The Hallow Crown
Year: 2012-2016
Directors:
Rupert Goold
Richard Eyre
Thea Sharrock
Dominic Cooke
Executive producer: Sam Mendes
Producer: Rupert Ryle-Hodges
Running time: varies
Production companies:
Neal Street Productions
NBCUniversal
WNET
A few years ago my son discovered a love of theatre, and I rediscovered it from my own youth. Since then we have been to numerous productions at the Stratford Festival in Stratford Ontario. We both try and read the plays before going and often watch other productions before going to see the play live. After having seen a few of the plasy in this collection we decided to give this series a try. It did not disappoint. It is an absolutely stunning series of adaptations of William Shakespeare’s Historical plays. The title of the series is taken from Richard II:
“For within the hollow crown
That rounds the mortal temples of a king
Keeps Death his court...
— Richard II, act 3, scene 2”
Season one released in 2012 and season 2 in 2016.
The description of the DVD of this movie collection states:
“From executive producer Sam Mendes (Skyfall, American Beauty) comes a stunning adaptation of four of Shakespeare's most celebrated history plays: Richard II, Henry IV (Part 1 and Part 2), and Henry V. Academy Award® winner Jeremy Irons (The Borgias), Tom Hiddleston (The Avengers), and Ben Whishaw (Skyfall) in his award-winning role as Richard II star in this epic tale of three kings, their battle for survival, and the rise and fall of a dynasty.”
And the synopsis states:
“The Hollow Crown: The Complete Series is a collection of Shakespeare's history plays adapted into a television series, showcasing the rise and fall of English kings and the political intrigue of the time.”
Another description states:
“A collection containing all seven BBC filmed adaptations of Shakespeare's 'History Plays' from 'The Hollow Crown' series, comprising 'Richard II', 'Henry IV: Parts 1 & 2', 'Henry V', 'Henry VI: Parts 1 & 2' and 'Richard III'. Beginning in the year 1399, the plays deal with events affecting the monarchy during a period where the ruling orders of Richard II, Henry IV and Richard III find themselves beset by rebellion, greed and war.”
This can be purchased in a number of ways, you can buy season 1, or season 2 called War of the Roses, There are couple of Complete editions with different covers. And I believe you can purchase each separately on DVD or from digital services.
The plays in this collection are:
Season 1:
Richard II
Henry IV, Part I
Henry IV, Part II
Henry V
Season 2:
Henry VI Part I
Henry VI Part II
Richard III
Key Cast:
Jeremy Irons
Tom Hiddleston
Benedict Cumberbatch
Hugh Bonneville
Judi Dench
Sophie Okonedo
Tom Sturridge
Simon Russell Beale
Judi Dench
Ben Whishaw
Patrick Stewart
From what I have read the first season stayed very true to the plays, but season 2 truncated much of the source material. But that does not take away from the power of these productions. Richard III is one of both y sons and my plays. I have seen Colm Feore play the role over 30 years apart at the Stratford Festival in Ontario. My son had scoliosis and his curvature nearly perfectly matched Richards from when his grave was discovered. So it is always one dear to our hearts. But to be honest each of the 7 productions was magnificent.
I honestly feel writing a review of the series will never do it justice, I should go back and rewatch each and write a review after each one. The series was nominated for 14 awards and won 6. Stand out performances by Simon Russell Beale as Falstaff, Jeremy Irons as King Henry IV, Tom Hiddleston as King Henry V, and Benedict Cumberbatch as Richard III as well as incredible supporting casts make these productions unforgettable.
Each of the 7 could easily have had theatrical releases. The production quality is top notch, The locations, the costumes, the combat, and even the cinematography is all excellent!
If you are a fan of the works of The Bard these are a must watch!
Reviews of Stratford Shakespeare Productions:
Richard III – 2022
Hamlet – 2022
King Lear – 2023
Goblin MacBeth - 2023
Romeo & Juliette – 2024
Cymbeline – 2024
Twelfth Night – 2024
…
Reviews of Shakespeare Movies:
Cymbeline – 2014
…
Related Posts:
Something Rotten – Stratford 2024
...
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