated it in German...these people were so talented beyond belief. We are so lucky to be able to listen and watch these gems.

[@nobunaga240]

And then there was Peter Sellers, who recited the Beatles’ ‘Hard Day’s Night’ as Olivier’s Richard. Hilarious!

[@michaelryan6947]

@@nobunaga240 Exactly! Priceless

[@angloaust1575]

And sellers in what's new pussycat!

[@rhysalexander182]

One of greatest performances of one of the best speeches ever written.

[@petermorris9818]

Impossible to disagree

[@shannononefield]

I've seen this many, many times and am still left grinning ear to ear and shaking my head with delight each time....hugely funny and marvelously devilish, he proclaims himself a villain and gets us on his side. Supernaturally masterful.

[@petermorris9818]

I wore a vhs cassette of my dad's out watching this. Blue ray now. Sublime.

[@willsingourd2523]

Some of it's the writing...

[@hmq9052]

That's a very goofy reaction.

[@talastra]

I'm definitely not on his side. Iago, though.

[@willsingourd2523]

@@hmq9052 I regret that you fail to stand under understatement...

[@dawnadriennetaylor970]

My Grandmother could perform whole Shakespeare plays for us and enact entire epic poems till her end at age 92. I was mesmerised by her brilliance. Jusr from reading books.

[@Horndogthehorneddog]

Some of the best facial expressions from an actor ever. Such an amazing talent with the virtuosity like that of very few throughout time. The natural talent and hard work displayed here are hard to take in.

[@stuka1977]

The beats...

[@michaelmelen9062]

I saw Laurence Olivier at the Old Vic in 1973, late January. He was joined by Constance Cummings and Dennis Quilley (and I forget the name of the younger son) for "A Long Day's Journey Into Night". In retrospect, I was expecting a big ham, and was underimpressed by Olivier at first. By the play's end, I had learned a lot about acting from his performance, and from the performance of the ensemble. He never 'stole' a scene, and never overplayed a line. Every action was believable. His face reddened when required, he wept on demand, and at the end his despair and grief during Ms Cummings' lines were devastating, and in character. I had the opportunity to see Eric Clapton at the Rainbow Theatre, but instead stood on line in the snow to get tickets to "A Long Day's Journey Into Night". I made the right decision. Thank you, Sir Laurence and cast. I have spent these many years applauding that performance.

[@edmonddantes3640]

I envy you, what a wonderful experience, what a priceless memory.

[@marytomlin38]

Ronald Pickup played the younger son and Maureen Lipmann played the maid.

[@markscott554]

I envy you soooo much.

[@hisvorpalsword]

When it's done right Shakespeare is completely modern.

[@joeessig3550]

*eternal

[@maggiesmith856]

He was not of an age, but for all time.

[@jb3947]

Completely agree

[@hisvorpalsword]

@Hell Bro Away, you three-inch fool.

[@winternow2242]

Timeless

[@nordfreiheit]

This is the perfect blending of film and theater. What magnificent acting and directing.

[@Honken]

I now understand everything that Rowan Atkinson has ever done.

[@nostromo7928]

For sure.

[@sirjanska9575]

The first season of Blackadder is basically a parody of this, the first episode especially

[@therealmr.incredible3179]

What is the message of the video?

[@osman01003]

How is so?

[@Honken]

@@osman01003 His earlier material, especially his standups, draw inspiration from this (or Olivier in general). I've never seen Olivier before, but I _immediately_ thought of Atkinson.

[@sandykemp7562]

Watching this it’s not hard to see why many consider Olivier to be one of the greatest actors of all time. Not only having to remember that entire soliloquy but also having to deliver it in a single take all whilst hitting his marks and putting the proper passion and nuance into every line and movement. Truly impressive.

[@ruly8153]

Well he was a stage actor and he would have the whole play learnt off by heart I suppose

[@nagantm441]

yeah too bad they abridged it.

[@martinmalcolm2747]

Interesting fact, he suffered from stage fright. He would always vomit just before going on stage it was that terrible

[@deadbydayinblack]

better than that its two sollilogauirs merged into one. The start is from richard the third but it then moves into King Henry VI, Part 3. Oliver understood the audiance needed to see just how much richard wanted the crown. ( true history be dammed as always history was written by the victor+

[@brettjohnson536]

Yh I really don't get it. I'm sure this was considered great back then, but there's a reason you don't see this kind of acting in Shakespeare plays anymore.

[@Zikanovich]

4:20 he says "frame my face" while his face is being framed You can tell every second of this was carefully crafted, this is the sort of work almost no one puts in anymore

[@Herodollus]

Ben Dover I love the way his cheekbones sink at that moment and says ”i’ll drown more sailors than the mermaid shall”, its so good!!!

[@johnr9763]

Some actors do put in "a lot of work" nowadays, but sadly, it is often the kind of work that Hugh Jackman did to gain muscle for Wolverine.

[@arturzathas499]

@@Herodollus so menacing and in no time at all

[@DarellDavie1]

Yep

[@spockboy]

Genius writer, genius actor. Doesn't get better than this.

[@MaynardGKrebs-gv4vy]

Amen. I saw Ian Holm play him at The Royal Shakespeare Theater many moons ago when I was 12. Hooked me for life on Shakespeare.

[@spockboy]

@@MaynardGKrebs-gv4vy You're lucky! : )

[@MaynardGKrebs-gv4vy]

@@spockboy Thanks. Also saw him play Henry V and David Warner as Hamlet. I was an Air Force brat and my teacher was a card-carrying Shakespeare nut, as we called her. Opened my eyes to a part of the world I'll always appreciate. I mean, how many kids can say they have seen what I saw? Not many. Cheers !!

[@Hernal03]

Yes it does! Add genius _director_ to that resume!

[@ianbauer4703]

Genius director too.

[@zimatar489]

Sir Laurence Olivier - The Lord of the Stage. Legendary, iconic and immortal performer of the English Plays.

[@erasmushousepublishing6190]

The magnificence of Olivier. Brings the heart of the man right to the fore; you even feel sorry for him...

[@robertwheeler4068]

Sir Lawrence...The true master of the theater! BRAVO!👏 May these video performances last on forever to educate and show the world of his amazing talents!

[@elizabethroberts6215]

……his first name is spelled the Latin way, ‘Laurence’……

[@robertwheeler4068]

@@elizabethroberts6215 Thank you so very much for your kind correction.👌⚘

[@ergbudster3333]

I've never heard anyone do it better. Brilliant. And it just now occurred to me this is where Rowan Atkinson derived his Blackadder (the first one).

[@potatoegirl31]

They do have a similiar bangin' fashion sense! 😂

[@jamesmckean3221]

Now is the summer of our sweet content...

[@marcellogenesi6390]

Als

[@csb7376]

Blackadder actually kills Richard III (Peter Cook).

[@kevinwaters5872]

You can spend a life time unpacking just five minutes of Shakespearean dialogue. Absolute genius.

[@PeterT-i1w]

dialogue? where?

[@LoveOneAnotherHeSaid]

"Unpacking"... yeah, you go unpack, genius.

[@kevinwaters5872]

@@LoveOneAnotherHeSaid feeling a bit salty darling ?

[@aaronstark5060]

@@LoveOneAnotherHeSaid What’s your problem?

[@teletubetodd]

Magnificent! I love the nuances Olivier brought to Richard III: softer when closer, louder when further away, knowing when to change his mood, placing himself under the hanging giant crown to express his ambition, and de-emphasizing his limp at the end in his determination "to get a crown." Bravo! Thanks for posting. Rest in peace, Laurence.

[@janethammond5925]

I've never regarded acting as being on the same level as the other arts...music, painting, writing, poetry. Yet seeing this I realise that acting truly is an art form, or at least that certain actors lift it to that level. Sir Laurence Olivier was/is the living embodiment of that belief.

[@jrblunt]

And that, folks, is what we call compelling and sublime acting! Laurence Olivier set the gold standard for interpreting William Shakespeare's works. Actors either meet, exceed, or fail to meet this standard.

[@jeremytarling5164]

Probably sounds a bit sad but I set this to memory by playing it over and over again in the car for a couple of weeks - I can still repeat it word for word 10; years later. It's amazing how you can remember things you enjoy so clearly yet day to day stuff slips away like sand through your fingers!

[@thespamdance311]

Sounds like an admirable use of your time. No one has used our language so well as Shakespeare; it almost seems like it was designed for his pen.

[@LoveOneAnotherHeSaid]

Ever give that speech in a post office, buying stamps? Or in a bar?

[@punictunic]

The genius of Olivier was taking the language of Shakespeare and playing it pitch perfect. Not sure any actor has made it as readily accessible as he did.

[@scottloar]

Yes, the legend that is Laurence Olivier, but to see and hear this without knowing who he was yet his talent and, yes, understanding of the character and every word does he convince us - this is extraordinary.

[@paulaneary7877]

Incredible man. I couldn't really catch all he was saying, but I was still mesmerized. Mark of a true actor.

[@xqqqme]

You're ahead of me, then. I couldn't catch MOST of what he was saying.

[@rerite2]

"Love doth forswore me in my mother's womb..." Damn, that's cold.

[@slappy8941]

It's just "love foreswore"; past tense, which can't be preceded by "doth", which is the present active/infinitive form of "do".

[@rerite2]

@@slappy8941 -- Source, please.

[@varana]

@@rerite2 2:10 Also, that's how grammar works. "doth" is the old form of "does"; you wouldn't say "love does forswore me".

[@cufflink44]

Russell G It's: "Why, love forswore me in my mother's womb." But you're right: cold.

[@Farweasel]

​@@varana You overlook three things: In modern English we could correctly say 'Love *did foreswear* me ...' (&) Grammatical rules shift significantly overtime - Doth could well have equally meant does & did (but see below) Part of the foundation of the impact of Shakespear's writing stems from his ability and willingness to bend the usual rules of Grammar to carry extra potency. And then again maybe not because in Julius Ceasar there is a very, very clever piece of underhanded character assasination Cassius says to Brutus in essence 'Yeah mate? You thing Ceasar's well hard, more or less a God. Pha! When we were in Sapin he had a fit and fell sick and - yeah get this innit: His coward lips did from their colour fly'. So Shakespear did (or possibly doth) use 'did' as well as 'doth'. But on the other hand he spelled Shakespear at last half a dozen different ways. Ironically to make sure I had the quote spot on (of course I had, as but modesty (which I obviously do flawlessly) obliged it) I checked it. And I was slightly sad to read next to the original a modern English version. My first thought was 'great, its being make accessible'. Sadly, the muppets writing the conversion evidently had no real concept of nuance & connotation. It became 'His lips turned white' Evidently oblivious to the deeper meaning of someone 'flying from their colour(s)'. Its like saying "The Mona Lisa's this young old time chick, quite pretty, eyes are done nicely. And because the gaze is horizontal it gives the impression she follows you with her eyes. It a well used technique. Done in paint. Not much going on in the background".

[@AndyBHome]

I saw this late one night on TV and it grabbed me so effectively that I just dropped everything and watched it through to the end, past midnight.

[@welshpete12]

Being some one who is interested in the history of words , ( etymology) . There is so much in this speech that covers so much ground . It is wonderful writing !

[@MariaMartinez-researcher]

The author was a guy of some renown in the playwriting business...

[@wholeNwon]

It was unnecessary to define "etymology".

[@Louis.R]

Read "A Theatre of Envy"

[@iriscollins7583]

@@wholeNwon In this day and age, I don't think so.

[@Steviej148]

Without a doubt the greatest Shakespearean actor who ever drew breath . RIP Sir Laurence Olivier. Now is the winter of our discontent very appropriate quote for current bleak time we all going through.

[@adolforodolfo6929]

Seen lots of them have you? Seriously, this may be your opinion, and is as valid as mine or anyone else's, but "without a doubt"? I think there might just be some doubters dotted here and there.

[@Pure_B]

He's not THE greatest. Many others including Gielgud, Rylance, Hopkins, Fiennes, Schofield and others have been equally great. @@adolforodolfo6929

[@janel342]

Try Ralph Fiennes now Also In Stratford upon Avon where the RSC is based Outside a sports shop appeared this sign ‘Now is the discount of our winter tent’

[@eulenruf]

The voice is stupendous, like steel. I would like to see the entire play with him.

[@Gillie2tat]

You can. It's available on DVD.

[@brummagemjoe6111]

No one has ever equaled Olivier's performance of this role. And indeed many other Shakespearean roles. I saw him do Othello and the Shylock on stage back in the 60's and it was gripping.

[@peterknight2860]

Hello Joe - this is brummagem Peter. I also saw him in Othello in the 60´s and it will stay with me all my life.

[@nagoranerides3150]

@@peterknight2860Strange to think it would be banned/cancelled now. Probably his Shylock too.

[@maubunky1]

@@nagoranerides3150 They already cancelled the long running annual summer Shakespeare outdoor festival here in our midwestern US city on the grounds that it isn't diverse enough. Harold Bloom is probably rolling in his grave.

[@neilmiller3220]

VINCENT PRICE AS WELL

[@epicgangnamstyle8783]

He looks like Lord farquaad

[@SunburntHands]

Yes! Lord Farquaad is absolutely based on this performance, as a grasping, deformed malcontent.

[@LordVader1094]

I mean, Lord Farquaad was very much based on this kind of medieval look. :P

[@AbrahamLincoln4]

Lord Farquaad was based off Richard III.

[@WizardOfHumor1989]

I was gonna say the exact same thing!

[@count7340]

Lord Fuckwad.

[@clivegower-collins9012]

I have watched this over and over (I'm not a player or student of theatre) and it still chills me 'I'll drown more sailors than the mermaid shall" What an amazing talent

[@jimcrosby8289]

Yes a truly wonderful piece

[@EzraAldiWibisono]

It's very daring and creative to combine two soliloquies from separate acts and tailor it so seamlessly. And that hair dude... So menacing 😧

[@tomnorton4277]

I didn't even realise this was two separate soliloquies combined into one. I can't even pinpoint where one soliloquy ended and the other began. Olivier flowed from one to the other so effortlessly that I could easily buy that it was always written as one scene.

[@BOTG_Adventures]

I can't explain why this brings me to tears. Is it a memory of a forgotten past? Why do I feel such emotion when wandering York and Bosworth and Towton, these things I cannot put into words, for I know deep down England and Richard are in my heart and very being.

[@rosemaryallen2128]

The then Richard of Gloucester was too young to fight at Towton, of course. And your comment being where it is, is very misleading to those who do not know that there is very little substance to connect Shakespeare's diabolical Richard with the real man.

[@markmeade2937]

The words of Shakespeare and the delivery of Olivier make a deep emotional tide in one’s soul. Moving and uplifting with a mesmerising performance……

[@thomasgoodisson8877]

Absolutely spot on my friend

[@thespamdance311]

Such genius in his interpretation! He took text that is barely decipherable to the average reader, and rendered every word intelligible and resonant. I feel like I should watch the whole film now.

[@robinghosh8891]

Great acting to the very heights by the world's greatest actor. I Salute

[@gurukirupa9840]

Correction. Marlon Brando is the greatest. Olivier doesn't come close.

[@MilesDavis2012]

Amazing that he also played Henry the Fifth so well--enormously different characters!

[@winstonmarx763]

@@johnmulligan455 who is greater than him?

[@winstonmarx763]

@@johnmulligan455 :D HIM

[@jamesmckean3221]

Is he, sirs? I fear there will a worse come in his place.

[@conrad152]

A bravura performance by Olivier an artist at the height of his powers making the part his own. He is relaxed and totally confident in the role because he knows how great he is.

[@steveread4021]

Some of the greatest prose ever written, delivered by one of the finest actors ever.

[@Justin_Holland]

Not prose, iambic pentameter

[@steveread4021]

@Justin_Holland Thank you. I always wondered what the hell iambic pentameter is.

[@Justin_Holland]

Strictly, a line of ten to eleven syllables, with an unstressed followed by a stressed: da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM, though a lot of variation is allowed. Consider the first lines: NOW is the WINter OF our DISconTENT made GLORious SUMmer BY this SON of YORK. The first line starts with a trochee (DA-dum), but is otherwise regular, and the second line has an anapest (da-da-DUM) in the second foot.

[@AlisonProctor-fq4kt]

Few were, or ever will be, the caliber actor Olivier was. The voice, face, passion and talent……he was incredible.

[@Mediumal]

Never before or since has the English language be so eloquently written and spoken. Shakespeare and Larry Olivier a perfect combination.

[@airdriver1460]

I've watched this-who knows how many times, and I never get tired of seeing it. This is how you become a knight. His expression change at 4:24 will make you take two steps backward.

[@jackflash743]

first a knight and then became a lord

[@elisabethschwartz160]

Richard III was the last King of England who died in battle. After 500 years of his death his remains were found under a parking lot. Lawrence Oliver was a brilliant actor❤

[@thethoughtfulpeanut6662]

(And the skeleton revealed that he did in fact have a curvature of the spine.)

[@axiomaddict]

And blonde, a gracile, and likely his dark representation and rancid evil was merely political smearing to appease Shakespear’s sponsors. I think.

[@risingphoenix8072]

Curvature of the spine but still a warrior. I think King Richard was misunderstood.

[@MrDaiseymay]

I think Sir Larry, would have been amused by that recent find.

[@ericwilliams2122]

did they find his car too?

[@michaelgibson4705]

This performance committed to film will last as long as people are interested in the works of Shakespeare.His reading of it though of its time is Masterful, a foundation for others to build on

[@Torahboy1]

Did someone say, “frightful ham!” ?? Well then, pass the mustard and I’ll gobble this up all day long….. Watch how Larry hits every mark without seeming to look for them The lighting is strikingly good for this period of cinema. The camera movements so smooth and subtle, perfectly framed, that they only exist if you look for them.

[@garryferrington811]

They had Eastmancolor negative film by this point, which made things a _lot_ easier.

[@katehillier1027]

Absolutely stunning and compelling performance by a master of the art.

[@airdriver1460]

"So, I'm guessing that's a 'no' on the new, vinyl gutters, then?"

[@soldierside365]

I laughed disproportionately more than I think any man should

[@Stappit]

Just beautiful and beautiful truths spoken here. Shakespeare still speaks to all. Perfect

[@ivanjulian2532]

I've always wondered by Laurence Olivier was so highly regarded when it came to Shakespeare. I can see now why he was known as the actor's actor.

[@stevekaczynski3793]

He wasn't always good at it - in Nicholas and Alexandra, he overacts quite a bit.

[@johnbrowne3950]

Once you start watching, you can't stop. Mesmerizing. You want more.

[@raycope2086]

Yes! Yes! That's all very well sir, but are you interested in this insurance policy or not?

[@Fandango541]

🤣🤣

[@Red_Lanterns_Rage]

[draws pistol] prepare thyself fore the devil takes you! [fires pistol] HA! there's a special place in hell for insurance men.....and bible salesmen....and telemarketers......fugg it there's a special place in hell for everyone ugh

[@jamesmckean3221]

@@Red_Lanterns_Rage I must account this world but hell...

[@raycope2086]

@JZ's Best Friend ( chuckle )

[@alankirkby465]

Ray Cope, love your humour !

[@masterklaw4527]

So many swords decorate that scene, and yet, the sharpest thing in this video is his delivery.

[@michaelhanrahanmoore1622]

A masterpiece and the greatest olivier ever did.

[@Spankbucket]

To me Laurence Olivier IS Richard III. Having seen this film when it first came out the impression it made on me has never been superseded.

[@blackhoundrise8431]

When you watch this and somehow find the need to clap hands but of shock stop yourself, asking why? Don’t be harsh on yourself. This was an excellent performance by an incredible actor.

[@johnnyhock]

Peter Sellers’ rendition of the Beatles “hard day’s night” as Richard III in the style of Lawrence Olivier is wonderful

[@MrDaiseymay]

yes it is, I'd forgotten that. It used to be played frequently on the radio---a lot of things did, once upon a time. Now it's junk.

[@LoveOneAnotherHeSaid]

Now, we are on the money!

[@goodlookinouthomie1757]

I have never seen that but I'm imagining it in an Olivian style "It has been... a hard day's night".

[@kavithajaganath7641]

This guy was a great actor. I saw him in the Othello play. R.I.P Sir Laurence Olivier 🙏🌺

[@charleshouston6571]

How the English language is wonderfully used.

[@fernandoestebanzunigaandra8088]

Just...wow. What an actor, this man encarnates every Sheakespeare´s word on this play...There let be known, that will never be another one, like Sir Lawrence Olivier. ;) .

[@robroberts1473]

There's actors and then there is this guy, that was impressive, in the fact that you kinda forget he is acting.

[@wilfwilfman]

I agree that it’s impressive, but... He’s looking directly at the camera and saying things like “he capers nimbly in the lady’s chamber”. It’s not exactly slice of life lol

[@robroberts1473]

@@wilfwilfman dude come on I say that kind of stuff at least twice a week lol 😋

[@wilfwilfman]

You are most fair, kind Sir Robert. May the trumpets of St. Peter always sing thy melody, and the beasts of Lucipher be ever at thy beck and call.

[@robroberts1473]

@@wilfwilfman dude if I had a dollar for every time I heard that id be a rich man. 😏

[@theGhoulman]

@@wilfwilfman FYI, he looks directly at the audience because he's speaking to the audience. It's a MONOLOG. It's a theatre thing. Ancient tradition, etc. And btw, when he says '“he capers nimbly in the lady’s chamber”, he's saying the King is a puff. It's an insult.

[@busterfriendly6305]

Obsessed with this over the last few weeks. At 1:41 that tiny head gesture to say "follow" to the camera man and the smoothness of it. Just wonderful. Wouldn't have spotted it without other commenters saying it's there, it's so seamless.

[@pvonberg]

Greatness. Nothing will ever surpass this.

[@MahmoudIsmail1988.]

Oh it is impossible to surpass that.. this is the edge of the horizon

[@annamariafacchiano1688]

What an actor.! He is one of the greatest actors of all times.

[@jackflash743]

not one of, the best one

[@lemondemon6434]

This is the finest acting performance I’ve ever seen… Truly Richard was the man you love to hate

[@consequences5638]

Quick smile before any words makes following introduction most engaging and entertaining. Straightforward, clear-cut motives, thus eschewing all fashionable over-reading and over-interpretation.

[@millypuppydog]

The world at war narration was his masterpiece. As a seven year old his voice transfixed me and now I know all about the 2nd world war because of his voice

[@tarakihi4658]

Wasn't Richard Burton the narrator on War of the Worlds?

[@randallpmcmurphy7501]

Although the script was a tissue of lies from start to finish. If all you know of the war was what you, as I too, learned from that television entertainment, then you have been duped.

[@Elitist20]

@@randallpmcmurphy7501 What, that Nazis were bad?

[@adolforodolfo6929]

@@tarakihi4658 Yes he was, but Jeff Wayne's album "The War of the Worlds" and the TV history series "The World at War" were two different things. Realise you were probably just making a joke,

[@vmcnick]

His intonation and dynamics are flawless.

[@felixmarmann7408]

Sir Lawrence. Yes. Great performance. Never forgotten.

[@thakery5720]

Back in 1979, there was a camping shop in Lyndhurst in the New Forest here in England which was having a sale of surplus stock in November..... there was a big sign in the window announcing 'Now is the winter of our discount tent'......

[@PointyTailofSatan]

The camera work is amazing. Him walking around, the camera dollying around in different directions, in perfect focus.

[@mencken8]

One of the masters of that great instrument which is English.

[@cufflink44]

rico567 Olivier or Shakespeare? 😎

[@mencken8]

cufflink44 Either or both, take your pick. Although Shakespeare even had a hand in contributing to modern English.

[@Smudgie]

The lighting of this scene is also excellent. Olivier hits his marks perfectly.

[@blurredlenzpictures3251]

Just amazing. The last minute of this is truly as good as you can be at something. When he list his treacherous deeds he plans and compares himself to myths and gods and Chameleon that could teach Machaivelli a lesson. Then says, if the crown were even farther away he'd still take it. 😊

[@artsed08]

I will never say 'chamaeleon' in the same way again.

[@greentombdive]

Say it often, do you?

[@spockboy]

LOL

[@dedbaka]

Cam-ma-meel-lun!

[@jamesmckean3221]

And that so lamely and unfashionable that commenters scorn you as you speak to them?

[@spockboy]

@@jamesmckean3221 They do, as the descant on mine own deformity.

[@mjremy2605]

My only regret has been not to have read ALL of Shakespeare's works yet. I have to catch up. The metaphors are so deep that every bit of prose is poetry. When Olivier does Shakespeare I cling to every word. What greatness in these words. Richard III is one of my favorites. We must not lose this and it should be taught in every school.

[@michaelbayer5094]

I would hope the UK will always cherish Shakespeare. Maybe they will remain closer to Elizabethan English than Americans. Sadly, too many American students are not literate enough to understand this former and increasingly alien version of the language. Compounding the problem is the push for more current and relevant reading material (I will not call it literature) in all schools and the movement to reduce colleges to trade schools.

[@Firebrand55]

Actors since, grasping this nettle, would hear this matchless, definitive monologue pounding in their ears.

[@ivorbiggun710]

I prefer Peter Sellers' version.

[@thomaslasch567]

@James Henderson You are merely jealous. Larry's girl was Vivian Leigh. From 19 years old......

[@HAL-vc3of]

James Henderson Watch a streetcar named desire. She plays a pathetic whore

[@thomaslasch567]

@James Henderson What fucking vile people you are. Miss Leigh has won numerous awards as the most beautiful of all Hollywood stars. I myself would put Raquel Welch on top of a list. But Ugly? Ridiculous.

[@Line...]

​@James Henderson You cannot have any sense at all if you think Vivien Leigh ugly. SShe is the most beautiful creature to ever. Also, your eyes are failing you; go see a doctor. Also, you have no heart. I suspect you're just very jealous or perhaps one of those incels. Retreat to your mothers basement, from whence you came

[@howardgoy9568]

A truly great Shakespearian actor at his best.

[@TaniaCarolineChen]

This is so great, it feels so part of him so authentically in character

[@PL-rf4hy]

If the trick to acting is in the eyes then this is a masterpiece.

[@timsalazar1253]

One of the greatest actors who ever lived.

[@thomasblim2894]

Tera Reid is better...

[@suffern63]

I never saw him in the theatre so I'll take the word of other actors who said he was great,but could you really imagine him playing the role of Arthur Seaton, or Mr Sugden in Kes?

[@robertleo7394]

@@DJKinney You are unaquinted with the craft.

[@bearhustler]

@@DJKinney I found that more gripping to watch than any number of current method-bores, it's a different style for sure but still brilliant. There's a lot of subtlety under the bluster.

[@jongcook8288]

@@DJKinney are serious?i really feel his emotion and im not even an english speaker,most of the word he said i dont understand but the emotion and feeling is certainly there.he is like speaking to you personally telling all his evil plan and man he is scary,,im actually shocked that he is great,i find theatrical acting boring, but not this one, he knows what he's doing and is very good at it...the only thing a non english speaker understand someone is through his action while speaking,its not about what he say it is how he say it

[@johncunningham7976]

I read that when filming The Marathon Man Dustin Hofmann (little known actor at the time) kept Olivier waiting on set. When he arrived the director asked Where have you been? Hofmann replied “this scene requires my character to have just completed a long run, what did you expect me to do?” Olivier replied “I expect you to act my dear boy.” Classic.

[@johncunningham7976]

*Hoffman

[@rugby8-Philadelphia]

"Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer by this sunne of York" The placement of the breath/break in the line can cause significant differences of meaning. 😎😎😎

[@cufflink44]

Rugby8 A lot of people, misunderstanding the syntax, quote the first seven words as if they're a complete sentence on their own: "Now is the winter of our discontent." That's not what Shakespeare meant. In contemporary English prose, it would be: "Now, the winter of our discontent is made glorious summer by this sun of York."

[@rugby8-Philadelphia]

@@cufflink44 ummmm.....That's exactly the point I am making 😁 The first 7 words by themselves make a "negative" statement. However, the line in its entirety, as written by Mr. Shakespeare, is a Positive - a Glorious one. I am fully aware of its intended meaning, nor does it need to be "contemporary English prose " --- that's Exactly the point I was making 😎😎😎

[@cufflink44]

@@rugby8-Philadelphia You seem to be taking my comment as a slam at you. It wasn't. I was agreeing with you, and trying to extend what you said to make it clearer how the line is often misinterpreted.

[@rugby8-Philadelphia]

@@cufflink44 Appreciated, and Sorry! But I think I was pretty clear - don't think it needs to be "clearer" 😁😁😁

[@MaynardGKrebs-gv4vy]

@@rugby8-Philadelphia To both gentlemen: I take "now" as "this moment" is the winter......Am I on the wrong track?

[@matrixnetwork23]

Sir Laurence Olivier - best actor of all time.

[@paddymcginty1264]

Diction. So much better than the mumblings of modern film actors.

[@acr08807]

Pausing after every. Single. Phrase. Another example of Olivier overacting. So much worse than the natural speech of modern Shakespearian actors.

@@acr08807 It's a theatrical style, not a naturalistic style. Sometimes this play is set in modern times with 20th century dress. Olivier would have spoken differently in a modern adaptation. I've seen an article on the TV news, about a black woman wiv a norf London accent cast in the same role 'cos diversity an sheeet.

[@TheSpiritOfTheTimes]

@ What about Tom Hardy huh?

[@Gilmaris]

@@acr08807 Soliloquies are not meant to be spoken "naturally". This is poetry, which means meter and measure are crucial. _Not_ pausing after every. single. phrase. here, would ruin it, and show that the actor (or more likely director) has no ear for poetry.

[@Pete-z6e]

paddy mcginty Marlon bloody Brando for instance!

[@charlieinfinite9434]

From now on, I will be reciting this when I answer the door to I find it has been knocked upon by undesirable persons. I will just keep going and respond to nothing they say until they get disturbed and leave.

[@barrieholditch3800]

Such an outstanding performance by the Master. Laurence Olivier.