In this episode, we discuss two major versions of Henry V on film: Kenneth Branagh’s 1989 film in which he stars and Thea Sharrock’s 2012 TV movie starring Tom Hiddleston, which was the final part of the Hollow Crown series. We discuss the differences in interpretations of the character of Henry V, the edits made to the text in each film, and how each film handles the Chorus.
We had to re-record a few parts of this episode, especially when Alex Heeney is speaking to introduce the episode, so there is some disparity in sound quality.
Featured in this episode
Alex Heeney, Host and Editor-in-Chief of Seventh Row. Follow her on Twitter @bwestcineaste.
Mary Angela Rowe, Guest and Editor at Large of Seventh Row. Follow her on Twitter @lapsedvictorian.
Craig Ruttan, Guest. Follow him on Twitter @crut.
This episode was edited and recorded by Cam White. Follow him on Twitter @JediDusk.
About the films
Henry V (1989)
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Main Cast: Kenneth Branagh (Henry V), Brian Blessed (Duke of Exeter), Judi Dench (Mistress Quickley), Derek Jacobi (Chorus), Emma Thompson (Princess Katherine), Christian Bale (Falstaff’s Boy)
The Hollow Crown, “Henry V” (2012)
Director: Thea Sharrock
Main Cast: Tom Hiddleston (Henry V), John Hurt (Chorus), Paterson Joseph (York), Anton Lesser (Exeter), Mélanie Thierry (Princess Katherine), Julie Walters (Mistress Quickley),
Read our review of Thea Sharrock’s Henry V, which is part of the Hollow Crown series.
Other productions mentioned
RSC’s 2015 production of Henry V starring Alex Hassell and directed by Greg Doran.
Other resources
The No Holds Bard podcast tackles the Agincourt speech, specifically “We few, we happy few” in their Everyday Shakes segment.