The Hollow Crown

From executive producer Sam Mendes comes The Hollow Crown, stunning adaptations of four of Shakespeare’s most treasured plays featuring all-star casts. In Richard II, King Richard (Ben Whishaw of Skyfall), a vain, self-indulgent man who rules with little regard for his people’s welfare, is called upon to settle a dispute between his cousin Henry Bolingbroke and Thomas Mowbray. In an act that will spell doom for his reign, he banishes both men, and sets into motion a chain of events that will change British history forever. The work of William Shakespeare is brought to life by a cast that also includes Patrick Stewart (Star Trek), James Purefoy (The Following), and David Morrissey (The Walking Dead). A Focus World presentation.

From executive producer Sam Mendes comes The Hollow Crown, stunning adaptations of four of Shakespeare’s most treasured plays featuring all-star casts. In Henry IV, Part 1, King Henry IV (Academy Award-winner Jeremy Irons) sees his reign marred by uprisings led by young Harry Hotspur and undercut by the impulsive, irresponsible actions of his son Prince Hal (Tom Hiddleston of The Avengers). As the stakes get even higher, both sides converge in the epic battle of Shrewsbury.

From executive producer Sam Mendes comes The Hollow Crown, stunning adaptations of four of Shakespeare’s most treasured plays featuring all-star casts. Starring Academy Award-winner Jeremy Irons, Henry IV, Part 2 shows the increasingly frail King Henry stave off insurrection following the battle of Shrewsbury and the rise of his son, Prince Hal (Tom Hiddleston of The Avengers), who will ascend to the throne as Henry V. Also starring Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey) and Julie Walters (Harry Potter), and directed by Richard Eyre (Notes on a Scandal). A Focus World Presentation.

From executive producer Sam Mendes comes The Hollow Crown, stunning adaptations of four of Shakespeare’s most treasured plays featuring all-star casts. Prince Hal’s (The Avengers’ Tom Hiddleston) journey continues in Henry V. Recently crowned King, he has scarcely settled onto the throne when the French ambassador brings a challenge to his rule. Inspired by his courtiers Exeter and York, Henry swears that he will answer the French with all force. The stage is set for all-out war, and the young ruler must overcome incredible odds and self-doubt to win the day. A Focus World presentation.

Against the backdrop of Wars in France the English nobility quarrel. News of the English defeat at Orleans reaches the Duke of Gloucester and other nobles. After the funeral of Henry V, his son, the infant Henry VI, is proclaimed King. Seventeen years later Henry sits on the throne whilst the rivalries at Court continue. After Rouen falls to the French, Plantagenet, Exeter and Talbot pledge to recapture the city from the Dauphin. Battle commences and the French, led by Joan of Arc, defeat the English. The valiant English commander Talbot, and his son, John are killed. Warwick and Somerset arrive too late for the battle but join forces with the survivors and retake Rouen. Somerset captures and woos Margaret of Anjou as a potential bride for Henry VI. Plantagenet takes Joan of Arc prisoner and orders for her to be burnt at the stake. Despite Gloucester's protests Margaret is introduced to the Court as Henry's queen. Margaret complains that Eleanor, Gloucester's wife, behaves like an empress. Eleanor is then banished and warns Gloucester that he is in great danger. Gloucester is accused of high treason and is murdered at the Tower of London whilst Somerset and Margaret make love in the Palace. Henry banishes Somerset and Suffolk after Gloucester is found dead. Plantagenet is incensed when Margaret is able to bully Henry into reversing the sentence. Plantagenet makes a claim for the throne and the Houses of York and Lancaster are now in open opposition.

After the Battle of St Alban's Plantagenet and the Yorkists ride to London to claim the throne. Henry negotiates to keep the Crown for his lifetime but agrees to disinherit his son, Prince Edward. Margaret is outraged and attacks Plantagenet at his house, slaughtering the Duke and his youngest son Edmund. Elder brothers, Edward, George & Richard, escape and swear to avenge the murders, and destruction of their house. The Yorkists are victorious at the Battle of Towton and Plantagenet's eldest son is crowned Edward IV. Henry VI is imprisoned in the Tower and Margaret escapes to France with her son Prince Edward. Warwick travels to the French Court to find Edward a bride. Word arrives that Edward is already betrothed to Elizabeth Woodville. Enraged, Warwick switches sides and joins the House of Lancaster. Together with Margaret and the French King, Warwick forms an alliance to place Henry back on the throne. George, Edward IV's brother, joins with Warwick after failing to secure a good marriage or advance at Court. George returns to the Yorkist cause moments before the Battle of Tewkesbury. The Lancastrians are defeated and Warwick is killed. In the aftermath of battle Richard slays Prince Edward in front of a distraught Margaret. Richard returns to London and murders the former king Henry in his cell. The Court of Edward IV congregates for the christening of a new heir to the throne. The Yorkist dynasty seems secure.