Description :

Laurence Olivier’s Henry V – Stage & Screen Legacy

This exceptional auction pairing celebrates Laurence Olivier’s monumental dual presentation of Henry V—both as a Technicolor cinematic masterpiece and a stage triumph at the Stage Door Theatre. The left item, a vivid blue booklet adorned with fleur-de-lis and heraldic emblems, heralds the 1944 film adaptation of Henry V, directed by and starring Laurence Olivier. This film, produced during WWII, was not only a morale booster but also a landmark in Shakespearean cinema, earning Olivier a special Academy Award and setting a new standard for theatrical fidelity on screen.

The accompanying sepia-toned playbill from the Stage Door Theatre commemorates Olivier’s live portrayal of the titular monarch, a performance that echoed his cinematic gravitas. The production featured Renée Asherson as Princess Katherine, Robert Newton as Ancient Pistol, Leslie Banks as the Chorus, and Felix Aylmer as Archbishop of Canterbury. Supporting roles included George Cole, Griffith Jones, and Nicholas Hannen, with ensemble contributions from Michael Warre, Moray Watson, and Maxwell Reed.

Behind the scenes, the film’s screenplay was adapted by Dallas Bower, with music composed by William Walton, whose stirring score remains iconic. Cinematography by Robert Krasker and art direction by Paul Sheriff and Carmen Dillon brought Shakespeare’s world to vivid life. The stage production was managed by Harold Clayton, with costume design by Margaret Furse, and lighting by John Wyckham.

This pairing is not a generalized revival or touring version—it is a verifiable and specific release tied to Olivier’s original vision. Both items are authentic production-issued artifacts, ideal for collectors of Shakespearean memorabilia, Olivier enthusiasts, and historians of wartime theatre and film. A rare convergence of stage and screen excellence, this auction set immortalizes the enduring legacy of Henry V as envisioned by one of the 20th century’s greatest theatrical minds.

Measurements:

Blue Booklet:

Length: 12 Inches;

Width: 9 Inches;

Playgoer Stage Door Theatre:

Length: 9 Inches;

Width: 6 Inches;

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