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For St Crispin’s Day, a short anatomy of St Crispin’s Day speeches on YouTube.
First, the modern classic, Larry Olivier, in full wartime “Sir Lawrence” mode, marred mildly by cutting the “I am not covetous for gold” and “I would not lose so great an honour” lines. And the “base/vile” change robs us of a clever echo in the next line.
At the other end of the spectrum, Mark Rylance’s (too) naturalistic reading, looking like someone drowned his puppy. Echoes of David Giles’s 1979 BBC reading. Marks for humour, especially his reading of “with advantages.” Cuts both “one man more” lines.
Branagh’s cinematic version alternates between declamation and intimate close up. Disqualified by underscoring the text with swelling strings. It also cuts too much. On the other hand, Brian Blessed’s reading of the word “fresh” is 10/10.
A 26-year old Richard Burton, bristling with energy and giving the most convincing reading of the “not covetous for gold” lines. This is a new-crowned king who wants his own Crécy. A little too clipped, but the full speech shows why cuts are a mistake.
And now this reminder that it is never too early for Shakespeare. After all, what is the Henriad but a superhero tale, from origin story to costumed apotheosis, with better scripts.
“This story shall the good man teach his son.”
“This story shall the good man teach his son.”
