Henry IV (1995)
A landmark BBC adaptation of Shakespeare's history plays, tracing rebellion, redemption, and the making of a king.
Henry IV - Movie Information
- Original Title: Henry IV
- Release Year: 1995
- Directed by: John Caird
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, History, TV Movie
- Runtime: 2h 55m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 27, 1995 (United Kingdom)
- Alternative Titles: Performance: King Henry IV (UK)
- Production Companies: BBC
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Henry IV - Plot
Henry Bolingbroke has now been crowned King of England, but faces a rebellion headed by the embittered Earl of Northumberland and his son (nicknamed 'Hotspur'). Henry's son Hal, the Prince of Wales, has thrown over life at court in favour of heavy drinking and petty theft in the company of a debauched elderly knight, Sir John Falstaff. Hal must extricate himself from some legal problems, regain his father's good opinions and help suppress the uprising.
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Henry IV - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- John Caird
Main Cast
- Ronald Pickup
- Jonathan Firth
- David Calder
- Roger Allam
- Rufus Sewell
- Corin Redgrave
Producers
- Annie Castledine
Henry IV - FAQs
What is Henry IV (1995) about?
Henry IV follows the newly crowned King Henry Bolingbroke as he struggles to hold England together against a fierce noble rebellion. Meanwhile, his wayward son Prince Hal drinks and schemes with the lovable rogue Sir John Falstaff, before duty and honor finally pull him back toward the throne.
Is Henry IV based on a true story?
It's rooted in real history. Shakespeare drew on the actual reign of King Henry IV of England in the early 15th century, including the Percy family's rebellion and the young Prince Hal's eventual transformation into the legendary Henry V. The play takes dramatic liberties but the historical core is genuine.
Who plays Hotspur and Falstaff in Henry IV?
Rufus Sewell brings the fiery, headstrong Harry Percy — better known as Hotspur — to vivid life, while David Calder takes on the iconic role of the roguish, larger-than-life Sir John Falstaff. Both performances are central to the drama's energy and its balance of political tension with earthy comedy.
Where can you watch Henry IV (1995)?
You can find streaming and viewing options for Henry IV (1995) on JustWatch, which tracks current availability across platforms in your region. Options may include rental or purchase depending on where you are.
Who directed the 1995 BBC Henry IV?
John Caird directed this BBC production. Caird is a highly respected theatre and television director, perhaps best known for his long association with the Royal Shakespeare Company and his work on major stage productions including Les Misérables. His theatrical background brings a strong sense of stagecraft to this Shakespeare adaptation.
How does Henry IV compare to The King (2019)?
Both tell the story of Prince Hal's journey from dissolute youth to reluctant king, but they take very different approaches. The 1995 BBC version stays close to Shakespeare's original text and theatrical style, while The King (2019) with Timothée Chalamet reimagines the story in a grittier, more cinematic and modern idiom.
What is the runtime of Henry IV (1995)?
Henry IV (1995) runs for 2 hours and 55 minutes — a substantial runtime that reflects the scope of Shakespeare's original two-part play. The BBC production condenses both parts into a single feature-length presentation, making it an epic but rewarding watch for fans of historical drama.
What are good films to watch after Henry IV?
If Henry IV sparked your appetite for Shakespearean history, Orson Welles' Chimes at Midnight (1965) is an essential companion — it covers much of the same ground with Welles himself as Falstaff. Kenneth Branagh's Henry V (1989) picks up the story directly, and The King (2019) offers a modern cinematic retelling.
More About Henry IV
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