Lady Jane (1986)

"I foresee a glittering future for your daughter," the conspiratorial Duke of Northumberland insidiously whispers to the mother of Lady Jane Grey, the woman who would be England's queen, albeit for only nine days. The same could be said for Helena Bonham Carter, who, in her screen debut, carries this historical drama with aplomb. Jane, a principled and precocious 15-year-old (she reads Plato in Greek) was a pawn in a plot to maintain Protestant rule in the wake of young King Edward's death. A dashing Cary Elwes, anticipating his swashbuckling role in The Princess Bride, costars as Northumberland's feckless, wastrel son, Guilford, whose arranged marriage to Jane unexpectedly blossoms into love and rebellion. Anglophiles will bask in this impeccably mounted production (featuring Patrick Stewart as Jane's bullying father), but swooning teens, too, may embrace these young lovers as did the youths who made Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 Romeo & Juliet a box-office smash in its day. --Donald Liebenson Amazon.com essential video

When Shillings Were Made of Silver

Lady Jane (Helena Bonham Carter) has grown up around royalty, but she secludes herself from her family and reads. Her family takes it upon themselves to conjure up power for their daughter and for themselves. They arrange a marriage for her to the wayward son of a Duke, Guilford Dudley (Cary Elwes). When the sick king dies, it is arranged that Jane will become queen because of her Protestant faith. History has shown that religion is always grounds for conflict, and this instance is no different. To make matters worse, Jane and her husband begin disobeying the wishes of their court and work to make the poor happier.

This historical film has a beautiful love story, even if it isn't accurate. The relationship between Jane and Guilford is shown as it develops so it seems realistic and is all the more emotional when the lovers are separated. True, I could have done without some of the swelling music and the sunset close-up, but in spite of these overused gimmicks, the romance turned out very well. It is the core of the film. August 15, 2008

Lady Jane

A little slow in the beginning. Sometimes child like. Better at the end. June 30, 2008

Good Movie

This was a really good movie. The scenery and costumes were stunningly beautiful. Having read books about Lady Jane, I do not believe this movie to be entirely historically accurate,(especially the passion that Jane and Guilford shared in marriage - which contradicts most of what I have read about their relationship), but it was still entertaining. The ending was very moving and sad, but Jane stayed true to her Christian beliefs and lost her head over it. I would definitely recommend watching this movie! June 29, 2008

Sad but True

Having studied the very sad life of Lady Jane at school, it was so wonderful to see her life enacted by such a talented actress, and with such a talented supporting cast. Brilliant in every aspect. A MUST view if you know nothing about this young Queen. A must view if you enjoy English history. April 22, 2008

A Nice Movie for a Saturday Afternoon

This drama starting Helena Bonham Carter as the 15 year old Lady Jane Grey depicts the nine days of 1553 that Jane's rule as Queen before Princess Mary over throws her and assumes the throne. In an underhanded way of keeping the crown from the Church of Rome, Jane is forced into a position that she is unprepared for and when the lies and power struggles are revealed she and her new husband, Guilford Dudley (Cary Elwes) are imprisoned and sentenced to die. Apparently it's not historically accurate, but a nice love story, even if there is no proof that the real Jane and Guilford actually liked each other. April 8, 2008

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