The Tragedy of Richard III

A slow, theatrical plunge into cold-blooded ambition, where every polite smile hides a knife and the body count rises with grim inevitability.

Directed by

Jane Howell

Genres

Drama, History, Tv movie

Starring

Ron Cook, Peter Benson, Michael Byrne

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.

How it feels

Dark, tense, cynical and campy. Measured and demanding.

About

Power, ambition, betrayal, corruption

Content

Strong violence. Mild gore, sexual content and language.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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