I won't go into the Historical inaccuracies that are present in the film apart from the fact that Anne Boylen was not responsible for Henry's suspicions about Wolsey's ambitions,or responsible for Thomas More and Bishop Fischer's deaths..What I will do is tell You what an astounding film this is. Its films like this that makes one recall what a brilliant Actor Richard Burton was,before the alcohol and second marraige to Liz Taylor ruined him. He is first rate as King Henry,appropriatly Loving,tortured and cruel. Bujold is also strong as the object of his affections and political manuvers,Anne Boylen. She is gutsy,headstrong and in some ways as dangerous as the King.
Sir Anthony Quayle is perfectly cast as the Tragic manipulator Cardinal Wolsey,He earned a well deserved Oscar nomination for the role. it is a tribute to this fine actor that even though Wolsey was unscrupulous,you still feel for his plight in the end. Also riviting is John Colicos as court lawyer Thomas Cromwell,he plays the role with such grace and slyness that you find yourself playing along with his games. Sir Michael Hordern and Irene Papas are also strong in their supporting roles as Thomas Boylen and Queen Catherine. The dialouge sparkles and the full flavor of Tudor England comes to life in this touching,emotionally charged film.
Sir Anthony Quayle is perfectly cast as the Tragic manipulator Cardinal Wolsey,He earned a well deserved Oscar nomination for the role. it is a tribute to this fine actor that even though Wolsey was unscrupulous,you still feel for his plight in the end. Also riviting is John Colicos as court lawyer Thomas Cromwell,he plays the role with such grace and slyness that you find yourself playing along with his games. Sir Michael Hordern and Irene Papas are also strong in their supporting roles as Thomas Boylen and Queen Catherine. The dialouge sparkles and the full flavor of Tudor England comes to life in this touching,emotionally charged film.