As You Like It (1936 film)

20th Century Fox

Industry	Film production and distribution
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Films

As You Like It is a 1936 British romantic comedy motion picture helmed by director Paul Czinner, featuring Laurence Olivier in the role of Orlando and Elisabeth Bergner as Rosalind. Adapted from William Shakespeare's play bearing the same title, this film represents Olivier’s debut in a Shakespearean role on screen.

This production marked the final cinematic appearances for seasoned stage performers Leon Quartermaine and Henry Ainley. It also included early performances by Ainley’s son, Richard Ainley, portraying Sylvius, and John Laurie as Oliver, Orlando’s brother. Laurie subsequently worked alongside Olivier in three additional Shakespearean film projects.

Bergner had previously embodied Rosalind on stage in Germany, and her German accent remains perceptible throughout the film.

Synopsis

After usurping his elder brother Duke Senior’s position, Duke Frederick permits the exiled Duke’s daughter, Rosalind, to remain at court owing to her close friendship with his own daughter, Celia. Orlando, escaping mistreatment from his brother Oliver, arrives within Frederick’s domain and triumphs in a wrestling contest. Upon encountering Rosalind, they quickly develop romantic feelings. When Frederick expels Rosalind, Celia and the court jester Touchstone accompany her.

Disguised under the names "Ganymede" and "Aliena," Rosalind and Celia seek refuge in the Forest of Arden, where they encounter the banished Duke Senior. Orlando expresses his love for Rosalind by posting poems on trees. Ganymede offers to instruct Orlando on how to heal love by impersonating Rosalind. Meanwhile, the shepherdess Phoebe becomes enamored with Ganymede, who does not return her affection; Sylvius harbors feelings for Phoebe, adding complexity to their relationships. Touchstone attempts to wed the country girl Audrey but is interrupted by Jaques, a nobleman residing with the Duke.

Orlando saves Oliver from a lion attack, prompting Oliver’s change of heart. The group then arranges several marriages: Orlando with Rosalind, Oliver with Celia, Silvius with Phoebe (should she not marry Ganymede), and Touchstone with Audrey. Rosalind reveals her true identity before the weddings take place. The couples unite in marriage, and Frederick repents his actions by restoring his brother as Duke.

Production

The film was directed in London by Paul Czinner, an Austrian Jewish filmmaker who escaped political persecution. His wife Elizabeth Bergner, also an Austrian Jewish refugee, starred in the leading role. The depiction of the Forest of Arden serves as a metaphor for liberation and refuge, mirroring the filmmakers’ personal experiences and resonating deeply with other displaced individuals.

Music

The musical score was crafted by William Walton, who forged a lasting collaborative relationship with Olivier on numerous films including Henry V, Hamlet, and Richard III. Olivier notably stood up for Walton’s composition for Battle of Britain when it faced replacement by Ron Goodwin’s score.

Reception

In 1936, critic Graham Greene offered a mixed critique in The Spectator. He commended the film’s adherence to Shakespeare despite censorship limitations and lauded performances by Bergner and Olivier while expressing reservations about those of Ainley and Quartermaine. Greene found fault with Czinner’s direction for its static camera work that contributed to a theatrical rather than cinematic feel.