Laurence Olivier

Synopsis

Television programme. Kenneth Tynan interviews Laurence Olivier about his career and major Shakespeare roles. Olivier speaks of how he used the Oedipus complex in Hamlet, working with Tyrone Guthrie (whom Oliver says was nervous of intimacy), the character of Coriolanus and the problems of performing Macbeth. He explains his inspirations for his ‘look’ as Richard III (the Big Bad Wolf) and the character of Othello (" a savage creature") which fed into his film. He says after Richard III he experienced "the sweet smell of success" which smelt like "Brighton and oyster bars". Actors he admires include Fairbanks, Barrymore, Coward and Sid Fields. He speaks of setting up the National Theatre. He talks of how he lowered his voice to play Othello, and how difficult the role is to play because Othello "moans all the time". Much of the footage was shown in the programme LAURENCE OLIVIER 1907-1989: A TRIBUTE (q.v.).

Series

Great Acting

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Television

Transmission details

23 Feb 1966 (Channel: BBC)

Duration

45 mins

Credits

Producer

Hal Burton

Contributor

Kenneth Tynan; Laurence Olivier

Additional Details

Production type

Documentary/Educational/News

Subjects

Drama

Keywords

acting; Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); Olivier, Laurence (1907-1989)

Notes

General

Olivier smokes a cigarette during par of the interview.

Production Company

Name

BBC

Notes

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Archive

Name

BBC Archive

Web

http://www.bbc.co.uk/archive/ External site opens in new window

Name

BoB

Email

bob@learningonscreen.ac.uk

Web

https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand External site opens in new window

Phone

020 3743 2345

Address

Learning on Screen - the British Universities and Colleges Film and Video Council
330 Holborn Gate
1st Floor, Suite 120
London
WC1V 7QH

Notes

Formerly a service from BUFVC, British Universities Film & Video Council