The Tragedy of Richard III (1983)

  • NR
  • 01/23/1983 (GB)
  • Drama, History
  • 3h 50m

Overview

Richard Duke of Gloucester, youngest brother of King Edward IV, will stop at nothing to get the crown. He first convinces the ailing King that the Duke of Clarence, his elder brother, is a threat to the lives of Edward's two young sons. Edward has him imprisoned in the Tower of London; killers in Richard's pay then drown Clarence in a barrel of wine. When news of Clarence's death reaches the King, the subsequent grief and remorse bring about his death. Richard is made Lord Protector, with power to rule England while his nephew (now King Edward V) is still a minor. Before the young king's coronation he has his two nephews conveyed to the Tower, ostensibly for their safekeeping. Richard's accomplice, the Duke of Buckingham, then declares the two boys illegitimate and offers Richard the crown, which after a show of reticence he accepts. After Richard's coronation, he and Buckingham have a falling-out over whether or not to assassinate the two children.

Jane Howell

Director

Cast

Ron Cook's headshot

Ron Cook

Richard III
Peter Benson's headshot

Peter Benson

King Henry VI
Michael Byrne's headshot

Michael Byrne

Duke of Buckingham
Julia Foster's headshot

Julia Foster

Queen Margaret
Bernard Hill's headshot

Bernard Hill

First Murderer
Zoë Wanamaker's headshot

Zoë Wanamaker

Lady Anne
Mark Wing-Davey's headshot

Mark Wing-Davey

First Citizen / Sir James Tyrrel
Brian Protheroe's headshot

Brian Protheroe

King Edward IV

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