Laurence Olivier as Hamlet and Vivien Leigh as Ophelia in 'Hamlet'

by Unknown photographer
postcard print, 1937
7 3/8 in. x 9 3/8 in. (188 mm x 237 mm) image size
Bequeathed by the estate of Stan Smith, 2013
Photographs Collection
NPG x137983

Sittersback to top

Vivien Leigh (1913-1967), Actress. Sitter associated with 145 portraits.
Laurence Kerr Olivier, Baron Olivier (1907-1989), Actor, producer and director. Sitter in 114 portraits.

Artistback to top

Unknown photographer, Photographer. Artist or producer associated with 6566 portraits.

Placesback to top

Place made and portrayed: Denmark (Kronborg Castle, Elsinore, Denmark)

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1937back to top

Current affairs

George VI becomes king. The younger brother of Edward VIII was crowned on the 12th May and the coronation was broadcast to Britain and the Empire on the radio. Edward becomes the Duke of Windsor, although the rank of 'Royal Highness' is not extended to Wallis Simpson.
Neville Chamberlain becomes Prime Minister following Baldwin's retirement.

Art and science

Roland Penrose organises a tour of Picasso's painting Guernica to the UK. The painting, which shows the horrors of the Spanish Civil War, went on display at the Whitechapel Art Gallery in East London

International

Commercial airship travel is brought to an end with the 'Hindenberg Disaster'. The German airship exploded while landing in New Jersey. The radio broadcaster Herbert Morrison's reaction has become legendary: 'Oh, the humanity!'
Japan invades China, killing about 25,000. Japanese Troops committed numerous atrocities against soldiers and civilians in what became known as the 'Rape of Nanking'.

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