This retelling of one of history's most famous love affairs features Richard Burton as a vain, selfish Henry VIII and Geneviève Bujold as his second wife, the beautiful, headstrong, and ill-fated Anne Boleyn. The story is well known: Henry, tired of his first wife and desiring a male heir, forces annulment of his marriage, thus driving a wedge between England and the Papacy. He is smitten with young Anne but, unlike her sister, she refuses his advances until he promises to make her Queen. The break with Rome leads to the banishment of Cardinal Wolsey, the death of Sir Thomas More, and the rise of Thomas Cromwell all of who are excellently portrayed in the film (by Anthony Quayle, William Squire and John Colicos respectively). As the titular thousand days pass, Henry becomes more and more dissatisfied with Anne, whose grim fate is a famous moment in British history. The film is excellently made, with sumptuous costumes, bright and colourful cinematography, excellent acting (especially by Bujold), and a good script.
Review of Anne of the Thousand Days
