The Six Wives of Henry VIII (1970)

Engrossing History

From start to finish, the story of Henry VII is played out so well that you can't wait to see the next episode. Engrossing, historically accurate, and portrayed by the finest of English actors.I have rarely been so engrossed in a series.I am not going into each episode because most know the story. And for those who don't, you will enjoy this production even more while learning...HISTORY, Heaven forbid!Guaranteed to keep you watching. July 23, 2008

The Mini-Series That Started My Tudor Fandom

When I first watched "The Six Wives of Henry VIII" on CBS during the summer of 1971, I had no idea this mini-series would transform me over the course of six weeks into the Tudor fan I am today. I had never before seen costumes like the ones in "Six Wives", so authentically reproduced that the actors wearing them look as if they had stepped right out of the paintings of Hans Holbein. There's no more perfect Henry VIII than Keith Michell, who flawlessly portrays the monarch from a slender, idealistic 18-year-old youth to a grossly fat, paranoid, and diseased old man of 55. The actresses who portray his six wives - Annette Crosbie, Dorothy Tutin, Anne Stallybrass, Elvi Hale, Angela Pleasence, and Rosalie Crutchley - give dazzling, deeply nuanced performances as six queens of differing appearances, ages, backgrounds and personalities, with Henry VIII as the link that connects them all together. I was overjoyed when PBS aired "The Six Wives of Henry VIII" in late 1971, and even happier when it was followed in early 1972 by a second Tudor-themed mini-series: "Elizabeth R". July 6, 2008

Henry and wives couldn't be better

This is the Henry viii for the Historical Set. Keith Michell was multi married monarch from 18 to his death. He actually looked like the portraits come to life.

As to the wives my absolute favorite is Dame Dorothy Tutin as the tragic Anne Boleyn then Elvi Hale as cunning Anne of Cleves .

All of the actresses and actors are brilliant. Some have not been seen since this series others went on to become well known in their own right.

The program was classic BBC/Masterpiece Theater in the old days. Along with such programs as I Claudius, Edward the King, and Elizabeth R.

For younger viewers who do not remember these programs first run don't be put off by the soap opera appearance. That was part of the magnificence of the series.

July 1, 2008

Still The One to Watch and Buy

This is just a great production of The Six Wives of Henry VIII. It was sensational in 1970 (in the US, 1972) and is sensational now. The restoration is very good and I appreciate the work that went into it. Some people may be put off by the videotape and stark lighting and contrasts but the BBC didn't have much money. You can still see a bit of problem today with production values. They just don't have as much money.
What the BBC does have is dedication to quality shows, acting, writing and direction. This show is beautifully written and acted at every turn. The direction is fine also. It is difficult to create a 90 minute production out of every wife Henry had. All the wives get equal time here. Catherine was Henry's wife for many years. Instead of only showing the end of their marriage, the show also brings out what she went through before she married him. He made her wait 7 years before he finally committed himself to marry her and she lived off of the dowry she was supposed to give him. She couldn't leave because of the disgrace of being rejected. Catherine was married to Henry's brother but he died shortly after at age 15. Anne, the most pivotal marriage is picked up after the wedding. The marriage ultimately lasted only two and a half years. Jane lasted a year and the episode about her is very poignant since she died giving birth to a son for him. Anne of Cleves was a washout. He married her for only 5 months and she was lucky to escape with her head and volunteered to take care of his children. Catherine got her head chopped off, her cousin was Anne Boleyn, didn't she think? Catherine Parr could have got her head chopped for conflicts with religion. She was lucky. All the wives get 90 minutes and their stories are quite interesting. Watch! May 26, 2008

Don't waste your money

I bought this based on other people's reviews on Amazon. It was the biggest waste of money. The acting is dull, the sets are cheap, the story line is historically off. Anyone want to buy my copy?? April 29, 2008

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