A Tudor interval drama that has enchanted audiences for greater than six a long time and been described as “impeccable” is now streaming on BBC iPlayer. Released in 1966, the historic drama chronicles the ultimate years of Sir Thomas More, who’s sentenced to loss of life for his refusal to recognise King Henry VIII as supreme head of the Church of England.
The narrative centres on Sir Thomas More (portrayed by Paul Scofield) as he declines to influence the Pope to annul King Henry VIII’s (portrayed by Robert Shaw) marriage to his Spanish spouse Catherine of Aragon. The story charts More’s confrontations with the monarch as tensions escalate.
A dedicated Catholic, More adheres to his religion and seeks to depart the Royal court docket. However, the King and his supporters usually are not appeased by this determination, and pursue him with critical accusations of treason.
Featuring Paul Scofield, Leo McKern, Robert Shaw, Orson Welles and Susannah York, the manufacturing secured six Academy Awards, together with Best Director for Fred Zinnemann, alongside accolades for appearing, costume design and color cinematography.
Running for over two hours and tailored from a stage play, A Man for All Seasons has garnered acclaim from movie lovers, reaching an 89% ranking on the movie web site Rotten Tomatoes. On the platform, one reviewer enthused: “This is a great piece of work; endlessly captivating and with a very strong cast. Paul Scofield is brilliant but the real fun – and menace – in the film comes from Robert Shaw as a lively and very dangerous Henry VIII.”
Another contributor remarked: “This is one of the best Christian and historical films out there. About the great English Catholic and arguably the greatest legal mind this country ever produced, Saint Thomas Moore.”
A 3rd observer famous: “Like Miller’s The Crucible, it will never not be relevant. Paul Scofield is marvelous, to be sure, but I still think that it’s Shaw’s portrayal of Henry VIII that is the real standout here.”
One viewer commented: “Scofield’s excellent delivery and dry wit distinguish him even from the solid cast that supported him, and it’s very much lamentable that his decision to prioritise his stage career has robbed us of other solid performances.”
They continued: “Despite the heavy focus on dialogue and lack of grandiose set pieces that may have come to be seen as necessary in the modern age to preserve popular appreciation for period pieces, A Man for All Seasons is engaging and enjoyable; the depiction of the lone individual against the collective is hardly original, but still compelling when done well.”
A fifth viewer declared: “Impeccable casting, provocative story line, great direction and editing, mesmerising photography, gorgeous costumes all make for a perfect film.
“Have seen each 10 years since launched and all the time discover one thing new to understand and keep in mind. Scofield and Shaw well-deserved their Oscars as does the movie.”
A Man for All Seasons is now obtainable on BBC iPlayer.
https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/films/2169719/historical-drama-film-bbc-iplayer