July 28 - The Six Wives of Henry VIII- Part V- Catherine Howard

Here is a film with a scene that happens today – July 28. I hope you enjoy the movie and watch it tonight.

THE SIX WIVES OF HENRY VIII, PART V – CATHERINE HOWARD

Catherine Howard, niece of the Duke of Norfolk tells Anne Carey how she had a romantic fling with Francis Dereham the summer before. She is summoned to an interview with her uncle, who tells her that he wants her to become the new queen of England. Henry VIII is feeling old and lonely, with an ulcer on his leg that will not heal. The Duke of Norfolk suggests bringing new people to court, one of whom is Catherine Howard. Catherine acts as the kings nurse. On July 28, 1540 [from 25:27 to 35:14] Henry VIII gets married to Catherine Howard and on the same day Thomas Cromwell, the former chancellor is executed. The wedding night is not a success as the wedding is not consummated.  Francis Dereham shows up and with threats persuades Catherine to appoint him her private secretary. Dereham tells Thomas Culpeper that he had been in a relationship with Catherine. The Duke of Norfolk learns from her that Catherine was not innocent before her marriage to the King. After she tells him the King cannot give her a son, he advises Catherine to get a son by any means necessary.  With the aid of Lady Rochford (Ann Boleyn’s sister-in-law) Catherine and Thomas Culpeper conduct an affair. When the Duke of Norfolk learns that the Archbishop of Canterbury is investigating Catherine he rushes to tell the king first. Catherine and Lady Rochford are arrested. Dereham and Culpeper are tortured to reveal their guilt. Catherine is convicted and executed, along with Lady Rochford. 

This marriage of Henry is presented as all the others were, a marriage by design of someone, in this case the Duke of Norfolk. Catherine is not as innocent as she seems and this leads to her downfall. Catherine was very foolish. 

Henry VIII by Lucy Wooding (Routledge, New York, 2009) at page 244 gives the date of the wedding

Producer – Ronald Travers and Mark Shivas

Director – Naomi Capon

Awards - The film won the Outstanding Single Performance by an Actor in a Leading

Role (Michell) Emmy award. It was also nominated for the Outstanding   Drama Series, Outstanding New Series, Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a leading role in a dramatic series (Michell) and the Outstanding Single Program, drama or comedy.

Screenplay – Beverley Cross

Runtime – 1 hour 30 minutes

Released – January 29, 1970

Starring –

Keith Michell as Henry VIII of England

Angela Pleasence as Catherine Howard

Julia Cornelius as Anne Carey

Sheila Berrell as Lady Rochford

Ralph Bates as Thomas Culpeper

Simon Prebble as Francis Dereham

Patrick Troughton as the Duke of Norfolk