 As a tribute to his abilities as a director, and uncertain over his  own unproved directing abilities, Laurence Olivier originally  invited William Wyler, who had directed Olivier in "Wuthering  Heights", to direct "Henry V". It was Wyler whom Olivier always  credited with teaching him how to give a more subtle performance in  films and with giving him more respect for the art of acting in  film. Wyler, however, declined, saying, "If its Shakespeare, it  must be you [who directs the film]".