Hamlet 1948

In this cinematic adaptation of the timeless play, the narrative unfolds with a deliberate pruning of dialogue, effectively streamlining the original material while omitting two pivotal characters. Against the majestic backdrop of 15th Century Denmark, the story commences on the imposing battlements of Elsinore Castle, where Francisco (John Laurie), a weary sentinel, is relieved of his watch by Bernardo (Esmond Knight), another vigilant sentry. The latter, accompanied by Marcellus (Anthony Quayle), has previously borne witness to the ethereal presence of King Hamlet’s ghost, an apparition that would soon reappear.

As Horatio (Norman Wooland), Prince Hamlet’s trusted friend, arrives with Marcellus, they are joined by Bernardo, and together they bear testament to the spectral visitation. The ghost vanishes as suddenly as it appeared, leaving behind only the echoes of its presence. Meanwhile, within the grandeur of Elsinore’s Great Hall, the court is agog in celebration of Gertrude’s (Eileen Herlie) union with Claudius (Basil Sydney), King Hamlet’s brother and successor to the throne. The circumstances surrounding the late king’s demise – an accidental snakebite, or so it would seem – are shrouded in mystery, as is the precipitous marriage of Gertrude to her former brother-in-law.

Prince Hamlet (Laurence Olivier), now king, sits in contemplative solitude, his mind consumed by the travesty that has unfolded. His brooding intensity is palpable as he muses aloud, “And yet, within a month!” The somber mood is soon disrupted by the arrival of Horatio and the sentries, who recount their encounters with the ghostly apparition of Hamlet’s father. Informed of these eerie events, Hamlet becomes driven to uncover the truth behind his father’s untimely demise.

As he ventures onto the battlements with Horatio and the sentries, Hamlet is beckoned by the ghost to follow it to a secluded tower. There, the ghost reveals its identity as the spirit of King Hamlet, recounting the circumstances surrounding his murder at the hands of Claudius. A flashback sequence then unfolds, depicting the fateful moment when Claudius (Basil Sydney) poured poison into the late king’s ear, effectively ending his life.

Initially skeptical, Hamlet resolves to feign madness in order to gauge Claudius’ conscience and verify the truth behind his father’s murder. Thus begins a complex dance of deception, as Hamlet navigates the treacherous landscape of royal politics and personal betrayal, all while struggling to reconcile his own mortality with the machinations of those around him.

As Hamlet’s apparent madness intensifies, it draws the attention of Claudius’ trusted advisor, Polonius (Felix Aylmer), who is firmly convinced that the prince has succumbed to mental instability. Polonius seizes upon this notion, persuading Claudius that Hamlet’s affliction stems from his all-consuming love for Ophelia (Jean Simmons), Polonius’ own daughter. Despite his reservations, Claudius remains unconvinced, and instructs Polonius to facilitate a meeting between Hamlet and the unsuspecting Ophelia. Throughout this exchange, Hamlet’s erratic behavior persists, leaving Claudius convinced that Hamlet has indeed lost his grip on reality.

Undeterred by his apparent madness, Hamlet takes a drastic measure: he hires a troupe of wandering players to stage a production of ‘The Murder of Gonzago’ before the King. However, Hamlet cleverly manipulates the performance, subtly altering the script to mirror the circumstances surrounding the late King’s untimely demise. As Claudius becomes increasingly uncomfortable with the unfolding drama, he calls out for light and retires to his chambers, unable to bear the play’s explicit parallels to his own treachery. Hamlet, now more convinced than ever of Claudius’ guilt, seizes the opportunity to confront the King, only to find him alone and deep in prayer.

Hamlet refrains from striking down Claudius at this moment, instead choosing to focus on reprimanding Gertrude (Gertrude is uncredited) about his father’s suspicious death and Claudius’ treachery. During this tense confrontation, Hamlet detects a voice emanating from the arras, which he believes belongs to Claudius, secretly eavesdropping on their conversation. In a moment of passion, Hamlet plunges his dagger into the curtains, only to discover that Polonius (Felix Aylmer) lies dying behind them.

Unfazed by this sudden turn of events, Hamlet continues his tirade against Gertrude, who becomes increasingly convinced that her son has indeed lost his sanity. As Hamlet’s emotional turmoil reaches a boiling point, he is suddenly confronted by the ghostly apparition of his father, with whom he engages in a poignant and revealing conversation.

Gertrude, meanwhile, remains oblivious to the supernatural presence, further solidifying her perception of Hamlet’s madness. In the aftermath of this dramatic encounter, Claudius orders Hamlet to be deported to England, where he is instructed to be put to death upon arrival. However, fate intervenes when Hamlet’s ship is attacked by pirates and he is forced to pay his own ransom, ultimately returning to Denmark.

In his absence, Ophelia (Jean Simmons) succumbs to madness and despair, driven by her perceived rejection from Hamlet and the tragic loss of her father. Her senseless drowning serves as a poignant testament to the devastating consequences of unchecked emotions. The death of Ophelia also serves as a catalyst for her brother Laertes (Terence Morgan), who becomes consumed with a desire for vengeance against those he perceives to be responsible for his sister’s demise, including Hamlet and Claudius.

As the sinister plot unfolds, Claudius and Laertes conspire to eliminate Hamlet, their nemesis. With calculated cunning, they devise a plan to make his demise appear accidental, rather than a deliberate assassination. Claudius instructs Laertes to issue a duel challenge, with the promise of a poisoned blade that would prove mortal upon contact. In a precautionary measure, Claudius also prepares a tainted drink, ensuring that Hamlet’s death would be doubly assured.

Hamlet, unaware of the treachery, accepts Laertes’ invitation and engages in a fierce sword fight. Hamlet emerges victorious in the initial two rounds, while Gertrude, with an intuitive sense of foreboding, partakes from the cup, unwittingly succumbing to its lethal contents. Amidst the duel’s interludes, Laertes seizes the opportunity to strike Hamlet with a fatal blow, poisoning his arm.

Unaware of his own mortal wound, Hamlet continues to clash swords with Laertes. Eventually, he disarms his opponent and switches blades, before delivering a crushing blow to Laertes’ wrist, ultimately sealing his fate. As Gertrude’s life begins to ebb away, she warns Hamlet not to drink from the poisoned cup, her words tinged with desperation.

As Laertes succumbs to his mortal injuries, he confesses the entire scheme to Hamlet, whose outrage is tempered only by a burning desire for vengeance. With unbridled fury, Hamlet attacks Claudius, ultimately striking him down with the very same poisoned sword that had claimed so many lives. In a final act of defiance, Hamlet expiring himself, his life force spent.

In the aftermath, Horatio is left shaken and grief-stricken by the wholesale destruction of the royal Danish family. He orders a respectful burial for Hamlet’s remains, as the young prince’s body is borne away amidst the somber silence of Elsinore’s castle. The courtiers kneel in reverence, while the cannons boom out a mournful tribute to the fallen prince. Amidst this sea of despair, a few women can be seen weeping softly into their hands.