Laurence Olivier is widely regarded as this century's consummate English-speaking theatrical actor, a performer who was bedecked with awards and honors and was both knighted and granted a lordship by the British crown.

Olivier was born into a severe, confining religious household, presided over by a cleric who moved his family through a number of parish districts. Young Laurence took refuge in play-acting and had played several Shakespearean roles by his mid-teens. So successful was his portrayal of Puck in "A Midsummer's Night Dream" at the School of St. Edward that even his pious father