This movie is a photographed stage play.Richard Marquand and Toby Robertson directed Christopher Marlowe's tragedy of King Edward 11 of England. Many Kings & rulers have had sad tragic lives,his was one of the saddest.
He dared to love another man in a period of time when such romances were kept quiet. Christopher Marlowe was a very noted playwright of the same prediction. He was murdered before his 29 the birthday. He was a contemporary of Shakespeare & like the mighty Will, Marlowes plays still love on.
Ian McKellen is superb as the tragic king. Ian at this time (1969), was exceptionally handsome even more so as he is today.
In the late 1960's it was shocking for audiences to see two men passionately kiss. James Laurenson is his lover Piers Gaveston.
This movie was shown on Channel 2 BBC, & not in theatres.
Surprisingly its very adult, there is no nudity, SPOILER ALERT.for those unfamiliar with these 2 men.
We do see there ultimate fates,The Kings demise is reasonably realistic in detail.
The filmed-play is wonderfully done down to the final details. the acting by all is magnificent
It will remind you plays by Shakespere that were lacking in details as well.Just pay attentively & all becomes clear./
The DVD has an additional movie; an 81 minute documentary type examining today the inquest into Marlowe's Murder.
It is very informative & very well done. BE SURE to see this part.
Both the play & movie make for a fine evening of viewing.
Ratings: ***1/2 (OUT OF 4) 95 points(out of 100) IMDb 9 (out of 10)
NOTE: my rating is for same for both parts of DVD>
He dared to love another man in a period of time when such romances were kept quiet. Christopher Marlowe was a very noted playwright of the same prediction. He was murdered before his 29 the birthday. He was a contemporary of Shakespeare & like the mighty Will, Marlowes plays still love on.
Ian McKellen is superb as the tragic king. Ian at this time (1969), was exceptionally handsome even more so as he is today.
In the late 1960's it was shocking for audiences to see two men passionately kiss. James Laurenson is his lover Piers Gaveston.
This movie was shown on Channel 2 BBC, & not in theatres.
Surprisingly its very adult, there is no nudity, SPOILER ALERT.for those unfamiliar with these 2 men.
We do see there ultimate fates,The Kings demise is reasonably realistic in detail.
The filmed-play is wonderfully done down to the final details. the acting by all is magnificent
It will remind you plays by Shakespere that were lacking in details as well.Just pay attentively & all becomes clear./
The DVD has an additional movie; an 81 minute documentary type examining today the inquest into Marlowe's Murder.
It is very informative & very well done. BE SURE to see this part.
Both the play & movie make for a fine evening of viewing.
Ratings: ***1/2 (OUT OF 4) 95 points(out of 100) IMDb 9 (out of 10)
NOTE: my rating is for same for both parts of DVD>