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The World of William Shakespeare: Shakespeare on Film

Research guide devoted to the work and historical background of William Shakespeare.

Hamlet - 'To be or not to be' from the 1996 Kenneth Branagh-directed version

The "To be or not to be" soliloquy from Kenneth Branagh's 1996 version of 'Hamlet':

Richard III (1955) - Now is the winter of our discontent

From the 1955 adaptation of 'Richard III' directed by and starring Laurence Olivier in the title role, the opening solliloquy (Now is the winter of our discontent, made glorious summer by this sun of York...).

Romeo and Juliet (1968) - Balcony Scene

The balcony scene from Francol Zeffirelli's enormously popular 1968 adaptation of 'Romeo and Juliet' with Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey.

Richard II (1978) - I'll give my jewels for a set of beads

From the 1978 production of 'Richard II' produced for the PBS series 'The Shakespeare Plays' ("I'll give my jewels for a set of beads; My gorgeous palace for a hermitage; My gay apparel for an almsman's gown; My figur'd goblets for a dish of wood")

Henry V (1989) - Band of Brothers

From the 1989 film version of 'Henry V,' directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh, the 'St. Crispin's Day' speech  in which Henry rouses his troops and prepares them for the approaching battle at Agincourt.

Twelfth Night (1996)

The official trailer for the 1996 adaptation of 'Twelfth Night' directed by Trevor Nunn and starring Ben Kingsley, Helena Bonham-Carter and Imelda Staunton.

Life's but a walking shadow - Macbeth (2015)