The Wives of Henry VIII
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: David StarkeyDVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 198 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2002-10-08
Audience Rating: Unrated
Studio: Bfs Entertainment
Movie Reviews of The Wives of Henry VIII
Movie Review: Outmatches even its own sequel with more drama, action and information
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a great documetary of Henry VIII's six wives. Instead of constantly showing portraits of historical people and filming of David Starkey talking (like "Elizabeth"), there is tons of superb, flawless acting. David Starkey gives us great in-depth information on all of Henry's six wives, their love, rise and fall. I especially like the dramatic beginning (Queen, Lover, Mother, Outcast, Victim, Survivor). Some say its more dramatic than "The six wives of Henry VIII" who has no narrarator, therefore confusing.
Catherine of Aragon (Henry's first wife) first married Henry's elder brother Arthur but Arthur died quickly. After many dowery problems, Catherine marries Henry in 1509 when he becomes king. But after 10 years of stillbirths and miscarriages, only one child survived- Princess Mary. After 18 years, Henry wanted to divorce her because she had failed to produce a male son and Henry had fallen in love with another woman- Anne Boleyn. Most people did not like Anne and saw her as a witch, a shrew, and a (...). Catherine opposed the divorce and sought to help of her nephew Charles V. Therefore, Henry broke with rome and built his own church. It took six years, and finnally in 1533, he married Anne. Catherine was sent to live in a poor house and died three years later. Anne was pregnant and everybody beleived the child to be a boy. But it turned out to be a girl named Elizabeth (the future Queen Elizabeth I) Anne tried three more times but lost the children. Henry lost his patience and accused Anne of having other boyfriends. In 1536, she was beheaded. Henry then married Jane Seymour. Jane was a kind woman and wanted peace with the people. And finally in 1537, England had an heir. Jane gave birth to Prince Edward. The king was rejoyced but Jane soon died in fever. In 1540, Henry married German Anne of Cleves but he found her so ugly, he quickly divorced her. Next, he married the young and pretty Catherine Howard. But Catherine loved other men and 2 years later, it was discovered and she was beheaded. Finnally, Henry married his last wive- Catherine Parr. Catherine was a nurse and cared for the king and narrowly escaped arrest and death. Henry died in 1547. Catherine married her love Thomas Seymour but Thomas betrayed her by loving Elizabeth. Catherine later died in childbirth.
One thing I would comment on is the character's appearances. Catherine of Aragon looks like Anne Boleyn with the black hair. And when she is in her forties, they don't show her to have wrinkles. And I doubt Jane Seymour had long red hair with blushing red cheeks. Anne of Cleves, like Catherine shouldn't have black hair. I also doubt Catherine Howard had red hair. Catherine's actor looks much more like Henry's grandniece Lady Jane Grey than Catherine Howard. And Catherine Parr had white, chalky skin- not full of pimples with brown hair. And Thomas Cromwell and Norfolk look too old to play their parts
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