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Hamlet

Play trailer Poster for Hamlet 1948 2h 33m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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96% Tomatometer 48 Reviews 80% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
Winner of four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor, Sir Laurence Olivier's "Hamlet" continues to be the most compelling version of Shakespeare's beloved tragedy. Olivier is at his most inspired - both as director and as the melancholy Dane himself - as he breathes new life into the words of one of the world's greatest dramatists.
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Hamlet

Hamlet

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Critics Consensus

A well-executed labor of love from star and director Laurence Olivier, Hamlet not only proved that Shakespeare could be successfully adapted to the big screen, it paved the way for further cinematic interpretations.

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Critics Reviews

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Marjory Adams Boston Globe Mr. Olivier may be looked upon, after this picture, as the most distinguished actor and director in the cinematic world. He has performed a service to art that cannot be measured. He has given us a mark to aim at for the next generation. Aug 17, 2022 Full Review Richard L. Coe Washington Post Here is Hamlet, the ghost story, the revenge plot, the action-filled melodrama, the character study, the fount of great language, the well-spring of thought... Here, in short, is one of the great movies of our day. Aug 17, 2022 Full Review Pauline Kael The New Yorker Whatever the omissions, the mutilations, the mistakes, this is very likely the most exciting and most alive production of Hamlet you will ever see on the screen. Jul 28, 2022 Full Review Mark Johnson Awards Daily The film lacks any kind of ingenuity or identity beyond the merits of Olivier’s accomplishments. However, many still consider this to be the categorical Hamlet. Jun 27, 2023 Full Review Carson Timar ButteredPopcorn When it comes to captivating filmmaking and epic scale even with limited sets, 1948's Hamlet is an honest masterpiece. Rated: A Aug 28, 2022 Full Review Edwin F. Melvin Christian Science Monitor Though questioning eyebrows may be raised over some of the measures adopted. even those who may be inclined to take exceptions will find that the film holds their close attention. Aug 18, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Stephen C Success in 2 hours and 33 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/12/25 Full Review Christian K Shakespeare had some bars, and the images of the dead king in this are absolutely metal. The story is good, the delivery is hard to stay focused on, though, as this was my first true experience with a full length Shakespeare production. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 07/02/25 Full Review Andy F More than a film this is a work of art. From its spectacular sets through to a perfect casting, this masterpiece is enthralling. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/28/23 Full Review Audience Member Iconic. leaves you sitting in the melancholy of it all. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/08/23 Full Review Audience Member So errr yeah, I haven't got a scoot what any of them were saying at any point in this film. If you ever meet a time traveller from 16th century England, stick this on to keep them entertained, they'll prob find it incredible. If you happen to have been born in the past hundred and twenty years or so you'll probably be equally bemused by this. I feel asleep for a good half hour and don't think I missed anything. In the end everyone dies and it's a crying shame they didn't get a hurry on and die within the first five minutes. Worst Oscar best picture winner ever and I've seen Out of Africa before you ask... so that really is saying something. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 01/28/23 Full Review david c Olivier is amazing and the music is excellent. Not sure why Jean Simmons was nominated for an Oscar though. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Hamlet

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Cast & Crew

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Laurence Olivier

Director

Laurence Olivier

Hamlet, Prince of Denmark

Jean Simmons

Ophelia, Daughter of Polonius

Basil Sydney

Claudius, The King

Eileen Herlie

Gertrude, The Queen

Felix Aylmer

Polonius, Lord Chamberlain

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Hamlet

Hamlet (1948) Hamlet (1948) Hamlet (1948) Hamlet (1948) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Winner of four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor, Sir Laurence Olivier's "Hamlet" continues to be the most compelling version of Shakespeare's beloved tragedy. Olivier is at his most inspired - both as director and as the melancholy Dane himself - as he breathes new life into the words of one of the world's greatest dramatists.
Director
Laurence Olivier
Screenwriter
William Shakespeare, Laurence Olivier
Distributor
Universal Pictures, Criterion Collection
Production Co
J. Arthur Rank Films [gb], Pilgrim Pictures, Two Cities Films Ltd., Rank Organization
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 28, 1948, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 23, 2017
Runtime
2h 33m
Sound Mix
Mono
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.37:1)
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