January 6 - The Private Life of Henry VIII

This dramedy movie has a scene that happens today – January 6. I hope you will enjoy this film and watch it tonight.

THE PRIVATE LIFE OF HENRY VIII      

The film opens on the day of the execution of Anne Boleyn. Henry VIII is anxiously waiting for her to die, so he can marry Jane Seymour. As soon as she’s been beheaded, Henry marries Jane. Henry’s nurse puts a charm in the marriage bed to ensure a son. Whether this is the reason or not Jane Seymour does have a son, the future Edward VI, but she dies of complications. Pressure is soon put on Henry to remarry and have another son. The name of Anne of Cleves is brought up and Hans Holbien is sent to Germany to paint her portrait. Anne and Hans fall in love. Based on her portrait, Henry agrees to marry her. However, when Anne cannot cross the channel due to bad weather, Henry sneaks off to a midnight liaison with Catherine Howard. Catherine resists his advances and is saved when word arrives that Anne has crossed the Channel. Henry races to see her, but is vastly disappointed that she is not as attractive as her portrait. Henry has to go through with the marriage on January 6, 1540  [49:59 to 59:59]. The marriage is not consummated. Anne agrees to an annulment. Henry soon marries Catherine Howard. She has rejected love and is very ambitious. After marrying Henry, she realizes she is in love with Thomas Culpeper and they start an affair. Catherine’s lady-in-waiting, Lady Rochford, threatened with the rack tells all. Henry at first refuses to believe it. After Catherine is executed, Anne of Cleves points out Catherine Parr, and Henry marries her, but she turns out to be a nag.

A not very historically accurate, but amusing look at Henry VIII. It glosses over some of the more unpleasant aspects of his reign. More of a comedy rather than a serious look at this story.

Awards – This movie won the Best Actor (Laughton) Oscar. It was also nominated for Best Picture at the 6^th Academy Awards. 

Producers - Alexander Korda and Ludvico Toeplitz

Screenplay - Lajos Biró and Arthur Wimperis

Director - Alexander Korda   

Runtime – 1 hour 37 minutes 

Released – August 17, 1933

Starring –

Charles Laughton as Henry VIII

Merle Oberon as Anne Boleyn

Wendy Barrie as Jane Seymour

Elsa Lanchester as Anne of Cleves

Binnie Barnes as Catherine Howard

Robert Donat as Thomas Culpeper