king's speech hamlet

Enter HAMLET and Players

Speak the speech, I pray you, as I pronounced it to you, trippingly on the tongue: but if you mouth it, as many of your players do, I had as lief the town-crier spoke my lines. Nor do not saw the air too much with your hand, thus, but use all gently; for in the very torrent, tempest, and, as I may say, the whirlwind of passion, you must acquire and beget a temperance that may give it smoothness. O, it offends me to the soul to hear a robustious periwig-pated fellow tear a passion to tatters, to very rags, to split the ears of the groundlings, who for the most part are capable of nothing but inexplicable dumbshows and noise: I would have such a fellow whipped for o'erdoing Termagant; it out-herods Herod: pray you, avoid it.

I warrant your honour.

Be not too tame neither, but let your own discretion be your tutor: suit the action to the word, the word to the action; with this special o'erstep not the modesty of nature: for any thing so overdone is from the purpose of playing, whose end, both at the first and now, was and is, to hold, as 'twere, the mirror up to nature; to show virtue her own feature, scorn her own image, and the very age and body of the time his form and pressure. Now this overdone, or come tardy off, though it make the unskilful laugh, cannot but make the judicious grieve; the censure of the which one must in your allowance o'erweigh a whole theatre of others. O, there be players that I have seen play, and heard others praise, and that highly, not to speak it profanely, that, neither having the accent of Christians nor the gait of Christian, pagan, nor man, have so strutted and bellowed that I have thought some of nature's journeymen had made men and not made them well, they imitated humanity so abominably.

I hope we have reformed that indifferently with us, sir.

O, reform it altogether. And let those that play your clowns speak no more than is set down for them; for there be of them that will themselves laugh, to set on some quantity of barren spectators to laugh too; though, in the mean time, some necessary question of the play be then to be considered: that's villanous, and shows a most pitiful ambition in the fool that uses it. Go, make you ready. Exeunt Players Enter POLONIUS, ROSENCRANTZ, and GUILDENSTERN How now, my lord! I will the king hear this piece of work?

And the queen too, and that presently.

Bid the players make haste. Exit POLONIUS Will you two help to hasten them?

We will, my lord. Exeunt ROSENCRANTZ and GUILDENSTERN

What ho! Horatio! Enter HORATIO

Here, sweet lord, at your service.

Horatio, thou art e'en as just a man As e'er my conversation coped withal.

O, my dear lord,--

Nay, do not think I flatter; For what advancement may I hope from thee That no revenue hast but thy good spirits, To feed and clothe thee? Why should the poor be flatter'd? No, let the candied tongue lick absurd pomp, And crook the pregnant hinges of the knee Where thrift may follow fawning. Dost thou hear? Since my dear soul was mistress of her choice And could of men distinguish, her election Hath seal'd thee for herself; for thou hast been As one, in suffering all, that suffers nothing, A man that fortune's buffets and rewards Hast ta'en with equal thanks: and blest are those Whose blood and judgment are so well commingled, That they are not a pipe for fortune's finger To sound what stop she please. Give me that man That is not passion's slave, and I will wear him In my heart's core, ay, in my heart of heart, As I do thee.--Something too much of this.-- There is a play to-night before the king; One scene of it comes near the circumstance Which I have told thee of my father's death: I prithee, when thou seest that act afoot, Even with the very comment of thy soul Observe mine uncle: if his occulted guilt Do not itself unkennel in one speech, It is a damned ghost that we have seen, And my imaginations are as foul As Vulcan's stithy. Give him heedful note; For I mine eyes will rivet to his face, And after we will both our judgments join In censure of his seeming.

Well, my lord: If he steal aught the whilst this play is playing, And 'scape detecting, I will pay the theft.

They are coming to the play; I must be idle: Get you a place. Danish march. A flourish. Enter KING CLAUDIUS, QUEEN GERTRUDE, POLONIUS, OPHELIA, ROSENCRANTZ, GUILDENSTERN, and others

How fares our cousin Hamlet?

Excellent, i' faith; of the chameleon's dish: I eat the air, promise-crammed: you cannot feed capons so.

I have nothing with this answer, Hamlet; these words are not mine.

No, nor mine now. To POLONIUS My lord, you played once i' the university, you say?

That did I, my lord; and was accounted a good actor.

What did you enact?

I did enact Julius Caesar: I was killed i' the Capitol; Brutus killed me.

It was a brute part of him to kill so capital a calf there. Be the players ready?

Ay, my lord; they stay upon your patience.

Come hither, my dear Hamlet, sit by me.

No, good mother, here's metal more attractive.

[To KING CLAUDIUS] O, ho! do you mark that?

Lady, shall I lie in your lap? Lying down at OPHELIA's feet

No, my lord.

I mean, my head upon your lap?

Ay, my lord.

Do you think I meant country matters?

I think nothing, my lord.

That's a fair thought to lie between maids' legs.

What is, my lord?

You are merry, my lord.

O God, your only jig-maker. What should a man do but be merry? for, look you, how cheerfully my mother looks, and my father died within these two hours.

Nay, 'tis twice two months, my lord.

So long? Nay then, let the devil wear black, for I'll have a suit of sables. O heavens! die two months ago, and not forgotten yet? Then there's hope a great man's memory may outlive his life half a year: but, by'r lady, he must build churches, then; or else shall he suffer not thinking on, with the hobby-horse, whose epitaph is 'For, O, for, O, the hobby-horse is forgot.' Hautboys play. The dumb-show enters Enter a King and a Queen very lovingly; the Queen embracing him, and he her. She kneels, and makes show of protestation unto him. He takes her up, and declines his head upon her neck: lays him down upon a bank of flowers: she, seeing him asleep, leaves him. Anon comes in a fellow, takes off his crown, kisses it, and pours poison in the King's ears, and exit. The Queen returns; finds the King dead, and makes passionate action. The Poisoner, with some two or three Mutes, comes in again, seeming to lament with her. The dead body is carried away. The Poisoner wooes the Queen with gifts: she seems loath and unwilling awhile, but in the end accepts his love Exeunt

What means this, my lord?

Marry, this is miching mallecho; it means mischief.

Belike this show imports the argument of the play. Enter Prologue

We shall know by this fellow: the players cannot keep counsel; they'll tell all.

Will he tell us what this show meant?

Ay, or any show that you'll show him: be not you ashamed to show, he'll not shame to tell you what it means.

You are naught, you are naught: I'll mark the play.

For us, and for our tragedy, Here stooping to your clemency, We beg your hearing patiently. Exit

Is this a prologue, or the posy of a ring?

'Tis brief, my lord.

As woman's love. Enter two Players, King and Queen

Full thirty times hath Phoebus' cart gone round Neptune's salt wash and Tellus' orbed ground, And thirty dozen moons with borrow'd sheen About the world have times twelve thirties been, Since love our hearts and Hymen did our hands Unite commutual in most sacred bands.

So many journeys may the sun and moon Make us again count o'er ere love be done! But, woe is me, you are so sick of late, So far from cheer and from your former state, That I distrust you. Yet, though I distrust, Discomfort you, my lord, it nothing must: For women's fear and love holds quantity; In neither aught, or in extremity. Now, what my love is, proof hath made you know; And as my love is sized, my fear is so: Where love is great, the littlest doubts are fear; Where little fears grow great, great love grows there.

'Faith, I must leave thee, love, and shortly too; My operant powers their functions leave to do: And thou shalt live in this fair world behind, Honour'd, beloved; and haply one as kind For husband shalt thou--

O, confound the rest! Such love must needs be treason in my breast: In second husband let me be accurst! None wed the second but who kill'd the first.

[Aside] Wormwood, wormwood.

The instances that second marriage move Are base respects of thrift, but none of love: A second time I kill my husband dead, When second husband kisses me in bed.

I do believe you think what now you speak; But what we do determine oft we break. Purpose is but the slave to memory, Of violent birth, but poor validity; Which now, like fruit unripe, sticks on the tree; But fall, unshaken, when they mellow be. Most necessary 'tis that we forget To pay ourselves what to ourselves is debt: What to ourselves in passion we propose, The passion ending, doth the purpose lose. The violence of either grief or joy Their own enactures with themselves destroy: Where joy most revels, grief doth most lament; Grief joys, joy grieves, on slender accident. This world is not for aye, nor 'tis not strange That even our loves should with our fortunes change; For 'tis a question left us yet to prove, Whether love lead fortune, or else fortune love. The great man down, you mark his favourite flies; The poor advanced makes friends of enemies. And hitherto doth love on fortune tend; For who not needs shall never lack a friend, And who in want a hollow friend doth try, Directly seasons him his enemy. But, orderly to end where I begun, Our wills and fates do so contrary run That our devices still are overthrown; Our thoughts are ours, their ends none of our own: So think thou wilt no second husband wed; But die thy thoughts when thy first lord is dead.

Nor earth to me give food, nor heaven light! Sport and repose lock from me day and night! To desperation turn my trust and hope! An anchor's cheer in prison be my scope! Each opposite that blanks the face of joy Meet what I would have well and it destroy! Both here and hence pursue me lasting strife, If, once a widow, ever I be wife!

If she should break it now!

'Tis deeply sworn. Sweet, leave me here awhile; My spirits grow dull, and fain I would beguile The tedious day with sleep. Sleeps

Sleep rock thy brain, And never come mischance between us twain! Exit

Madam, how like you this play?

The lady protests too much, methinks.

O, but she'll keep her word.

Have you heard the argument? Is there no offence in 't?

No, no, they do but jest, poison in jest; no offence i' the world.

What do you call the play?

The Mouse-trap. Marry, how? Tropically. This play is the image of a murder done in Vienna: Gonzago is the duke's name; his wife, Baptista: you shall see anon; 'tis a knavish piece of work: but what o' that? your majesty and we that have free souls, it touches us not: let the galled jade wince, our withers are unwrung. Enter LUCIANUS This is one Lucianus, nephew to the king.

You are as good as a chorus, my lord.

I could interpret between you and your love, if I could see the puppets dallying.

You are keen, my lord, you are keen.

It would cost you a groaning to take off my edge.

Still better, and worse.

So you must take your husbands. Begin, murderer; pox, leave thy damnable faces, and begin. Come: 'the croaking raven doth bellow for revenge.'

Thoughts black, hands apt, drugs fit, and time agreeing; Confederate season, else no creature seeing; Thou mixture rank, of midnight weeds collected, With Hecate's ban thrice blasted, thrice infected, Thy natural magic and dire property, On wholesome life usurp immediately. Pours the poison into the sleeper's ears

He poisons him i' the garden for's estate. His name's Gonzago: the story is extant, and writ in choice Italian: you shall see anon how the murderer gets the love of Gonzago's wife.

The king rises.

What, frighted with false fire!

How fares my lord?

Give o'er the play.

Give me some light: away!

Lights, lights, lights! Exeunt all but HAMLET and HORATIO

Why, let the stricken deer go weep, The hart ungalled play; For some must watch, while some must sleep: So runs the world away. Would not this, sir, and a forest of feathers-- if the rest of my fortunes turn Turk with me--with two Provincial roses on my razed shoes, get me a fellowship in a cry of players, sir?

Half a share.

A whole one, I. For thou dost know, O Damon dear, This realm dismantled was Of Jove himself; and now reigns here A very, very--pajock.

You might have rhymed.

O good Horatio, I'll take the ghost's word for a thousand pound. Didst perceive?

Very well, my lord.

Upon the talk of the poisoning?

I did very well note him.

Ah, ha! Come, some music! come, the recorders! For if the king like not the comedy, Why then, belike, he likes it not, perdy. Come, some music! Re-enter ROSENCRANTZ and GUILDENSTERN

Good my lord, vouchsafe me a word with you.

Sir, a whole history.

The king, sir,--

Ay, sir, what of him?

Is in his retirement marvellous distempered.

With drink, sir?

No, my lord, rather with choler.

Your wisdom should show itself more richer to signify this to his doctor; for, for me to put him to his purgation would perhaps plunge him into far more choler.

Good my lord, put your discourse into some frame and start not so wildly from my affair.

I am tame, sir: pronounce.

The queen, your mother, in most great affliction of spirit, hath sent me to you.

You are welcome.

Nay, good my lord, this courtesy is not of the right breed. If it shall please you to make me a wholesome answer, I will do your mother's commandment: if not, your pardon and my return shall be the end of my business.

Sir, I cannot.

What, my lord?

Make you a wholesome answer; my wit's diseased: but, sir, such answer as I can make, you shall command; or, rather, as you say, my mother: therefore no more, but to the matter: my mother, you say,--

Then thus she says; your behavior hath struck her into amazement and admiration.

O wonderful son, that can so astonish a mother! But is there no sequel at the heels of this mother's admiration? Impart.

She desires to speak with you in her closet, ere you go to bed.

We shall obey, were she ten times our mother. Have you any further trade with us?

My lord, you once did love me.

So I do still, by these pickers and stealers.

Good my lord, what is your cause of distemper? you do, surely, bar the door upon your own liberty, if you deny your griefs to your friend.

Sir, I lack advancement.

How can that be, when you have the voice of the king himself for your succession in Denmark?

Ay, but sir, 'While the grass grows,'--the proverb is something musty. Re-enter Players with recorders O, the recorders! let me see one. To withdraw with you:--why do you go about to recover the wind of me, as if you would drive me into a toil?

O, my lord, if my duty be too bold, my love is too unmannerly.

I do not well understand that. Will you play upon this pipe?

My lord, I cannot.

I pray you.

Believe me, I cannot.

I do beseech you.

I know no touch of it, my lord.

'Tis as easy as lying: govern these ventages with your fingers and thumb, give it breath with your mouth, and it will discourse most eloquent music. Look you, these are the stops.

But these cannot I command to any utterance of harmony; I have not the skill.

Why, look you now, how unworthy a thing you make of me! You would play upon me; you would seem to know my stops; you would pluck out the heart of my mystery; you would sound me from my lowest note to the top of my compass: and there is much music, excellent voice, in this little organ; yet cannot you make it speak. 'Sblood, do you think I am easier to be played on than a pipe? Call me what instrument you will, though you can fret me, yet you cannot play upon me. Enter POLONIUS God bless you, sir!

My lord, the queen would speak with you, and presently.

Do you see yonder cloud that's almost in shape of a camel?

By the mass, and 'tis like a camel, indeed.

Methinks it is like a weasel.

It is backed like a weasel.

Or like a whale?

Very like a whale.

Then I will come to my mother by and by. They fool me to the top of my bent. I will come by and by.

I will say so.

By and by is easily said. Exit POLONIUS Leave me, friends. Exeunt all but HAMLET Tis now the very witching time of night, When churchyards yawn and hell itself breathes out Contagion to this world: now could I drink hot blood, And do such bitter business as the day Would quake to look on. Soft! now to my mother. O heart, lose not thy nature; let not ever The soul of Nero enter this firm bosom: Let me be cruel, not unnatural: I will speak daggers to her, but use none; My tongue and soul in this be hypocrites; How in my words soever she be shent, To give them seals never, my soul, consent! Exit

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Hamlet Shakescleare Translation

Hamlet Translation Act 4, Scene 2

HAMLET enters.

Safely stowed.

Safely hidden.

[from within] Hamlet! Lord Hamlet!

[Offstage] Hamlet, Lord Hamlet!

But soft, what noise? Who calls on Hamlet? Oh, here they come.

But wait, what’s that noise? Who’s calling for Hamlet? Oh, here they come.

Everything you need for every book you read.

ROSENCRANTZ and GUILDENSTERN enter with others.

ROSENCRANTZ

What have you done, my lord, with the dead body?

What have you done with the dead body, my lord?

Compounded it with dust, whereto ’tis kin.

Gotten it dirty—ashes to ashes, and dust to dust.

Tell us where ’tis, that we may take it thence And bear it to the chapel.

Tell us where it is, so we can take it to the chapel.

Do not believe it.

Don’t believe it.

Believe what?

That I can keep your counsel and not mine own. Besides, to be demanded of a sponge! What replication should be made by the son of a king?

That I’d take your advice and then keep my own secret. Besides, to be questioned by a sponge! How should the son of a king respond to a sponge?

Take you me for a sponge, my lord?

You think that I’m a sponge, my lord?

Ay, sir, that soaks up the king’s countenance, his rewards, his authorities. But such officers do the king best service in the end. He keeps them, like an ape, in the corner of his jaw, first mouthed to be last swallowed. When he needs what you have gleaned, it is but squeezing you and, sponge, you shall be dry again.

Yes, sir, a sponge that soaks up the king’s approval, his rewards, and his decisions. Officers like that give the king the best service in the end. He keeps them in his mouth like an ape, moving them around from one side of his mouth to the other. When he needs to know what you have learned, he can just squeeze you like a sponge, and then you’ll be dry again.

I understand you not, my lord.

I don’t understand you, my lord.

I am glad of it. A knavish speech sleeps in a foolish ear.

I’m glad about that. Mischievous words will never get a response from a fool, because the fool won't understand them.

My lord, you must tell us where the body is and go with us to the king.

My lord, you must tell us where the body is, and then go with us to the king.

The body is with the king, but the king is not with the body. The king is a thing—

The body’s with the real king, but the current king’s not with the body. The king’s a thing—

GUILDENSTERN

A thing, my lord?

A “thing,” my lord?

Of nothing. Bring me to him. Hide, fox, and all after.

Of no importance. Take me to him. Actually, try and catch me!

They all exit.

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Hamlet - Entire Play

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Events before the start of Hamlet set the stage for tragedy. When the king of Denmark, Prince Hamlet’s father, suddenly dies, Hamlet’s mother, Gertrude, marries his uncle Claudius, who becomes the new king.

A spirit who claims to be the ghost of Hamlet’s father describes his murder at the hands of Claudius and demands that Hamlet avenge the killing. When the councilor Polonius learns from his daughter, Ophelia, that Hamlet has visited her in an apparently distracted state, Polonius attributes the prince’s condition to lovesickness, and he sets a trap for Hamlet using Ophelia as bait.

To confirm Claudius’s guilt, Hamlet arranges for a play that mimics the murder; Claudius’s reaction is that of a guilty man. Hamlet, now free to act, mistakenly kills Polonius, thinking he is Claudius. Claudius sends Hamlet away as part of a deadly plot.

After Polonius’s death, Ophelia goes mad and later drowns. Hamlet, who has returned safely to confront the king, agrees to a fencing match with Ophelia’s brother, Laertes, who secretly poisons his own rapier. At the match, Claudius prepares poisoned wine for Hamlet, which Gertrude unknowingly drinks; as she dies, she accuses Claudius, whom Hamlet kills. Then first Laertes and then Hamlet die, both victims of Laertes’ rapier.

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The 13 Best Movies That Adapt Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' Ranked According to IMDb

"To adapt, or not to adapt... that is the question."

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It seems that movie fans are like Depeche Mode when it comes to Hamlet movies, because they just can't get enough. Hamlet adaptations go back to the silent era, meaning that this timeless story of revenge and tragedy has been popular with film audiences for over a century at this point. Of all the movies based on Hamlet , IMDb is a great way to find the best, with the average ratings from users on the site ultimately showing what the best Hamlet movie is.

Hamlet is up there with the likes of Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet as one of William Shakespeare 's most famous plays. It's an epic, violent tragedy that takes multiple hours to act out in full, thanks to having a large cast of engaging characters who are all involved in its story about family conflict, betrayal, and death (so, so much death).

Its popularity also means it's got more film adaptations than most Shakespeare plays. The following 10 are among the most well-known movies that either adapt Hamlet or feature plots heavily inspired by the iconic play's narrative. They're ranked below by their average rating on IMDb, and collectively show how applicable the story of Hamlet is to various genres, periods in history, and cultures.

Updated on May 23, 2023, by Jeremy Urquhart:

13 'hamlet' (2000).

IMDb Rating: 5.9/10

It's ironic that this adaptation of Hamlet aimed to update the story into a modern-day New York City setting, yet by being so clearly set around the turn of the millennium, it's ended up "aging" worse than most adaptations that are set centuries ago. In the film's defense, those behind it likely didn't know how fast technology was going to advance, and how quickly Blockbuster was going to become obsolete (in the film, it's where Hamlet has his "To be or not to be" soliloquy).

It makes it an accidental period piece in hindsight, but at least it stands out as far as adaptations go. For anyone who loves late 90s/early 2000s aesthetics and/or Ethan Hawke , it's probably one take on the iconic play that's worth a watch.

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12 'The Banquet' (2006)

IMDb Rating: 6.4/10

The Banquet is a Chinese film that loosely adapts Hamlet into a historical setting that's also slightly fantastical. The story here takes place more than 1000 years ago, and is kicked off with the actions of a murderous uncle, but ultimately builds to an extensive (and violent) banquet where numerous characters collide.

The plot might be familiar to those who know Hamlet well, but the fact that The Banquet adds martial arts into the mix makes it unique, given that's something that couldn't exactly be done on stage. Overall, it's a solid addition to the ever-growing list of Hamlet movies that manages to add something new to the mix.

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11 'Strange Brew' (1983)

IMDb Rating: 6.6/10

There are plenty of cult classic 1980s sci-fi movies that have taken some time to find an audience, usually because they're a little offbeat. Strange Brew could definitely count itself as one of those films, as it's perhaps one of the most aggressively Canadian movies of all time, features comedy and sci-fi elements, and has a story loosely inspired by Hamlet .

It revolves around a brewery, and sees two hosers (an informal Canadian term for "losers") get a job there, and end up in a plot to help a young woman regain ownership of it from a mysterious brewmaster who's also her uncle. It's very silly and unlikely to appeal to a wide audience, but it has its fans, and stands as a unique take on the classic play.

10 'Hamlet' (1990)

IMDb Rating: 6.7/10

Hamlet (1990) is notable for starring Mel Gibson as the Prince of Denmark, but can also be singled out as the one where the title character has a terrible haircut. Otherwise, it sort of blends into the crowd when it comes to Hamlet adaptations, seeing as it plays things straight when it comes to adapting the original text, and forgoes adding any genres besides basic "drama" to the mix.

It was far from director Franco Zeffirelli 's first Shakespeare adaptation, as he'd previously directed The Taming of The Shrew in 1967 and Romeo and Juliet in 1968. The latter of those is particularly well-regarded for being one of the best film adaptations of a Shakespeare play, and even if Zeffirelli's Hamlet is still seen as decent, it couldn't quite measure up to 1968's Romeo and Juliet .

9 'Hamlet' (1921)

IMDb Rating: 7.0/10

1921's Hamlet is one of the oldest known film versions of the play, and more significantly, is still watchable. There are plenty of films from the 1920s and earlier that have been lost to time, meaning those interested in old cinema can only imagine what they would have looked like.

This take on Hamlet also stands out from the crowd because it changes Hamlet from prince to princess, with the title character needing to pass as a man for much of the film's runtime. Naturally, this leads to various plot elements being changed, too, adding another level to the film and making it surprisingly unpredictable in the process, even though all the characters - and the core premise - are found in the original play.

8 'The Northman' (2022)

IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

If there's one thing that The Northman does exceptionally well, it's highlighting the cyclical nature of revenge and the way violence can continue to inspire more violence until there's no one left to be violent. Speaking of violence: the movie has a ton of it.

Interestingly, The Northman might not quite be an adaptation of Hamlet , given it's based on the Scandinavian legend of Amleth, which itself inspired Hamlet . However, given Hamlet's ultimately overshadowed its predecessor, The Northman does end up feeling like another take on that familiar story, but thankfully contains a few surprises for those who think they know the original text well (plus a good deal more action than most Hamlet movies).

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7 'Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead' (1990)

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10

Rosencrantz & Guildenstern re-frames Hamlet to focus on two of its minor characters who tend to be cut out of most film adaptations. Those two characters are none other than Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, and they spend much of the movie having philosophical conversations about their existence and lack of purpose in life in a way that's consistently very meta.

It's an odd movie, and its sense of humor isn't going to be for everyone. Also, for as clever as the premise is, the whole thing is fairly one-note and repetitive, considering it's almost two hours long. At least it's unique and undoubtedly entertaining in parts, and benefits hugely from having Tim Roth and Gary Oldman in the titular roles.

6 'Hamlet' (1948)

IMDb Rating: 7.6/10

1948's Hamlet is the only direct Shakespeare adaptation to have won Best Picture. Sure, West Side Story (1961) also won the top prize at the Oscars, but that's based on a musical that drastically modernized Romeo and Juliet. And while 1998's Shakespeare in Love is (loosely) about the man itself, it's not an adaptation of one of his plays.

In essence, this take on Hamlet is a direct, simple, and perfectly efficient one. It trims the play down to a still fairly epic 2.5 hours, and showcases Laurence Olivier at the height of his powers as both an actor and director. It might not stand out now, 75 years later, but it was an undoubtedly impressive film for its time.

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5 'Hamlet' (1996)

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

Kenneth Branagh 's Hamlet is easily the longest, with the 1996 film clocking in at just over four hours . It would be difficult to feasibly make an adaptation longer without adding material, given this version is notable for adapting the entire play to the big screen.

This results in a movie that might well be too long and exhausting for some viewers, but the epic scope achieved through such an ambitious adaptation of the play is undeniable. For Shakespeare purists out there, there's a good chance this would have to rank as one of the very best films based on one of his works, given it leaves nothing on the cutting room floor.

4 'The Bad Sleep Well' (1960)

IMDb Rating: 8.0/10

The Bad Sleep Well is one of many underrated Akira Kurosawa movies that gets buried under the likes of more popular movies like Seven Samurai , Ran , and Yojimbo . As far as adaptations go, it's fairly loose, having less in common with its source material than Kurosawa's 1957 take on Macbeth ( Throne of Blood ) did.

It transports things to mid-20th century Japan, and follows a young man who seeks revenge on a powerful industrialist who he holds responsible for his father's death. Murder, madness, and human corruption are explored in both Hamlet and The Bad Sleep Well , and the film captures the spirit of the source material well, even if numerous aspects of the plot itself are quite different.

Watch on The Criterion Channel

3 'Haider' (2014)

Haider is a must-see Indian film that takes the story of Hamlet and sets it in Kashmir during the 1990s. At 160 minutes long, it's one of the longest adaptations of Hamlet out there, and one of the most explosive, unwilling to shy away from the violent consequences of its protagonist's quest for revenge after his father dies in mysterious circumstances.

Even though it's one of the most recent Hamlet adaptations, it's already among the highest-rated, with an 8.0/10 on IMDb and a similarly impressive 88% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes . Just like the title character himself, it seems like nothing will stop Hamlet's persistent rampage throughout pop culture.

Watch on Netflix

2 'Hamlet' (1964)

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

One of the highest-rated versions of Hamlet according to IMDb ratings is this 1964 adaptation from the Soviet Union. It's not quite as widely seen as many of the better-known adaptations, but those who are familiar with it seem to hold it in high regard, and it was recognized by the BAFTAs and the Golden Globes upon release, too.

There's not a great deal else to say about it. It's another strong adaptation of a great play, and of the direct adaptations, is also one of the shortest (even though it still runs for about two hours and 20 minutes).

1 'The Lion King' (1994)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

While the idea of adapting Hamlet into a family-friendly Disney movie might sound absurd on paper, it led to one of the most acclaimed animated movies of all time. And yes, though The Lion King is far from a direct adaptation, it does feature the protagonist's father being murdered by a treacherous uncle, with the protagonist then setting out to avenge the killing and right the injustice that was committed.

Thankfully, things end much better here for the main character, Simba, than things usually do for characters based on Hamlet. And even if that means The Lion King isn't nearly as dark as most versions of Hamlet , at the same time, most animated Disney movies aren't nearly as dark as The Lion King .

Watch on Disney+

NEXT: The Best Shakespeare Film Adaptations, Ranked

9 times King Charles showed off his sense of humor

• King Charles III has been known to participate in comedy sketches and crack jokes during speeches.
• He delivered the weather report while visiting BBC Scotland's studio in 2012.
• He joked about Prince William displaying his "buff credentials" at the British Sub-Aqua Club.

As a reigning monarch, King Charles III holds court at solemn royal affairs and gives important speeches, but he's also been known to participate in comedy sketches and crack jokes during royal engagements.

Here are nine times he showed off his sense of humor.

At a 1998 Prince's Trust gala for his 50th birthday, Prince Charles (now King Charles III) played a waiter in a sketch with Stephen Fry and Roger Moore.

In the sketch, a series of celebrity lookalikes brought food to Fry and Moore's table, BBC reported. Then, the real Charles emerged with a towel draped over his arm, asking if the food had been to their satisfaction.

"I know who he is supposed to be, but he needs to work on the voice a little," Moore said in the sketch.

Shutterstock royal photographer Tim Rooke captured the then-prince's wardrobe malfunction involving a rastacap on a visit to Jamaica in 2000.

Charles met Rita Marley, the wife of the late Bob Marley, in Kingston, Jamaica . When he was gifted a rastacap, he accidentally put it on backwards, which Rooke told Business Insider "tickled most of those around."

At a Prince's Trust concert in 2006, Charles joked that he wished that he could sing, much to his son William's horror.

"I must say that this is the moment when I wish I could sing," Charles said. As the crowd applauded, egging him on, William shook his head and gestured "no" behind him.

Charles continued, "I know my limitations. But at least I have my glow stick."

Charles tried his hand at being a meteorologist while visiting BBC Scotland in 2012.

Charles visited BBC Scotland to mark 60 years of the network's news coverage.

"Who the hell wrote this script?" Charles quipped while reporting snow over the royal residence of Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire.

At the 2012 Diamond Jubilee Concert honoring Queen Elizabeth, Charles began his remarks by saying, "Your Majesty, mummy."

The concert featured performances from artists including Queen, Elton John, and Diana Ross to mark Queen Elizabeth's 70th anniversary on the throne .

Charles acknowledged the Queen's "lifetime of selfless service," and said that the people watching at home are what "gets my mother up in the morning."

"You laugh and cry with us, and, most importantly, you have been there for us for these 70 years," he said.

Charles voiced a Dalek, an evil alien species in "Doctor Who," while visiting the set of the television show in 2013.

"Exterminate! Exterminate!" Charles said into the microphone at BBC Roath Lock Studios in Cardiff, Wales.

After the chairman of the British Sub-Aqua Club described Charles as "rather buff" in a photo from the 1970s, Charles joked that Prince William was displaying his own "buff credentials" as its new president.

In 2014, William took over his father's position as president of the British Sub-Aqua Club. At the welcome reception, BSAC Eugene Farrell said in his speech that he'd heard Charles described as "rather buff" in a photo taken at the club in the 1970s. 

Charles didn't appear to understand what the word "buff" meant.

"You should be pleased," William explained.

In his own speech, Charles took the opportunity to embarrass his son.

"I do hope that the club will go from strength to strength under its new and enthusiastic management, and I know that my oldest will now demonstrate his buff credentials," he said, prompting a facepalm from William.

Charles took part in a comedy sketch at the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2016, settling an argument about how to deliver Hamlet's famous soliloquy.

To mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death, an all-star lineup of actors performed a comedy sketch at the Royal Shakespeare Company, which aired on PBS , debating how to deliver Hamlet's famous line: "To be or not to be, that is the question."

Dame Judi Dench, Tim Minchin, Harriet Walter, David Tennant, Paapa Essiedu, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rory Kinnear, and Sir Ian McKellen each took a turn emphasizing different parts of the line. As president of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Charles had the final say.

"To be or not to be, that is the question ," he said.

Charles wore a dinosaur tie to a church service near Sandringham Estate in 2023.

Charles attended a service at the church of St Lawrence, Castle Rising in King's Lynn while wearing a pink tie printed with powder-blue dinosaurs. He paired the whimsical piece with a checkered shirt and tan coat.

The T-rex print may have been a cheeky reference to the title "rex," which is Latin for "king," which appears on his official monogram as the initials "CR."

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28 of King Charles's most memorable moments over the years

Posted: April 21, 2024 | Last updated: April 21, 2024

When it comes to King Charles's most memorable moments, we are truly spoiled for choice but here are our favourites...

King Charles's most memorable moments give us an extra insight into the witty and endearing personality of His Majesty.

During his years as Prince of Wales and then as King, we've seen Charles participate in cultural global visits, try his hand at drumming in Sierra Leone, meet iconic girl bands and become a mixologist for the day, amongst other things.

So, here are some of the most memorable moments from King Charles III from across the decades... 

His 2023 coronation ceremony

This may just be the most memorable moment of King Charles's life to date, the day he became King and Camilla became Queen. Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles acceded to the throne on 8 September 2022. However, due to preparations, grieving and various procedures, his official coronation took place much later on 6 May 2023.

His speech to the nation after the Queen's passing

Following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles delivered a sombre and heartfelt first speech paying homage to the Queen. His speech was broadcast to millions of viewers and was also displayed to mourners at a special memorial service at St Paul’s Cathedral.

When he met the Spice Girls in 1997

At the UK gala celebrating the 21st anniversary of The Prince’s Trust in 1997, the then-Prince of Wales met the biggest girl group at the time, The Spice Girls. In the now infamous encounter, "Ginger Spice" Geri Horner (formerly Halliwell) and "Scary Spice" Mel B planted a kiss on his cheek.

The kissing Koalas

When visiting Australia in 2012 for their six-day tour which marked the Diamond Jubilee, the then-Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla went to the Government House in Adelaide and met two rescued Koalas. This resulted in an adorable photo of the couple holding two very cute smooching koalas.

When he was given two teaspoons in his tea

It’s no secret that King Charles loves a good laugh and during his visit to 2016 visit to the Prince’s Trust Center in 2016 he got just that. When talking with staff and enjoying a cup of tea, the then-Prince realised he’d been given two teaspoons in his mug and found it rather amusing!

His biker moment

For the 500th anniversary of the Royal Mail service, the then-Prince Charles was more than happy to sit on an old-fashioned motorbike that had been used to deliver telegraph messages. Surrounded by an adoring crowd, it looked as though the Prince was quite enjoying himself on the vintage vehicle.

His handmade balloon hat

When visiting a Jewish school in 2017, Prince Charles was more than happy to get stuck in and not only make a balloon hat himself but also wear it. He sat with the children in a circle whilst they all learned how to make their balloon hat and the now-King proudly wore his creation.

His go as a weatherman

Another brilliant example of King Charles's humour and wit, the royal presented the weather forecast for BBC Scotland in 2012. The Prince executed the report perfectly and got several laughs from the studio after joking about the drizzly weather and saying “Thank god it isn’t a bank holiday!”

When he drank champagne from his polo trophy

What’s better than celebrating a polo victory with a cold glass of champagne? Well, drinking it from your bowl-like trophy of course! Yes, when the then-Prince Charles won his trophy match at the Hurlingham Club in March of 1999 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was in a celebratory mood and drank the fizz out of the silver trophy.

His comedy sketch with Stephen Fry and Roger Moore

At the Prince’s Trust Comedy Gala at the Lyceum Theatre in 1998, the then-Prince Charles took part in a beloved comedy sketch featuring Roger Moore and Stephen Fry. The sketch saw a series of celebrity lookalikes bringing food to Fry and Moore, however, the real Charles eventually came out dressed as a waiter and asked if the food was to their satisfaction. Moore finished the sketch by saying, “I know who he’s supposed to be, but he needs to work on the voice a little.”

His drum playing in Sierra Leone

Visiting Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone in 2006, Prince Charles watched a brief performance by the National Dance Group of Sierra Leone which featured drummers in national colours and dancers in white and gold dresses. The then-Prince was offered a pair of drumsticks and couldn’t refuse, he joined the group with a smile on his face.

Getting startled by an eagle at the Sandringham Flower Show

We often see the royals showcase their sense of humour, and this rather silly incident with King Charles and an eagle is certainly one of those times. At the 2013 Sandringham Flower Show, the then-Prince held a 10lb eagle, which gave him quite the start when the bird of prey spread its wings to balance itself. As you can see from the photograph, Camilla got quite the shock too!

His photo in front of Edzna

A rather casual pose for the royal, with shades on and the ‘here’s looking at you kid’ gesture, the-then Prince Charles certainly looked to be enjoying himself while visiting the Acropolis at the Edzna Archaeological site in Campeche, Mexico. He took the suave photo during his and Duchess Camilla’s tour of Mexico and Columbia in 2014.

His wardrobe malfunction in Jamaica

No, that's not a permanent marker on the photo - just a minor fashion mishap. On his 2000 visit to Jamaica, Charles met the wife of the late Bob Marley, Rita Marley. While in Kingston, he was given a Rasta cap which he accidentally put on his head backwards covering his face. Both he and the crowd around him thought it very amusing.

His onstage joke about his singing

During the 2006 Princes Trust concert, the then-Prince Charles whilst on stage with Duchess Camilla, Prince William and Prince Harry made a well-received joke about how he couldn’t sing but at least he could stand up there holding a glow stick. He said, “I know my limitations. But at least I have my glow stick.”

When he met Ozzy Osbourne

In a shot taken in 2006 at an event marking the Prince’s Trust's 30th birthday, King Charles is seen laughing his head off with Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne, as well as singer Chico. The King and Ozzy reportedly get along very well with the King sending Ozzy a bottle of scotch after his infamous quad biking incident.

His Diamond Jubilee speech

One of the biggest events of the century for the British public was Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee which marked her 70th anniversary of being on the throne. Charles’s speech was of course incredibly moving however what made this a memorable event was how he began his speech - with an endearing “Your Majesty, mummy.”

When he walked Meghan down the aisle

Unfortunately, Meghan's father couldn’t be present at Harry and Meghan's Royal Wedding so Harry’s father the then-Prince Charles stood up to the plate and walked his soon-to-be daughter-in-law down the aisle. This was a truly moving moment and will certainly be remembered for years to come just like the admirable nickname that the King gave Meghan.

Joining Queen Elizabeth II for the state opening of Parliament

On the 10th of May 2022, Charles the then-Prince of Wales acted on behalf of his mother Queen Elizabeth II to open the third session of the 58th Parliament. Also joining them was Prince William. This was the first-ever State Opening where two Counsellors of State acted on behalf of the Monarch. The Queen was unable to attend due to illness.

When he voiced a Dalek

During a visit to the BBC’s Cardiff studios in 2013, Charles lent his voice to one of the iconic Doctor Who monsters, the Daleks. He used a microphone which had been plugged into a voice modulation device and said the Dalek’s famous catchphrase, “Exterminate!” He and Camilla then went on a tour of the studio with the then-Doctor Matt Smith and co-star Jenna Coleman.

The passing on of his 'buff' credentials to Prince William

In 2014, Prince William formally took over King Charles’s position as the President of the British Sub-Aqua Club. During the speech at the ceremony marking the occasion, the chairman of the club described Charles as “rather buff” in a swimwear shot of him from the 70s. The then-Prince Charles joked that Prince William was displaying his own “buff credentials” as the new president, which got a big laugh from the audience as well as the prince himself.

His Royal Shakespeare Company comedy sketch

Prince Charles was surrounded by stars when he took part in a comedy sketch with the Royal Shakespeare Company. It was at an event to mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death and the sketch was the all-star lineup debating over how best to deliver Hamlet’s iconic line, “To be or not to be, that is the question .” Charles had the last go, emphasizing the final word.

He and Camilla’s giggling over whisky

A wedding gift given to them at the 2005 Mey Games at Queens Park in Caithness, Scotland, the ceremonial drinking bowl is called a Quaich. The two drank whisky from the receptacle and got the giggles.

When he met James Bond

Known as a long-time fan of not only the iconic James Bond franchise but more specifically of the Aston Martin cars the character is known for driving, Prince Charles looked more than thrilled when visiting the set in 2019. The King-to-be met Daniel Craig, Naomie Harris and Ralph Fiennes whilst he toured the studios and got a close-up look at the cars.

His White House visit

During his and Princess Anne’s American visit in 1970, Prince Charles had a private meeting with Richard Nixon who was President of the United States at that time. The talk, which took place at the White House, reportedly went on longer than expected and the pair spoke for one hour and twenty minutes. The royal visit was concluded with a party on the final day which raged on until 2am.

When he met Barbra Streisand

They first met on the set of her film Funny Girl in 1974 after it was reported that Charles turned up at the Columbia Studios in Hollywood in the hopes of seeing Streisand. They shared a coffee and rumours quickly spread that the two didn’t just share a friendship but something more, as she became known as the a-list singer that King Charles once had a crush on before marrying Diana.

When Charles and Camilla met Meryl Streep

In 2007, during a trip to the US East Coast, Prince Charles received the Global Environment Citizen Award from the Center for Health and the Global Environment at Harvard Medical School. The event was truly star-studded with Duchess Camilla meeting Meryl Streep and complimenting her performance in The Devil Wears Prada .

His beloved pet dogs

King Charles certainly takes after his mother's love of dogs, with Queen Elizabeth II having over 30 dog companions over her reign. Charles and Camilla have two adorable Jack Russell Terrier crosses, their names are Beth and Bluebell, Camilla has adopted both dogs from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, a charity she works closely with.

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