{"id":79890,"date":"2022-01-05T16:24:23","date_gmt":"2022-01-05T23:24:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=79890"},"modified":"2022-08-16T22:06:00","modified_gmt":"2022-08-17T05:06:00","slug":"henry-v-1944","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=79890","title":{"rendered":"Henry V (1944)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>&#8220;No king of England if not king of France!&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Poster.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Poster-201x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"201\" height=\"300\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-79892\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Poster-201x300.png 201w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Poster-686x1024.png 686w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Poster-86x128.png 86w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Poster-181x270.png 181w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Poster.png 727w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 201px) 100vw, 201px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Synopsis:<\/strong><br \/>\nIn early 15th century England, King Henry V (Laurence Olivier) rallies his men to fight and claim the French throne, which he believes should rightfully be his.\n<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>\n<strong>Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Historical Drama<\/li>\n<li>Laurence Olivier Films<\/li>\n<li>Leo Genn Films<\/li>\n<li>Niall MacGinnis Films<\/li>\n<li>Play Adaptations<\/li>\n<li>Robert Newton Films<\/li>\n<li>Royalty and Nobility<\/li>\n<li>Shakespeare<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Review: <\/strong><br \/>\nLaurence Olivier&#8217;s cinematic debut as a director was this enormously successful adaptation of <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Henry_V_(play)\">Shakespeare&#8217;s <em>Henry V<\/em><\/a>, made during the height of Britain&#8217;s involvement in World War II. Olivier chose to creatively present the play in a hybrid fashion, beginning with panning over the historic Globe Theatre in Stratford-on-Avon: <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Globe-Theatre.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Globe-Theatre-1024x769.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"481\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-79893\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Globe-Theatre-1024x769.png 1024w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Globe-Theatre-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Globe-Theatre-128x96.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Globe-Theatre-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Globe-Theatre-360x270.png 360w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Globe-Theatre.png 1243w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&#8230; and then showing us the play opening up with audiences clearly present: <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Opening-King.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Opening-King-1024x760.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"475\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-79895\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Opening-King-1024x760.png 1024w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Opening-King-300x223.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Opening-King-128x95.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Opening-King-768x570.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Opening-King-364x270.png 364w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Opening-King.png 1247w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>A Chorus figure (Leslie Banks) talks us through what we&#8217;re seeing: <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Chorus.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Chorus-1024x767.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"479\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-79906\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Chorus-1024x767.png 1024w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Chorus-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Chorus-128x96.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Chorus-768x575.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Chorus-361x270.png 361w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Chorus.png 1241w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&#8230; but it takes a while to understand what&#8217;s going on narrative-wise, given the play is presented in authentic Shakespearean English <a href=\"https:\/\/theworld.org\/stories\/2015-10-16\/should-we-translate-shakespeare-modern-english\">(<em>not<\/em> easily comprehensible to modern audiences)<\/a>. Instead, we focus on the colorful costumes and attempts at crowd-pleasing humor, as when the Archbishop of Canterbury (Felix Aylmer) keeps dropping the papers he&#8217;s reading while sharing news with King Henry about the state of France. <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Archbishop.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Archbishop-1024x762.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"476\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-79896\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Archbishop-1024x762.png 1024w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Archbishop-300x223.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Archbishop-128x95.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Archbishop-768x572.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Archbishop-363x270.png 363w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Archbishop.png 1245w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Henry proclaims his intention to go to war against France &#8212; but meanwhile, we&#8217;re introduced to peripheral comedic characters whose presence doesn&#8217;t make much sense (though at least Robert Newton is recognizable in one role): <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Newton.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Newton-1024x762.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"476\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-79897\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Newton-1024x762.png 1024w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Newton-300x223.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Newton-128x95.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Newton-768x571.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Newton-363x270.png 363w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Newton.png 1241w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a> <\/p>\n<p>Eventually the setting of the play broadens beyond the Globe, showing us Henry&#8217;s troops in France, preparing for battle. An extended sequence follows Henry walking incognito through the night to listen to his men: <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Olivier.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Olivier-1024x779.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"487\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-79899\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Olivier-1024x779.png 1024w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Olivier-300x228.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Olivier-128x97.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Olivier-768x584.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Olivier-355x270.png 355w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Olivier.png 1229w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Battle_of_Agincourt\">Battle of Agincourt<\/a> comes next and is impressively filmed, reminding me instantly of the lengthy combat sequence in Eisenstein&#8217;s <a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=79575\"><em>Alexendar Nevsky<\/em><\/a>: <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Battle-Agincourt.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Battle-Agincourt-1024x767.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"479\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-79900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Battle-Agincourt-1024x767.png 1024w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Battle-Agincourt-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Battle-Agincourt-128x96.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Battle-Agincourt-768x575.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Battle-Agincourt-361x270.png 361w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Battle-Agincourt.png 1241w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>We also meet beautiful Princess Katherine (Renee Asherson), who converses with King Henry in a combination of French and English: <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Kate2.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Kate2-1024x763.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"477\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-79902\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Kate2-1024x763.png 1024w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Kate2-300x224.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Kate2-128x95.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Kate2-768x572.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Kate2-362x270.png 362w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Kate2.png 1241w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Overall, we get the gist of the storyline &#8212; though it surely will feel much less relevant to modern viewers than either Britons of Shakespeare&#8217;s time and\/or viewers of the mid-1940s, who may have been more familiar with Shakespearean works. These days, it remains worth a look primarily for its innovation as a beautifully stylized presentation of a classic play &#8212; one which helped to rally British morale during some of its darkest years at war, as indicated in these quotes by King Henry: <\/p>\n<blockquote><p>&#8220;Once more unto the breach! Dear friends, once more; or close the wall up with our English dead!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;On, on, you noblest English&#8230; Dishonor not your mothers!&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The game&#8217;s afoot: Follow your spirit and upon this charge cry, &#8216;God for Harry, England, and Saint George!'&#8221;\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><strong>Notable Performances, Qualities, and Moments:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Laurence Olivier as Henry V (nominated by Peary as one of the Best Actors of the Year in his <em>Alternate Oscars<\/em>)<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-King-Preparing-for-Battle.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-King-Preparing-for-Battle-1024x775.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"484\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-79903\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-King-Preparing-for-Battle-1024x775.png 1024w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-King-Preparing-for-Battle-300x227.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-King-Preparing-for-Battle-128x97.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-King-Preparing-for-Battle-768x581.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-King-Preparing-for-Battle-357x270.png 357w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-King-Preparing-for-Battle.png 1235w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<li>Beautiful cinematography and sets<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Landscape.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Landscape-1024x768.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-79904\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Landscape-1024x768.png 1024w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Landscape-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Landscape-128x96.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Landscape-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Landscape-360x270.png 360w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Henry-V-Landscape.png 1233w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Must See? <\/strong><br \/>\nYes, once, for its historical relevance. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Categories<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Historically Relevant<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p> (<span style=\"color:red;font-weight:bold;\">Listed in <a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?page_id=1458\"><em>1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die<\/em><\/a><\/span>) <\/p>\n<p><strong>Links: <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0036910\/\">IMDb entry<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/1946\/06\/18\/archives\/the-screen.html\">NY Times Original Review<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sfgate.com\/movies\/article\/FILM-REVIEW-Olivier-s-Henry-V-Sets-the-3022993.php\">SF Gate Review<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tcm.com\/tcmdb\/title\/77778\/henry-v#articles-reviews?articleId=111397\">TCM Article<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.criterion.com\/current\/posts\/49-henry-v\">Criterion Essay<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;No king of England if not king of France!&#8221; Synopsis: In early 15th century England, King Henry V (Laurence Olivier) rallies his men to fight and claim the French throne, which he believes should rightfully be his. Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors: Historical Drama Laurence Olivier Films Leo Genn Films Niall MacGinnis Films Play Adaptations Robert Newton Films Royalty and Nobility Shakespeare Review: Laurence Olivier&#8217;s cinematic debut as a director was this enormously successful adaptation of Shakespeare&#8217;s Henry V, made&#8230;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"><a class=\"btn btn-default\" href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=79890\"> Read More<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  Read More<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-79890","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-reviews"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/79890","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=79890"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/79890\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":86267,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/79890\/revisions\/86267"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=79890"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=79890"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=79890"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}