Meanwhile, in France, Charles VI, the King of France and his noblemen discuss King Henry's threats. Falstaff dies and Bardolph, Pistol, Nym, and Falstaff's page, Robin, depart for France. Exeter arrests them for high treason and Henry orders their execution before crossing the English Channel. They draw their daggers, but are quickly subdued by Henry's loyal nobles.

When they recommend that he show no mercy to this minor offender, the King reveals his knowledge of their own sedition. Henry tricks three high-ranked traitors into pronouncing their own sentence by asking advice on the case of a man who drunkenly shouted insults at him in the street.

His friends Bardolph, Ancient Pistol, and Corporal Nym remember the good times they had together with Henry before he was king and denounced them all. John Falstaff is taken ill in Mistress Quickly's inn. He goes on to state his determination to attack France, dismisses the ambassador and starts to plan his campaign. Exeter, who opens the chest, is appalled, but Henry at first takes the insult calmly. The Dauphin's condescending response takes the form of the delivery of a chest of tennis balls. Henry calls in Montjoy, a representative of the Dauphin. Supported by the noblemen Exeter and Westmoreland, the clergymen manage to persuade Henry to declare war on France if his claim on the French crown is denied. Canterbury appears in the throne room and explains to the King's advisers that Henry is rightful heir to the throne of France on the grounds that the Salic law in France unjustly bars his claim to the throne and should be disregarded. They agree to talk him into invading France.

The following act divisions reflect the original play, not the film.Įarly 15th century in England: The Bishop of Ely and the Archbishop of Canterbury collude to distract young King Henry V from passing a decree that might confiscate property from the church. Chorus reappears several times during the film, his speeches helping to explain and progress the action. He is walking through an empty film studio and ends his monologue by opening the doors to begin the main action. The film begins with Chorus, in this case a person in modern dress, introducing the subject of the play. For her work on the film, Phyllis Dalton won an Academy Award for Best Costume Design and Kenneth Branagh, in his feature directorial debut, received Oscar nominations for Best Actor and Best Director. The film received worldwide critical acclaim and is considered to be one of the best Shakespeare film adaptations ever made. The film stars Branagh in the title role with Paul Scofield, Derek Jacobi, Ian Holm, Emma Thompson, Alec McCowen, Judi Dench, Robbie Coltrane, Brian Blessed, and Christian Bale in supporting roles. Henry V is a 1989 British historical drama film adapted for the screen and directed by Kenneth Branagh, based on William Shakespeare's play of the same name about King Henry V of England.

Henry v by william shakespeare pdf