Figure 3.--The scene is rather touching because the boys have been playmates up until this point, but now that the older boy has become king and therefore his playmate's sovereign, the free relationship is suddenly changed to one of greater formality. The boys wear jacket-like doublets and colored tights. This is exactly how men dressed at the time. The play should not be confused with history. It seems likely that the boys were killed by their uncle, Richard III. The play is very much, however, a piece of Tudor propaganda.

Olivier production of the Shakespeare drama chronicling Richard's rise to power--including the murder of the little princes in the Tower of London. "Richard III" was released in 1955, the third of Olivier's famous films of Shakespeare's plays, the other two being "Henry V" and "Hamlet". In all these Olivier not only directed but played the title roles. "Richard III" has two prominent parts for boys. They are the sons of Edward IV (Richard III's brother)--Edward, Prince of Wales (who becomes Edward V on the death of his father) and Richard, Duke of York (Princ Edward's younger brother). The older boy was played by Paul Huson and the younger boy by Andy Shine. In one scene, we see the two princes, the older of whom has just become king, with his younger brother, Duke of York. The scene is rather touching because the boys have been playmates up until this point, but now that the older boy has become king and therefore his playmate's sovereign, the free relationship is suddenly changed to one of greater formality (figure 1). In another scene the two boys in bed in the Tower of London just before they are smothered to death by order of their wicked uncle, Richard III. This film has a brilliant cast of adults in addition to the children. Richard III of course is played by Laurence Olivier. The Duke of Clarence, another of Richard's victims, is played by John Gielgud. The part of Edward IV is taken by Cedric Hardwick and the role of Richard III's ambitious accomplice in evil (the Duke of Buckingham) by Ralph Richardson. Lady Anne, whom Richard seduces, is played by Claire Bloom. "Richard III" is one of the most important of the numerous Shakespeare films. The costuming is typical late 15th century. The boys are dressed like young adults, wearing tights under rich doublets (upper garments). The play should not be confused with history. It seems likely that the boys were killed by their uncle, Richard III. The play is very much, however, a piece of Tudor propaganda. Richard III was of course the last Platagenant that Henry Tudor dethroned. Shakespeare being no fool, he carefully adhered to the Tudor line.

HBC

Created: November 12, 2003
Last updated: November 12, 2003