In 15th century Denmark, young Prince Hamlet (Laurence Olivier) schemes to avenge his father's death when his uncle, Claudius, murders the prince's father, promptly weds the queen and ascends to his dead brother's throne. But Hamlet -- uncertain how to best carry out his mission -- allows his anguish and indecision to lead to more carnage. Olivier earned the Best Actor Oscar for his definitive performance as the melancholy Dane.