Fun Trivia : Olivier, Laurence

Structure Sub-topic of: People Themed L-R Quizzes Interesting Questions, Facts and Information There are a total of 10 general entries. Special Topics Olivier The Olivier Oeuvre

Interesting Questions, Facts, and Information

Olivier, Laurence

Fans of Olivier are quite familiar with his love for Shakespeare's works. It's only fitting, then, that my first question asks, 'What was the first film, adapted from a Shakepeare play, in which Olivier took part?'

The Film History of Laurence Olivier


As You Like It. Olivier's first film based on Shakespeare was 'As You Like It' in 1936. He played the role of Orlando in the film, which was directed by Paul Czinner. Olivier would go on to participate in films based on: 'Henry V', 'Hamlet', 'Richard III', 'Othello', 'Romeo and Juliet' (narrator), 'The Merchant of Venice' and 'King Lear'. If only he had done 'Julius Caesar'!



Olivier's first Oscar nomination came for his performance in the 1939 film 'Wuthering Heights'. In this film, what is the name of the character Olivier portrays?

The Film History of Laurence Olivier


Heathcliff. Based on the novel by Emily Brontė, 'Wuthering Heights' is a classic romantic drama, perfect for Olivier to make his big splash in American film. Directed by William Wyler, Olivier makes his presence known alongside Merle Oberon (as Catherine) and David Niven. Despite this first nomination, Olivier failed to bring home the Oscar that year.



In 1944, Olivier took a great chance by directing, producing and acting in a film adaptation of Shakespeare's 'Henry V'. Is it true that Sir Laurence did not play the title role in the film?

The Film History of Laurence Olivier


No. Naturally, since the entire production was his, Olivier was practically compelled to play the title role of King Henry V. The full title of the film (and play) is 'The Chronicle History Or King Henry the Fifth with His Battell Fought at Agincourt in France', thank goodness for abbreviated titles! For his work on this film, Olivier was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar. He received an honorary Oscar for 'outstanding achievement as actor, producer and director in bringing Henry V to the screen'.



In 1960, Olivier once again paired up with one of the great all-time directors, this time Stanley Kubrick. The film, 'Spartacus', featured Kirk Douglas in the title role, and Olivier as which Roman patrician?

The Film History of Laurence Olivier


Crassus. Olivier's performance as the august Roman general Marcus Licinius Crassus works well alongside the performances of Kirk Douglas, Jean Simmons, Charles Laughton, Peter Ustinov and Tony Curtis as Crassus' disloyal servant Antoninus. One Roman bath scene between the controlled Crassus and the youthful Antoninus was clearly meant to exhibit a low level of homoeroticism.



Moving into the decade of the 1970s, we find Olivier still going strong. In particular, one early 70s performance stands out. In which film does Olivier play Andrew Wyke, opposite Michael Caine's Milo Tindle, the two of them serving as the entire cast?

The Film History of Laurence Olivier


Sleuth. The 1972 film Sleuth marked an interesting milestone. The entire credited cast, consisting of Laurence Olivier and Michael Caine, was nominated for Academy Awards. The only other films (as of 2004) that can make such a boast are the 1966 film 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' (4-person cast) and the 1975 film 'Give 'em Hell, Harry!' (1-person cast). You will notice that when you watch the film 'Sleuth', a murder mystery involving two men in a game of one-upmanship, there are other names in the credits. Pay no attention to them...they are fictitious names!



Laurence Olivier continued to work throughout the entire decade of the 1980s despite his advancing age. One of his roles earlier in the decade was as which Greek god in the exciting fantasy/adventure 'Clash of the Titans'?

The Film History of Laurence Olivier


Zeus. Honestly, would you have expected Lord Olivier to take any other role save for that of king of the gods? Olivier's performance in 'Clash of the Titans' was typically flawless, though the film appears rather dated thanks to its rather primitive special effects. Nonetheless, the film can be entertaining, especially for young kids. Olivier's career spanned eight more years, and fourteen more acting performances until his death in 1989. His final film was 1989's 'War Requiem'. Thank you for trying this quiz. I hope you enjoyed it, learned a thing or two, and will be back to try some of my other quizzes.