Hamlet (1948)

VHS CASE/SIDE

Length of film: 155 Minutes

Rated: Not Rated

Genre: Drama

Director: Laurence Olivier

Starring: Laurence Olivier, Jean Simmons, John Laurie, Basil Sydney, Terence Morgan, Felix Aylmer

IMDB Rank: 7.7/10

Part 1 Time: 99 Minutes

Part 2 Time: 56 Minutes

***With the length of Hamlet an intermission is essential, whether watching as a stage play or feature film. The intermission varies depending on your mode of viewing. In this feature film the intermission takes place following Act III Scene IV. In the stage play the intermission usually takes place following the events of Act IV Scene III.

Where does the first part end? Hamlet (Laurence Olivier) has murdered Polonius (Felix Aylmer) in Gertrude’s chambers.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Goodnight Mother!” Hamlet speaks after killing Polonius.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Now Hamlet, Where is Polonius?” Claudius (Basil Sydney) speaks to Hamlet following the murder of Polonius.

How jarring is it when the first part ends?  Jarring, for those not familiar with the tragedy, Hamlet’s madness and impulsivity has caused the death of Polonius. What implications will this have for Hamlet?

Which part is better? The acting throughout the picture is fantastic, especially the acting from Laurence Olivier. Part two is slightly better as it brings the tragedy full circle and chronicles the events of Act IV and V.

Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Leading Actor (Laurence Olivier), Best Art Direction-Set Decoration Black and White, Best Costume Design Black and White, Best Leading Actress (Nominated- Jean Simmons), Best Director (Nominated), Best Music-Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture (Nominated).