With Richard III, Laurence Olivier-as director, producer and star-transfigures Shakespeare's great historical drama into a mesmerizing vision of Machiavellian villainy. Olivier's performance, viewed as the greatest of his career, charges Richard with magnetic malevolence as he steals his brother Edward's crown through a murderous set of machinations. His inspired direction brings to the screen superlative performances by veteran theatre actors Ralph Richardson and John Gielgud and the young Claire Bloom. Filmed in Vista Vision and Technicolor, The Criterion Collection is proud to present the restored film for which Olivier received the 1956 British Academy Film Award for the Best Actor and Best Film.