Richard II [scenes]

Summary: 1967 Rediffusion presentation of scenes from Shakespeare’s Richard II for ITV’s Drama for Sixth forms season titled Conflict, introduced by John Gielgud.
Theatre play: Richard II by William Shakespeare [more information]
Play synopsis: The play is the first part of a tetralogy of four works, sometimes referred to as the Henriad, about the House of Lancaster. The following three plays, Henry IV Part 1, Henry IV Part 2 and Henry V are about Richard’s successors.

RSC synopsis (from http://www.rsc.org.uk/explore/shakespeare/plays/richard-ii-synopsis.aspx):
In the presence of King Richard, Henry Bullingbrook (who would eventually be Henry IV) accuses Thomas Mowbray (Duke of Norfolk) of embezzling crown funds and of plotting the death of his uncle, the Duke of Gloucester. They will not be reconciled and are about to fight, but Richard stops the combat before it can begin. Bullingbrook is exiled for ten years (later reduced to six); Mowbray is exiled for life. John of Gaunt (Duke of Lancaster, uncle to the king and Bullingbrook’s father) dies after accusing Richard of improper government. Richard orders the seizure of Gaunt’s property, denying Bullingbrook his inheritance. He then departs for Ireland, appointing his other uncle York to govern in his absence. The Duke of Northumberland reveals that Bullingbrook has returned to England with an army. Bullingbrook persuades his uncle York that he has returned for his rightful inheritance, not to start a rebellion against the crown. Richard returns from Ireland to discover that his Welsh troops have deserted him, that York has allied himself with Bullingbrook, and the common people are rising against him. Bullingbrook and his supporters meet with Richard. Bullingbrook promises to surrender his arms if his banishment is repealed and his inheritance restored. Richard agrees to his demands. Richard’s cousin, the Duke of Aumerle, is accused of murdering the Duke of Gloucester. Bullingbrook arrests everyone involved in the allegations. Richard agrees to abdicate. Bullingbrook announces his coronation. A plot is hatched to restore Richard to the throne. York discovers that his son Aumerle is involved in a plot to kill Bullingbrook. Aumerle confesses to Bullingbrook, and is pardoned. Richard is killed whilst imprisoned in Pomfret Castle. Bullingbrook receives news of his supporters’ efforts to defeat his detractors. Exton presents Richard’s body to Bullingbrook, only to be rewarded with banishment. Bullingbrook promises to undertake a pilgrimage to expiate his sins.
Production history: Thought to have been written around 1595.
Date of transmission: Friday 3 February 1967
Time: 2.35-3.00pm
Series: Schools
Channel: ITV
Production company: Rediffusion (1964-68)