We're getting classier here, as we take a look at one of the first films based on Richard III. Not directly inspired by Shakespeare's work, this is still a one of the earlier examples of horror mixed with another genre. Censor boards were still leery of the whole 'horror' thing, so it was necessary to add elements of something else. In this case, English history.
We open with the closing days of the reign of King Henry VI (Miles Mander). The largely senile ruler is under house arrest in the aforementioned tower. His ally Lord Devere (John Rodion) is being led to his execution, to be carried out by the brutish Mord (Boris Karloff). Besides being the axe, Mord is also the right hand to Richard, Duke of Gloucester (Basil Rathbone). The stoop shouldered noble is hungry for power though, so when cousin John Wyatt (John Sutton) insists on standing by his friend in his final moments, Richard begins to spin his wheels.
King Edward IV (Ian Hunter) is busy marrying off Queen Elyzabeth (Barbara O'Neil)'s various relatives to whoever can strengthen England's fortunes, a problem for Richard since his beloved Anne Neville (Rose Hobert) has been married off to the exiled Prince of Wales (GP Huntley). The fact that the marriage was brokered by Richard's older brother the Duke of Clarence (Vincent Price) is yet another reason Richard looks to whittle down his family tree a bit.
Webs are spun and Richard makes sure that all the pieces are in the proper position. Rathbone is amazing as the deformed king, giving every line the right amount of smarm and menace.
Webs are spun and Richard makes sure that all the pieces are in the proper position. Rathbone is amazing as the deformed king, giving every line the right amount of smarm and menace.
Wonderful performances all around and beautifully shot.
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