CB has mentioned the old run down repertory movie house he used to go to (The one with the 100 year old weiner on the spit in the rotating cooker). Well that’s where I caught this film on a double feature. Nothing about the poster, synopsis etc grabbed CB. Not in his wheelhouse but I paid my buck and a half and I was going to get my money’s worth.
Henry the VIII is wanting a divorce so he can marry another woman who can give him a son. Thomas More (member of the council) will not go along with with the Lord Chancellor’s recommendation to get Henry’s marriage annulled by the Vatican. Even when More himself becomes Lord Chancellor he stands firm not to compromise his beliefs. This is the state that story plays out in. People wading through the political, religious and legal issues surrounding Henry wanting a new wife. Political maneuvering and self serving egos.
Politics, religion and law, right in CB’s wheelhouse. Not really. If someone would have told me about this film (like I’m doing here) I would have run the other way. I would have missed a real good movie. There isn’t one weak point in this film. The story engages and is accessible even with all the complicated issues.
Fred Zinnemann directs and uses everything at his disposal to make this great film. Ted Moore is the cinematographer and he gets the right look. Everything is subtle and true in this film. It could of gotten into precious, dry dialogue territory but the actors deliver the words in a natural realistic way (one of the things CB loved). Speaking of the performances, they are natural and truthful. The cast is top notch. Wendy Hiller, Leo McKern, Nigel Davenport, Susannah York, John Hurt, Robert Shaw (it’s good to be the king) and every other actor are involved.
Paul Scofield tops off the film with his performance. I like truthful, commited, real understated work and he is all those and more. He simply gives us a character that draws us into his mindset and his emotional journey. He will not sacrifice his beliefs, integrity and how he interprets the law. His speech near the end is priceless.
Some great scenes. Henry’s entourage is the best bunch of bumbling ass kissers next to the Keystone Cops. There is some subtle humor in the film.
Politis, religion, not subjects CB gravitates to but this movie puts a human touch on it. Plus I always like a good argument and there’s some good ones here. A surprise watch for me. I really like this film.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060665/videoplayer/vi3223959577?ref_=tt_ov_vi
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I remember this being a hot, surprising for a period piece. This is one I would like to see again as I think it would resonate with me more.
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Being well rounded and a film guy I think there would be lots to keep you interested (You like your politics you get it here with no hiding the warts an bruises). Performances ate flawless Schofield is amazing and Robert Shaw just oozes ‘I’m the King” so everybody else can fuck off. Sound familiar.
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Yes, Justin Trudeau. 😂
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I was thinking a little south of the border
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Now don’t go picking on the President of Mexico. He’s new, give him some time. Your countries can only aspire to the greatness of Donald J. tRump.
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Doc believe me I avoid the news as much as I can but I had the radio on last night and this channel/program was pumping Don’s tires in an add about some kind of rebate for Americans. It was like an infomercial. “Good to be the King” as Mel Brooks said.
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This was a great movie. I think Scofield won an Oscar, didn’t he? (not that it matters). He was also fantastic in “The Train,” with Burt Lancaster, playing an art-loving Nazi… one of my favorites, and a movie I KNOW you would love.
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I think he did but the main thing is he won the greenpete/CB award. He just didn’t do many films and yes he is very good in The Train (You’re right, I liked it). Even without effecting a German accent he was believable. That’s how good the guy was. Man For All Seasons is a “great movie”
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Don’t know this one, but that’s probably cause it’s something I would have stayed clear of. Period pieces like this just don’t grab me… though I’m gonna give it a shot if I spot the DVD.
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Totally not my bag either but it is such a good film that even the subject matter was made interesting. Paul Scholfield is terrific. He didn’t do a lot but what he did was good. ‘The Train’ that greenpete mentioned is a good one and I think a little more up your alley. ‘When the Whales Came’ is another good film he was in.
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