It is not often one encounters screened adaptations of Shakespeare's "Henry IV", as it's length and two-part structure make significant attempts at working it very hard. While this version of Part One suffers a little bit from the length and general staginess that inevitably accompanies it, the play is very well acted and worth a look.
Beginning with a brief flashback to "Richard II", wherein the eponymous usurped king meets his end, this play deals with the fallout, as experienced by his usurper and successor Bolingbroke (Jon Finch), now crowned King Henry IV. King Henry now must not only deal with rebellion, in the form of the crazed Henry Hotspur (a wide-eyed Tim Pigott-Smith) but he must also deal with the unseemly behaviour of his son and heir apparent Prince Hal (David Gwillim) who routinely consorts and carouses with notorious highway robber, Sir John Falstaff (Anthony Quayle)...
Jon Finch makes a fabulous monarch, consumed with guilt and remorse over his assuming the crown and yet remaining steadfast and in charge. David Gwillim enjoys himself as Hal, fooling around with wanton abandon but showing some of the composure that will later see him crowned as king. Tim Pigott-Smith adds a humorous touch to his role of Hotspur, and works especially well in scenes with Michele Dotrice who plays his wife. His inevitable death is a little too bloody for the 'U' certificate my DVD was granted but it is played well.
Probably the biggest find of all is Anthony Quayle as Falstaff. He could be funnier, but he turns what is an unspeakably hard role on the page into a rousing and likable character and all his scenes are highlights.
I look forward to viewing "Henry IV Part Two" which continues the first set of plays in Shakespeare's Histories Cycle.
Beginning with a brief flashback to "Richard II", wherein the eponymous usurped king meets his end, this play deals with the fallout, as experienced by his usurper and successor Bolingbroke (Jon Finch), now crowned King Henry IV. King Henry now must not only deal with rebellion, in the form of the crazed Henry Hotspur (a wide-eyed Tim Pigott-Smith) but he must also deal with the unseemly behaviour of his son and heir apparent Prince Hal (David Gwillim) who routinely consorts and carouses with notorious highway robber, Sir John Falstaff (Anthony Quayle)...
Jon Finch makes a fabulous monarch, consumed with guilt and remorse over his assuming the crown and yet remaining steadfast and in charge. David Gwillim enjoys himself as Hal, fooling around with wanton abandon but showing some of the composure that will later see him crowned as king. Tim Pigott-Smith adds a humorous touch to his role of Hotspur, and works especially well in scenes with Michele Dotrice who plays his wife. His inevitable death is a little too bloody for the 'U' certificate my DVD was granted but it is played well.
Probably the biggest find of all is Anthony Quayle as Falstaff. He could be funnier, but he turns what is an unspeakably hard role on the page into a rousing and likable character and all his scenes are highlights.
I look forward to viewing "Henry IV Part Two" which continues the first set of plays in Shakespeare's Histories Cycle.