The Best Picture of 1948 is…..”Hamlet.” Director-screenwriter Laurence Olivier (“Henry V” 1944) took on the story of the Danish prince who seeks revenge when his uncle usurps the throne by killing his father and marrying his mother. Olivier superbly executed this William Shakespeare play on screen with outstanding production values. He also cast himself in the title role with marvelous results.
The supporting cast includes Jean Simmons, Anthony Quayle, John Laurie, Stanley Holloway, Russell Thorndike, and Patrick Troughton (the second “Doctor Who” 1966-1969). Two other stars of “Hamlet” went on to appear in the popular “Star Wars” franchise: Peter Cushing (Gov. Tarkin of “Episode IV” 1977) and Christopher Lee (Count Dooku of “Episode II” 2002 & “Episode III” 2005).
The very watchable “Hamlet” was a success at the box office for producer Laurence Olivier, Two Cities Films, and Rank Film Distributors Ltd. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning four: Best Picture, Best Actor (Olivier), Best Art & Set Decoration/Black-and-White, and Best Costume Design. Non-winners were Best Director, Best Supporting Actress (Simmons), and Best Musical Scoring (William Walton). “Hamlet” was the first British film to win the Best Picture Oscar.
Hamlet (1948)
cinema
My Review
The Best Picture of 1948 is…..”Hamlet.” Director-screenwriter Laurence Olivier (“Henry V” 1944) took on the story of the Danish prince who seeks revenge when his uncle usurps the throne by killing his father and marrying his mother. Olivier superbly executed this William Shakespeare play on screen with outstanding production values. He also cast himself in the title role with marvelous results.
The supporting cast includes Jean Simmons, Anthony Quayle, John Laurie, Stanley Holloway, Russell Thorndike, and Patrick Troughton (the second “Doctor Who” 1966-1969). Two other stars of “Hamlet” went on to appear in the popular “Star Wars” franchise: Peter Cushing (Gov. Tarkin of “Episode IV” 1977) and Christopher Lee (Count Dooku of “Episode II” 2002 & “Episode III” 2005).
The very watchable “Hamlet” was a success at the box office for producer Laurence Olivier, Two Cities Films, and Rank Film Distributors Ltd. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning four: Best Picture, Best Actor (Olivier), Best Art & Set Decoration/Black-and-White, and Best Costume Design. Non-winners were Best Director, Best Supporting Actress (Simmons), and Best Musical Scoring (William Walton). “Hamlet” was the first British film to win the Best Picture Oscar.