Richard III

Richard III

Year: 1956

Runtime: 161 min

Language: English

BiographyDramaHistoryWar

Amidst the civil war between the York and Lancaster houses in 1930s England, Richard III’s ambition fuels a ruthless power struggle. Driven by an insatiable desire for the throne, he orchestrates a plot to seize control. His ascent is challenged by rivals, including his own brother, nephews, and their mother. As betrayals mount, Richard’s calculated schemes spiral into a descent into chaos, threatening his carefully laid plans.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Richard III yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Richard III (1956)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Richard III (1956). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Latter half of the 15th Century

The story takes place during a critical time in English history characterized by civil strife and power struggles between noble houses. The Wars of the Roses were fought between the Houses of Lancaster and York, leading to significant political and social upheaval. This backdrop sets the stage for the character dynamics and the tragic arc of Richard III.

Location

England

The movie is set in England during the latter half of the 15th Century, an era marked by political turmoil and conflict. This period, known as the Wars of the Roses, saw rival factions vying for the English crown, represented by the emblems of the Red Rose for the House of Lancaster and the White Rose for the House of York. Key events unfold within the grandeur of royal courts and the streets where commoners gather.

🇬🇧 Country 👑 Historical

Last Updated: May 27, 2025 at 13:20

Main Characters – Richard III (1956)

Meet the key characters of Richard III (1956), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Richard, Duke of Gloucester (Laurence Olivier)

Richard is portrayed as a complex and ruthless character, driven by an insatiable thirst for power. His cunning and manipulative nature are evident as he plots against his family and rivals to ascend to the throne. Richard's introspective soliloquies reveal his deep-seated insecurities and ruthless ambition, making him both a fascinating and tragic figure.

🦸‍♂️ Antihero ⚔️ Ambition 💔 Tragedy

Edward IV (Cedric Hardwicke)

Edward IV is depicted as the charismatic yet troubled king who is caught in the midst of the familial and political conflicts that plague his reign. His ascension to the throne brings hope for stability, but his rule is undermined by the ongoing strife among the noble houses. Edward’s relationships with his brothers further complicate the power dynamics at play.

👑 Monarch 💔 Family

George, Duke of Clarence (John Gielgud)

George, the Duke of Clarence, is characterized by his loyalty and vulnerability, often finding himself overshadowed by his brother Richard's ambitions. His tragic fate serves as a stark reminder of the collateral damage in the battle for power. Clarence's interactions highlight the tension within the family and the dangerous consequences of political entanglements.

💔 Loyalty ⚔️ Victim

Last Updated: May 27, 2025 at 13:20

Major Themes – Richard III (1956)

Explore the central themes of Richard III (1956), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Power Struggle

The theme of power struggle is central to 'Richard III,' depicting the relentless pursuit of the throne amidst betrayal and ambition. Richard's character exemplifies the lengths one might go to secure power, raising questions about morality and the cost of ambition. This conflict illustrates how personal desires often clash with national interests.

🖤 Tragedy

Tragedy permeates the narrative as Richard's quest for power leads to his downfall. The play highlights the tragic consequences of hubris and the inevitable fate that befalls those who manipulate others for personal gain. This theme resonates throughout the historical context, reflecting on the cyclical nature of ambition and revenge.

Last Updated: May 27, 2025 at 13:20

Unlock the Full Story of Richard III

Don't stop at just watching — explore Richard III in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Richard III is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Richard III Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Richard III, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Richard III Summary

Richard III Timeline

Track the full timeline of Richard III with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Richard III Timeline

Richard III Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Richard III that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Richard III Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Richard III

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Richard III: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Richard III

Similar Movies to Richard III

Discover movies like Richard III that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.