"Shakespeare's Globe: Henry IV, Part 1" (2010)

Director:  Dominic Dromgoole

This is a live stage play that was filmed, but is filmed very, very well.

This version is very good at showing the verbal banter that exists between Falstaff and Hal.  The play within a play is played highly humorous up to the "I do.  I will" line which smacks Falstaff unexpectedly.

This version also includes some physical humor.  This includes some of the crass that Shakespeare has buried inside the play.  As a theatre play it shows well the feeding off the audience and demonstrates the need to wait for laugh lines, comic timing, and the value of what an interactive audience will do.

It does work better to enjoy this version if you are already familiar with the story and jist of the lines.

This Hal definitely does not want to grow up.  He goes kicking and screaming.  I question that this interpretation shows Hal growing up at all.  His battle valor is more as a response to his father's challenge, much in the style that he answered the bar challenges earlier in the play.  He answers the challenge, and things are made up with his father when Hal saves his life, but has he grown up?  This version doesn't answer that question; therefore, it shows the latitude that the text gives in not answering this question as a given "yes."  It shows Hal as ethical in battle, but is he ready to rule?  This interpretation leaves that question unanswered.

With that food for thought in the background, the forefront shows a thoughtful, irreverent Falstaff who sits at the top of humor as the main thrust of this version.

This is the version of the silent but visible husband of Mistress Quickly who sat up above in the balcony and smiled.