Richard III (1955)

In this cinematic rendition of Shakespeare's historical tragedy, the deformed Richard of Gloucester weaves a chilling tale of ambition, deceit, and bloodshed. Born into a realm of power, Richard's military prowess has been instrumental in crowning his elder brother, Edward IV, as the king of England. Yet, beneath the fraternal loyalty lurks an insatiable hunger for the throne. Richard's path to power is as devious as it is brutal. He manipulates the bond between Edward and their brother Clarence, driving a wedge of hatred that ends in Clarence's arrest and subsequent murder. Simultaneously, he charms Anne, the bereaved widow of Henry VI's son, whose death he orchestrated cunningly. With each passing day, Richard's realm of influence grows, his actions becoming bolder and more ruthless. Upon the natural death of King Edward, Richard's ambition turns darker still. He orchestrates the murder of the innocent princes in the Tower, eliminating any potential contenders for the throne. With every obstacle removed, Richard ascends to power, his reign marked by fear and tyranny. However, Richard's ascension stirs unrest among the English nobility. Henry of Richmond rises against his rule, rallying supporters from across the kingdom. The two forces clash at Bosworth Field, a battle that would determine the fate of England. Desperate and cornered, Richard loses his horse in the heat of the battle, crying out his infamous plea, "A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!" But his cries echo unanswered as he faces the onslaught of Richmond's forces. "Richard III" is a haunting exploration of the depths one man will sink to for power. It captures the tumultuous consequences of Richard's machinations, painting a vivid portrait of a kingdom teetering on the brink of chaos. The film serves as a timeless reminder of the destructive power of unchecked ambition and the inevitable fall of tyrants.

Richard III is a drama movie featuring Cedric Hardwicke.

Richard III is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Criterion Channel, Max and Max Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy Richard III on Amazon Video and Apple TV.