Man For All Seasons - Special Edition ( 1966 )

When Henry VIII´s first wife, Catherine of Aragon, is unable to produce an heir to the throne, he uses that as a pretext for the pope to grant him a divorce, so he can marry his newest conquest, Anne Boleyn. The King is backed by everyone on this request except the highly regarded and religious Sir Thomas More. When Cardinal Wolsey, Chancellor of England, names More as his successor, it becomes important for Henry to get More´s support, but More cannot be swayed. Henry demands the clergy to renounce the Pope and to name him Head of the Church of England. Oliver Cromwell frames More, forcing him to resign as Chancellor. Eventually More is brought to trial, found guilty of treason, and beheaded.

An excellent biographical drama about the conflicts faced by Sir Thomas More when King Henry VIII asks him to break with the Pope and grant him a divorce. A powerful, cerebral story, supported by an excellent cast and characterization. Vanessa Redgrave would later participate in a well-received made-for-television remake in 1988. Based on Robert Bolt´s stage play. Academy Award Nominations: 8. Academy Awards: 6, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Paul Scofield), Best (Adapted) Screenplay.

Upplagd i sortimentet: 8 Februari, 2007