Laurence Olivier directs and stars in the title role of this adaptation of Shakespeare's play. Richard, Duke of Gloucester is a treacherous and untrustworthy fellow who plots to seize the throne from his brother, King Edward IV (Cedric Hardwicke), having grown jealous of his rise to power. Henry Stafford (Ralph Richardson), the Duke of Clarence (John Gielgud) and Lady Anne Neville (Claire Bloom) are just some of those moving in his orbit who find themselves caught up in his bloody quest for power.