The Private Life of Henry the VIII

Henry VIII's tumultuous marriages and private affairs

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About The Private Life of Henry the VIII

Released: 1933

Platform: Max

Rating: TV-PG

Run time:

Cast
Charles Laughton, Robert Donat, Elsa Lanchester, Georges Perinal

The Private Life of Henry the VIII

About The Private Life of Henry the VIII

"The Private Life of Henry the VIII" is a 1933 British Film which revolves around the notorious King Henry the VIII and his marriages. The movie begins after the death of King Henry VIII's first wife Catherine of Aragon, and goes on to depict his successive four marriages - to Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, and finally to Catherine Howard. The movie climaxes with Catherine's execution and King Henry VIII's sorrow.

Making/Production

The film was directed by Alexander Korda and produced by his production company, London Film Productions. The script was written by Lajos Bíró and Arthur Wimperis and beautifully captures the dramatic and complex life of King Henry VIII.

Actors

  • Charles Laughton as King Henry VIII - Laughton’s performance is hailed as dynamic and charismatic, perfectly capturing the whims and fancies of King Henry VIII.
  • Merle Oberon as Anne Boleyn - Oberon portrays the doomed queen with grace and resilience.
  • Elsa Lanchester as Anne of Cleves - Lanchester's performance supplied the film with a touch of humor and wit.
  • Binnie Barnes as Catherine Howard - Barnes’ plays the put-upon Catherine with conviction and sympathy.
  • Trivia/ Interesting Facts

  • The film was the first non-Hollywood film to win an Academy Award for Best Actor (Charles Laughton).
  • Merle Oberon, who played Anne Boleyn in the film, was reportedly Alexander Korda's lover at the time.
  • Awards

    Charles Laughton won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of King Henry VIII in the movie. It was an achievement because it marked the first time a British actor had won an Oscar.

    Quotes
  • "The people of England like chopping off heads. That is why they loved Henry the VIII."
  • "The only thing you did as queen was to improve the breed of the pigs!"
  • Music, Soundtrack
  • The music for this film was composed by Kurt Schröder, adding the scoring touch to the period drama.