Dazzling the Screen Laurence Olivier

English actor and director Laurence Olivier, along with his contemporaries John Gielgud, Micheal Redgrave, and Ralph Richardson, made up a quartet of male actors who dominated the British stage of the mid-20th century. His career spanned six decades in film as well as TV roles. Olivier is the recipient of an Academy Award, five British Academy Film Awards, five Emmy Awards, and four Golden Globe Awards. He passed away on July 11, 1989, at the age of 82.

Director Laurence Olivier directed the 1944 British film adaptation of the Shakespeare play “Henry V." The film starred Laurence Olivier, Renee Asherson, Robert Newton, and Leslie Banks.

The storyline follows Henry V (Laurence Olivier) and his efforts to conquer France during the Hundred Year’s War.

Director Alfred Hitchcock directed the 1940 American romantic psychological thriller "Rebecca." The film was based on the 1938 novel of the same name by Daphne du Maurier. The film starred Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine, Judith Anderson, George Sanders, and others.

The storyline revolves around a young woman who meets the owner of a grand mansion in Cornwall, Manderley. The owner, George Fortescue Maximilian "Maxim" de Winter (Laurence Oliver), makes her his second wife and brings her to live in Manderley, where she begins experiencing strange events that lead her to discover her husband's mysterious past.

Director Laurence Olivier directed the 1955 British film “Richard III." The film was adapted from the historical play of the same name by William Shakespeare.

The film features many noted Shakespearean actors, including a quartet of knights. The film depicts Richard, Duke of Gloucester (Laurence Olivier), plotting and conspiring to grasp the throne from his brother, King Edward IV (Sir Cedric Hardwicke).

Director Joseph L. Mankiewicz directed the 1972 mystery thriller "Sleuth." The film starred Laurence Olivier and Michael Caine. The screenplay was written by Anthony Shaffer based on his 1970 Tony Award-winning play.

The storyline revolves around Andrew Wyke (Laurence Olivier), a successful author and game enthusiast, who invites his wife’s lover, Milo Tindle (Michael Caine), to an escalating game of wits.

Director Stanley Kubrick directed the 1960 American epic historical drama "Spartacus." The film starred Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, Charles Laughton, and others. The film was based on the 1951 novel of the same name by Howard Fast.

Laurence Olivier portrayed the wealthy Roman senator Marcus Licinius Crassus, who aimed to become the dictator of Rome. Kirk Douglas portrayed the escaped slave and gladiator Spartacus.

Director Alexander Korda directed the 1941 black-and-white historic drama “That Hamilton Woman." The film starred Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh.

The storyline is set during the Napoleonic Wars and tells the story of the fise and fall of Emma Hamilton (Vivien Leigh), a dance-hall girl and courtesan, who marries Sir William Hamilton (Alan Mowbray) and later becomes the mistress of Admiral Horatio Nelson (Laurence Olivier).

Director William Wyler directed the 1939 American romantic period drama “Wuthering Heights." It is based on the 1847 novel of the same name by Emily Brontë. The film depicts only 16 of the novel’s 34 chapters, eliminating the second generations of characters. It starred Merle Oberon, Laurence Olivier, and David Niven. (pictured above)

The storyline revolves around Heathcliff (Laurence Olivier), an orphaned boy found in the streets by Mr. Earnshaw (Cecil Kellaway). He brings him to live with his own children Cathy (Merle Oberon) and Hindley (Hugh Williams). Over the years, Cathy and Heathcliff develop feelings for one another, although Hindley despises Heathcliff. However, their neighbor Edgar Linton (David Niven) also falls for Cathy and proposes to her. Being heartbroken, Heathcliff decides to disappear from her life forever.