the scene where he confronts his mother is so breathtaking in its heart break. Both actors have great chemistry and I will never get over how well everyone in this production acts together. Every single one of them are a thrill to watch
@@raulbetancourt5795 .75 speed plus subtitles helps, but much of the machine-generated subtitling is poor, mistaken and misleading. I often rewind/review dialogue. There are other great versions ("Haider" 2014 and Branagh's 4hr Hamlet 1996,) but best of all: *Read the Plays.* 😄😩
I have complete works book, sometimes read passages along as I watch or listen to the actors recite. It helps glean the meanings as shakespeare’s language is super dense. A lot of the content in the plays is usually shortened and/or rearranged in productions though!
I can't think about Hamlet without thinking of Sir Laurence Olivier. What an actor! And not forgetting all the actors of this movie: all of them are sublime!
What a beautiful accent and pronunciation! What a beautiful English speech! It’s a pity that now you won’t hear such a pronunciation and accent anywhere 
Superb production in every way. We can all very much appreciate the great acting on display here but no one ever mentions the great camerawork by Desmond Dickinson --- it lent a moody, atmospheric and experimental tone to the film, a feeling akin to the work done by Gregg Toland on _Citizen Kane_ seven years earlier --- which, like this film, had a _film noir_ sensibility. Dickinson's moody atmospherics were also memorably on display 12 years later in the cult classic _City of the Dead (aka Horror Hotel)._ In my opinion, this is the best film version of Hamlet --- quite memorable.
One of the greatest pieces of English literature in combination with one of the most sublime dramatic expression by actresses and actors. I cannot help but think Hamlet was a real person.
I struggled to understand so much of Shakespeare. I've seen Hamlet performed on stage a handful of times but I never understood a darn thing. However, this performance was on point! I knew exactly what everyone's motivations were. I didn't get bored and tuned out at any point. This isn't just fine acting, it is acting in a league of its own.
@@limbsofosiris3187 I believe Olivier and specifically this amazing production is the best Hamlet on film that exists, and I have seen them all. But, his statement about “not making up his mind”, also bothers me. I don’t follow his meaning. I wonder if anyone has done explanatory research on this?
Thank God the audio quality is good, the other versions i found had poor audio and no subtitles... this is my first time experiencing hamlet and its so good so far 20ish minutes in so far like ophelias quirks like messing with her brothers dagger and lil pouch lol good visual storytelling about her personality
Beat you Im 61 and just beginning to appreciate him . Read him in hi school and college ,but it just stuck me as to pretentious .Only now that im older I can appreciate language that is art in it self . Even more Shakespeare s unworldy understanding of human physcology especially for someone who was untraveled as he .
This 1948 production of "Hamlet" is rightfully the definitive version of the play. "Hamlet" has alot of complex themes that transcend the boundaries of time. Of course, Laurence Olivier's depiction of "Hamlet" is certainly the gold standard for playing this leading role.
it's one of Shake Spears best, it's a beautiful setting sun, brilliant Hamlet is court jester, stand up comedian, politician, prince, and of course a poet.
Thank you for this fabulous upload. To have such an old film preserved so beautifully, is something to be grateful for. While playing a very minor role, it's also the earliest appearance of Patrick Troughton that we have in acceptable viewing quality.
I'm sure there's much to love about this film, but the Brannagh film is the full text runs just over four hours. I mean no disrespect to Olivier, but the summary at the beginning about Hamlet being merely a person who "could not make up his mind" seems limited to me. And it seems wrong to cut any lines from this glorious play, especially Hamlet's own lines. I guess they used voiceovers to try to make it more "realistic," but I'd much prefer to see the actor speaking the lines. For what it's worth, I was utterly destroyed by Olivier's version of King Lear.
If this is the truest version of Hamlet for you than you obviously haven’t seen any well produced stage adaptations. Olive has cut out major points and characters, not to mention moving key dialogue among different cast. But as to the best Hamlet ever filmed I agree hands down. Thur Olive almost makes it seem the titular character is love with his own mother (yikes). You should checkout the 1969 version to put this one in perspective. Funny Nicole Williams version was hailed at the time but now is all but forgotten.
@@michaelgarza8271 Can't agree with you more about the summary! I think Hamlet was, instead of being unable to make up his mind, very real and very determined!
Not sure why Olivier decided to dispense with the "adders fang'd" Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Would have liked to have the "What's he to Hecuba?" speech and "She doth protest too much" remain. Meanwhile Jean Simmons is beautiful and perfectly cast. =
I am in my mid 50's & cannot find the 1929 and 1936 versions of the same play, released in England, that I am certain was shown on either BBC or ITV, in the early 1970's.
Shit goes sooooo hard. Tried and failed to watch several awful college productions before landing here and enjoying every forsaken second. Poor guy; lucky us.
So, that performance suggests it's Horatio to take over the Denmark after Hamlet's death? by the way the fact that he remaines there next to his body is just heartwrenching.
I just realized something at 61 years of age: Hamlet should have gone off to college at Wittenberg to escape his parents, just as I did in 1979 from my parents. A lot would have been spared. But then, we would not have this wonderful play had he done so!
He was the Crown Prince and heir to the throne whose father, the king, had been murdered. That's a bit different from a college kid on spring break who comes home to find himself in the midst of a family quarrel.
To make a long story short, "To be or not to be" was the question, "Not to be" was the answer. Yes, 'tis better to take up arms against a sea of troubles, even if you can't possibly win, and die with dignity with your boots on. Don't worry though about "perchance to dream". Death is dreamless. All sane and decent people should be feeling like Hamlet in the world today, such as it is.
That's an outdated Freudian approach to Hamlet which was all the rage in the 20th century. Back then, Freud was the equivalent of chocolate or Jack Daniel's. Everyone thought it made everything you used it with ten times better. 😐
@@ianeldred841 In the past, indeed till nowadays I believe, in the Northern part of Germany, (precisely not far from Denmark) it is customary for mothers to kiss their children sons and daughters) on the mouth, from their birth till their manhood. There is nothing incestuous about that custom. I am an old woman and I have seen that performed daily. In every cuddling occasions. It is our twisted minds that are slightly shocked, nothing more.
Stunning...Absolutely Stunning!!! I'd heard of the famous 'Yoricks skull scene but had never seen it. The movie just absorbs you to the point that I had completely forgotten about it....Then Ophelia dies, the scene fades and next we're in a graveyard...I remember thinking, 'oh yes! The graveyard scene. Let's see how it goes....Brilliant!! Oliver's acting and directing cannot be beaten!! Two bits stand out. When the grave digger says, "who'd you think it was?" And Oliver laughs and says, 'nay, I know not." Just the way he laughs as he says it is perfect! And of course, when Oliver holds the skull with the Classic Lines, "Where be your jibes now? Your songs, your gambles? Your flashes of merriment that were wont to set the table on a roar?"...Genius Shakespeare, Brilliant Oliver
![Quando Rondo - Grow Up [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/8zFnCg3BO4Q/mqdefault.jpg)
the scene where he confronts his mother is so breathtaking in its heart break. Both actors have great chemistry and I will never get over how well everyone in this production acts together. Every single one of them are a thrill to watch
Sir Laurence Olivier, playing Hamlet. The complete play. On RUclips. For free. Dang! ❤️😀
Dang indeed!
409 years old, yet we still understand the language, drama, and brilliance.
We still get those from far older texts. Greek or roman
I think I will have to watch It 2 or 3 more times to fully understand the dialogues, It kinda hard for me.
@@raulbetancourt5795 .75 speed plus subtitles helps, but much of the machine-generated subtitling is poor, mistaken and misleading. I often rewind/review dialogue. There are other great versions ("Haider" 2014 and Branagh's 4hr Hamlet 1996,) but best of all: *Read the Plays.* 😄😩
I have complete works book, sometimes read passages along as I watch or listen to the actors recite. It helps glean the meanings as shakespeare’s language is super dense. A lot of the content in the plays is usually shortened and/or rearranged in productions though!
@@Anicius_agreed
Timestamps
I.1 00:03:00
I.2 00:10:00
I.3 00:19:29
I.4 00:25:00
I.5 00:29:39
II.1 00:34:35
II.2
Polonius accuses Hamlet of Madness 00:46:42
Hamlet toys with Polonius 00:50:50
The Players introduced 01:06:00
III.1
The Soliloquy 01:01:40
To a nunnery 00:53:53
III.2 01:09:10
The Mousetrap 01:15:19
III.3 01:23:44
III.4 01:28:00
IV.1 cut
IV.2 cut
IV.3 01:38:30
IV.4 cut
IV.5
Ophelia's madness 01:42:03
Laertes sees Ophelia's madness 01:49:46
IV.6 01:47:55
IV.7
Letters 01:46:58
Claudius in conference with Laertes 02:04:30
Ophelia's death revealed 01:54:05
V.1 01:55:55
V.2 02:09:45
The duel 02:15:06
thanks man❤
Thank you very much!
GO TO A NUNNERY, My favorite quote to ruin Someones Valentine's Day 😂😂😂😊
Why, didnt they say that women like SHAKESPEARE's verses in courtsmanship?
Thank you sooo much
I miss R & G they always add a lot of flavour so it’s a shame they were cut
This is one of the best things to have ever graced RUclips in such quality.
Leave me alone Mom I'm watching 1948 Hamlet
attaboy
Mommy wants to breastfeed you.. c'mon
Lol
Focused fully!😊
It's bloody good isn't it. That sword fight at the end, man I shat a brick the whole way through. Every bit as gripping as any movie released today.
I can't think about Hamlet without thinking of Sir Laurence Olivier. What an actor! And not forgetting all the actors of this movie: all of them are sublime!
Lord olivier played the role with his heart
yes, fantastic...and what writing...wow!!!
I have an exam tomorrow 😫and it's all about Hamlet so here I am
Wahh 😂
@@rimpa_126 yes i also got an exam tmrw
same 😫
How did it go?
same
Wow. Looks Incredible. Thank you for letting us watch these, free of charge.
What a beautiful accent and pronunciation! What a beautiful English speech! It’s a pity that now you won’t hear such a pronunciation and accent anywhere

Superb production in every way. We can all very much appreciate the great acting on display here but no one ever mentions the great camerawork by Desmond Dickinson --- it lent a moody, atmospheric and experimental tone to the film, a feeling akin to the work done by Gregg Toland on _Citizen Kane_ seven years earlier --- which, like this film, had a _film noir_ sensibility. Dickinson's moody atmospherics were also memorably on display 12 years later in the cult classic _City of the Dead (aka Horror Hotel)._ In my opinion, this is the best film version of Hamlet --- quite memorable.
Photography, art direction and stage design which no doubt greatly influenced the modern A24 version of Macbeth played by Denzel Washington!
🤓
I agree. It is the best Hamlet on screen. Thank you for the info on the cameraman.
Don't you all respect the actor who plays the king? What a wonderful voice. Pure Shakespeare!
Basil Sydney...until I looked him up, never heard of him .
One of the greatest pieces of English literature in combination with one of the most sublime dramatic expression by actresses and actors. I cannot help but think Hamlet was a real person.
This was my first time experiencing Hamlet. Maaaan that play scene was INSANE!!!!
Ikr, watching it for the first time this weekend/when I have the time
Sorry which play scene? What's the time stamp?
@@shushanto 1:13:19
I struggled to understand so much of Shakespeare. I've seen Hamlet performed on stage a handful of times but I never understood a darn thing. However, this performance was on point! I knew exactly what everyone's motivations were. I didn't get bored and tuned out at any point. This isn't just fine acting, it is acting in a league of its own.
Wonderfully done! Shakespeare never goes out of style
Agree ❤️
Never.
Who is watching in 2k24❤
Just me. In Black and white. I have my own fog too...
Me
The best acted Hamlet. Olivier understood how the meaning of Shakespeares dialogue and how it was meant to be delivered
This is the ultimate level of acting. Great movie. All of them amazing. Love Olivier. He is the God of actors. 🙏♥️🎭
Wonderful photography. The depth of focus is amazing.
This 1948 version of hamlet will never be surpassed...others since have tried but failed
* Thanks for uploading 👍
The 1996 Version is pretty good too, I recommend giving it a watch although it's much longer of a film
I do like Olivier but I can't stand the simplification of his summary at the beginning (i.e. the tragedy of a man who could not make up his mind)
@@limbsofosiris3187 Yes, I didn't agree with that.
@@limbsofosiris3187 I believe Olivier and specifically this amazing production is the best Hamlet on film that exists, and I have seen them all.
But, his statement about “not making up his mind”, also bothers me.
I don’t follow his meaning. I wonder if anyone has done explanatory research on this?
@@raylicon9525 The Russian version is also good.
Thank you for sharing this.
Olivier’s leap from the balcony at 02:26:09 always amazes me.
brilliant, heartbreaking, passionate, yet deliciously delicate. Now I know what it means to be fully human. Shakespeare is the GOAT.
1:02:00 is when the To Be Or Not To Be soliloquy starts in case anyone else wants to rewatch that part.
You’re a hero! Thanks
Just missed a whole extra points question on the word soliloquy too😭😭😭
Thank you.
A masterpiece of acting n play. A full salute to the late Olivier the master actor of all time.
A story of a man's downfall for his mind holds a seed of tortured and darkened thought which deprives him of his good reasons. Marvelous! marvelous!
Thank God the audio quality is good, the other versions i found had poor audio and no subtitles... this is my first time experiencing hamlet and its so good so far 20ish minutes in so far like ophelias quirks like messing with her brothers dagger and lil pouch lol good visual storytelling about her personality
Am 51 and just got interested in Shakespeare
Beat you Im 61 and just beginning to appreciate him . Read him in hi school and college ,but it just stuck me as to pretentious .Only now that im older I can appreciate language that is art in it self . Even more Shakespeare s unworldy understanding of human physcology especially for someone who was untraveled as he .
You have a wonderful life ahead of you.
This 1948 production of "Hamlet" is rightfully the definitive version of the play. "Hamlet" has alot of complex themes that transcend the boundaries of time. Of course, Laurence Olivier's depiction of "Hamlet" is certainly the gold standard for playing this leading role.
I just watched the dvd of this movie now. It's so different. Excellent!
My Phd guide suggested me this when I told her I would like to research in Hamlet...... Such a marvellous adaptation though I found it late😍😍😍😍😍😍
What an existential masterpiece
Obsessed with this at the sec. Esp John Laurie as Francisco. "...And I am sick at heart". Would have loved to have seen his Hamlet in the 1920s.
Masterpiece of a film. Thanks ;) My favorite Shakespeare play.
Thank you for uploading this treasure!
Amazing work ❤love sir Lawrence’s take on Hamlet
it's one of Shake Spears best, it's a beautiful setting sun, brilliant Hamlet is court jester, stand up comedian, politician, prince, and of course a poet.
Shake Spear. Hahaha !!!
A plethora of quotes thus spoke unto this day.
Thank you for this fabulous upload. To have such an old film preserved so beautifully, is something to be grateful for.
While playing a very minor role, it's also the earliest appearance of Patrick Troughton that we have in acceptable viewing quality.
Truest to the play; interpretation the best I've seen on YT.
I agree. I haven’t come across a better hamlet. BTW - what is the meaning of “this a play about a character who couldn’t make up his mind”?
I'm sure there's much to love about this film, but the Brannagh film is the full text runs just over four hours. I mean no disrespect to Olivier, but the summary at the beginning about Hamlet being merely a person who "could not make up his mind" seems limited to me. And it seems wrong to cut any lines from this glorious play, especially Hamlet's own lines. I guess they used voiceovers to try to make it more "realistic," but I'd much prefer to see the actor speaking the lines. For what it's worth, I was utterly destroyed by Olivier's version of King Lear.
If this is the truest version of Hamlet for you than you obviously haven’t seen any well produced stage adaptations. Olive has cut out major points and characters, not to mention moving key dialogue among different cast. But as to the best Hamlet ever filmed I agree hands down. Thur Olive almost makes it seem the titular character is love with his own mother (yikes). You should checkout the 1969 version to put this one in perspective. Funny Nicole Williams version was hailed at the time but now is all but forgotten.
@@michaelgarza8271 Can't agree with you more about the summary! I think Hamlet was, instead of being unable to make up his mind, very real and very determined!
Been watching it many times, such a great movie
In 1948 I was a 14 Year old schoolgirl and remember watching this very movie in Berlin. Unfortunely I could not understand all of the dialogue
studying this play for school right now! Thanks
Not sure why Olivier decided to dispense with the "adders fang'd" Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Would have liked to have the "What's he to Hecuba?" speech and "She doth protest too much" remain. Meanwhile Jean Simmons is beautiful and perfectly cast. =
Hamlet's mother doesn't look a day older than her son slay
Eileen Herlie was eleven years YOUNGER than Olivier. Very odd. In 1964 she did the same role with Richard Burton - they were both in their forties.
Superbe! With original subtitles would be perfect...
During powerful snowstorm Hamlet never goes out of style! 😱
Jean Simmons (Ophelia) was married to Richard Brooks, who directed the wonderful Western film, 'The Professionals'.
Lord Olivier had an absolutely HUGE Hamlet! Oh, suits you sir!
I've seen all but Olivier's Hamlet outshines every other
It's been a while since I've watched a play on RUclips. Well done!
Thank you so much for uploading this video and I wish many more from you
I had to watch this for homework. But honestly the movie is actually good
I am in my mid 50's & cannot find the 1929 and 1936 versions of the same play, released in England, that I am certain was shown on either BBC or ITV, in the early 1970's.
Such a generous gift !!!! Thank uuuuuuuuuu ❤❤❤❤❤❤
The classic film noir lighting is sublime.
The GREATEST actor ever born.. Sir Laurence Olivier
I loved him in the movie " A little Romance". So elegant.
Beautiful to watch this restored tragedy
"Oh true to thee sweet Hamlet, rest in thine sweet repose for thou hast served thy father well in vengeance sweet embrace. " Randy Dorrow.
This is the greatest movie I've ever seen.
thank you so much
this is amazing to get to see in entirety
Shit goes sooooo hard. Tried and failed to watch several awful college productions before landing here and enjoying every forsaken second. Poor guy; lucky us.
This is the best filmed version of Hamlet, period.
Thank you. I enjoyed watching it.
ooooooo thank you for posting. Much appreciated.
The best version.
So, that performance suggests it's Horatio to take over the Denmark after Hamlet's death?
by the way the fact that he remaines there next to his body is just heartwrenching.
Thanks for uploading
Our pleasure!
My favorite version all time 👏👏👏👏❣️
Mr. Terence Morgan took my heart ❤️ away … rip ❤️
I just realized something at 61 years of age: Hamlet should have gone off to college at Wittenberg to escape his parents, just as I did in 1979 from my parents. A lot would have been spared. But then, we would not have this wonderful play had he done so!
He was the Crown Prince and heir to the throne whose father, the king, had been murdered. That's a bit different from a college kid on spring break who comes home to find himself in the midst of a family quarrel.
He suggests that himself, but the king and queen "request" that he stay, so I think he had to stay.
@@jeanettesdaughter Sure, blame the victims
thanks for helping me with my english homework
Our pleasure! We are glad to hear that.
He had more chemistry with his mother than with Ophelia ☻
Yes you're absolutely Right.
chemistry is putting it gently, getting close to a French kiss🫦
Ayo!
thanks for the film
Norman Wooland was a wonderful and handsome Horatio.
Laurance Olivier o maior ator do século XX !
1:47:05 Peter Cushing!
amazed..!! 🖤
just brilliant.
If you are watching this today Xmas eve don’t worry you will just have to be sent to England…everyone there is a bit like you 😂❤
thanks for uploading!
1:51:15 "There's rosemary, for remembrance."
Thank you☺️🕊️🤍
You are so welcome! Cheers!
Il migliore Amleto di tutti quelli portati sullo schermo
PATRICK TROUGHTON ALERT 🔥🔥🔥
To make a long story short, "To be or not to be" was the question, "Not to be" was the answer. Yes, 'tis better to take up arms against a sea of troubles, even if you can't possibly win, and die with dignity with your boots on. Don't worry though about "perchance to dream". Death is dreamless.
All sane and decent people should be feeling like Hamlet in the world today, such as it is.
Masterpiece ❤
Better than what people make today
You should read "Philosophy in Hamlet" to understand Shakespeare's Hamlet.
Thanks for the advice!
and Ulysses by James Joyce Chapter 9
Anyone miss Rosenkrantz and Guildenstern? Or Fortinbras? Not I.
Is this dialogue the original Shakespeare or is it the filmmakers' modern interpretation?
I've just read Hamlet and the words are in fact the same.
The line in the beginning-“This is the tragedy of a man who could not make up his mind”-is not Shakespeare. The rest is, but abridged obviously
1:02:24 For all those who came for "To be, or not to be" 😉
i can't get over the kiss on the mouth by Gertrude to Hamlet - really??
a modern take on the erotic undersong between Hamlet and his Mother maybe
That's an outdated Freudian approach to Hamlet which was all the rage in the 20th century. Back then, Freud was the equivalent of chocolate or Jack Daniel's. Everyone thought it made everything you used it with ten times better. 😐
@@ianeldred841 In the past, indeed till nowadays I believe, in the Northern part of Germany, (precisely not far from Denmark) it is customary for mothers to kiss their children sons and daughters) on the mouth, from their birth till their manhood. There is nothing incestuous about that custom. I am an old woman and I have seen that performed daily. In every cuddling occasions. It is our twisted minds that are slightly shocked, nothing more.
@@Michelle-7887 that's interesting to learn. Thanks for sharing that.
1:39:00 Now Hamlet, where is Polonius?
extraordinary
Thanks!
Brilliant! 👏👏👏👏
That one may smile and smile and be a villain.
Yorick's skull scene
1:59:10
Stunning...Absolutely Stunning!!! I'd heard of the famous 'Yoricks skull scene but had never seen it. The movie just absorbs you to the point that I had completely forgotten about it....Then Ophelia dies, the scene fades and next we're in a graveyard...I remember thinking, 'oh yes! The graveyard scene. Let's see how it goes....Brilliant!! Oliver's acting and directing cannot be beaten!! Two bits stand out. When the grave digger says, "who'd you think it was?" And Oliver laughs and says, 'nay, I know not." Just the way he laughs as he says it is perfect! And of course, when Oliver holds the skull with the Classic Lines, "Where be your jibes now? Your songs, your gambles? Your flashes of merriment that were wont to set the table on a roar?"...Genius Shakespeare, Brilliant Oliver
I must be cruel, only to be kind.