Laurence Olivier as Hamlet and Jean Simmons as Ophelia in 'Hamlet'

1 portrait by Wilfrid Newton

© reserved; collection National Portrait Gallery, London

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Laurence Olivier as Hamlet and Jean Simmons as Ophelia in 'Hamlet'

by Wilfrid Newton
film publicity still, 1948
9 3/8 in. x 7 in. (238 mm x 178 mm) image size
Bequeathed by the estate of Stan Smith, 2013
Photographs Collection
NPG x137987

Sittersback to top

Artistback to top

  • Wilfrid Newton (born 1909), Photographer. Artist or producer associated with 30 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Olivier's performances in Shakespearean roles, such as Romeo, Coriolanus and Richard III, ensured him legendary status as a classical actor. He is shown in this publicity still, alongside his co-star Simmons, for the 1948 British film adaptation of Shakespeare's famous play, which he also directed. It became the first British film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. Olivier also won an Academy Award for Best Actor, while Simmons received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Events of 1948back to top

Current affairs

Prince Charles is born in Buckingham Palace; he is the first son of Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh
The Secretary of State for Health, Aneurin Bevan, introduces the National Health Service. Health services in Britain were now funded from central taxation and free at the point of use for every resident of the country.

Art and science

The First Morris Minor car designed by Alec Issigonis and his team (also responsible for the Mini) takes to the road, becoming a popular and classic English design.
F.R. Leavis publishes his influential study of the English novel, The Great Tradition. The book set out Leavis's ideas on the proper relationship between literary form and moral concern.

International

The policy of Apartheid is adopted in South Africa. Apartheid was a set of laws allowing racial segregation and discrimination against the black majority by the white ruling class.
As part of the dispute between Western and Soviet controlled Berlin, the Soviet Union blockades West Berlin, cutting off supplies. Anxious to avoid a conflict, America, Britain and France responded by flying in food and other provisions.

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