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Synopsis
Previously unknown Australian actor Keith Michell stars as England's infamous, fickle king in a splendid period production. Winner of 15 awards, including the Prix Italia, an Emmy and 5 BAFTAs, the drama brings Tudor England to life as each wife's story unfolds, from Catherine of Aragon to Catherine Parr.
Henry's marriage to the rawboned Anne of Cleves is the story of an uneasy alliance between England and Germany, a political convenience. But while the annulment of that marriage amounts to a corresponding escape from political dilemmas, it also means the parting of two close friends.
The cast is dotted with familiar faces, with supporting roles for the likes of Annette Crosbie, Dorothy Tutin, Patrick Troughton and Angela Pleasance.
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109 of 110 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Classic,
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This review is from: The Six Wives Of Henry VIII - Complete Series [1970] [DVD] (DVD)
The series comprises a series of screen plays, each dealing with a Queen's story. The series is held together by the magnificent performance of Keith Michell. He IS Henry VIII. He is ably supported by his consorts; Annette Crosbie as Catherine of Aragon shows anger dignity and pain, Dorothy Tutin as Anne Boleyn gives a glimpse of the spirited, single minded woman who mothered Elizabeth I, Anne Stallybrass leaves us wondering if Jane Seymour was a gentle innocent or the willing tool of a ruthless court faction, Elvi Hale as Anne of Cleves portrays a shrewd woman who seems to achieve exactly what she wants, Angela Pleasance gives a display of innocence, native cunning and unbelievable foolishness, and finally Rosalie Crutchley as Catherine Parr shows a woman driven by duty who survives the treachery all around her. It is the strong casting of other key characters which gives the series depth; Patrick Troughton as Norfolk, and Bernard Hepton as Archbishop Cranmer were born to play those parts.
The series is well researched and soundly based in fact, and although there are of course inaccuracies they are few in comparison with more modern productions. Watch "The Other Boleyn Girl" which is included as a bonus and the contrast is obvious - nor does this series rely on gory special effects to achieve its impact. I was fascinated by this series when I first watched it as a teenager and it inspired a passion for the Tudor period which has never left me. The DVD set is excellent value even if the quality of reproduction is not always as sharp as the original. It is well worth watching. Enjoy!
60 of 61 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
VIVAT REX - AT LONG LAST!,
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This review is from: The Six Wives Of Henry VIII - Complete Series [1970] [DVD] (DVD)
Long overdue, but worth the wait. This superb series of lengendary 90-minute plays is at last available on Region 2 DVD - re-mastered, and looking wonderful.
If you remember that television drama was never meant to be poor man's cinema, the series has a theatrical quality about it which works to its advantage and makes it all the more riveting. The acting is superb, and there is a standard of English speech that has now virtually disappeared - especially from the small screen. This quality gives a required weight to the excellent and literate scripts. (If you don't know what I mean, have a look at the frightful 'The Other Boleyn Girl' on the extra disc, and compare. The cast of this look and sound like estate agents in fancy dress.) In the Henry plays, we can believe in this magnificent King and his world utterly - sharing in his triumphs, tragedies, and vulnerability - just as we can also believe in every one of the wives, and the machiavellian court that surrounds them. So what if a microphone shows in one scene ? So what if there are occasional boom shadows ? Just enjoy the drama. They don't make 'em like this any more. Unfortunately.
34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
THE BEST HENRY VIII EVER!!!!,
This review is from: The Six Wives Of Henry VIII - Complete Series [1970] [DVD] (DVD)
Watching Keith Michell in this drama is like watching Henry VIII resurrected on to your television screen. Unlike any other actor before or since, Michell nails the character in its entirety - capturing all the machoism, selfishness and egocentricity of the King, while still keeping that sensitive underbelly that makes Henry VIII such a fascinating figure. The writing of this drama shows the King's personality in all its extremities - at one moment hatefully cruel and at another warmly affectionate, and you can't help but admire him for his lion-like ability to stay head above the intrigue and conspiracies of his court.
Michell's performance is matched with strong, intellectual performances of all the six wives, my favourite was Annette Crosbie's strong and regal Katherine of Aragon. Other great character performances are Thomas Cromwell, Lady Rochford and of course Bernard Hepton's perfect Thomas Cranmer. All in all, a more or less perfect recreation of Henry VII's life - historically accurate in both it's storyline and setting, this is a top notch production with superb character performances and talented writing. A classy, clever series that's a step above the rest.
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