Olivier’s “Hamlet” Will Rival His “Henry V” in Costume and Setting

Wanganui Chronicle, 3 October 1947, Page 7

Olivier’s “Hamlet” Will Rival His “Henry V” in Costume and Setting

Reports from Denham Studios, England, show that Laurence Olivier’s screen version of “Hamlet” will yield nothing to “Henry V.” in the question of costume and setting. The bedroom of the Queen (Eileen Herlie), Jor instance, is a very distinguished piece of studio architecture. The bed i.s a spacious affair with an awning that hangs from a vast cone-shaped canopy. Exquisitely coloured tapestries conceal all walls except at one end where there is a series of lofty arches through which one looks out into space.

Olivier maintains the “Hamlet” tradition in wearing thc black doublet and hose, but the doublet, is worked with gold embroidery and has pale blue sleeves. Worn with jewelled chains and an ornamental belt and dagger it is strikingly unlike the sombre habit made famous by Irving.