A film relocates a play's cases to the fictitious version of England in what appears to be the fascist-inspired 1930s, although the film includes numerous historical anachronisms. A film's conception was according to the stage production directed by Richard Eyre for the Royal National Theatre, which also starred McKellen. A production was adapted for the screen by McKellen & directed by Richard Loncraine.

A film is notable for its improper have of noted London landmarks, often applying favorite results to move the babies to freshly locations. A transformed landmarks utilized include a as punishment: St Pancras railway station is relocated to Westminster and becomes King Edward's seat of government. Battersea Power Station is relocated to the coast of Kent and becomes a bombed-out military base. Bankside Power Station becomes the prison in which Clarence is held. Brighton Pavilion is relocated to a coastal clifftop & becomes King Edward's united states retreat. The Shell Building's art deco clock is depicted existence on the top floor of Richard's seat of government.

Maybe a play's best known line—"A horse! My kingdom for a horse!"—was recontextualised per newly setting; in a period of the climactic battle, Richard's landrover is put away from action, & his lament is cast as a plea for any mode of conveyance, possibly a single when lowly as a horse.

A cast too includes Nigel Hawthorne, Kristin Scott Thomas, Dame Maggie Smith and Dominic West.