Anne of the Thousand Days (1969)

I have such a little neck. Anne Boleyn

This video has been so long in my collection it has positively grown moss. But I love a good costume drama so this film deserves some attention.

Anne of the Thousand Days concerns that most flamboyant of English kings, Henry Tudor, played by that most flamboyant of actors Richard Burton.

King Henry VIII is desperate for a male heir; so desperate that he seeks to divorce barren Queen Catherine (Irene Pappas) to wed one of her ladies in waiting, Anne Boleyn (Genevieve Bujold). Little does gentle Anne realize that her fate will be far sharper and more final than that of good Queen Catherine. Yet, like a silly goose the headstrong girl tempts King Hal with promises of dalliances and endless romps but only if he will marry her.

The divorce itself is not an easy thing - it’s just not done old boy! - at least not under the Holy Roman Church. The Pope will not hear of it. Henry has a way around that, however, with the help of his ambitious and unscrupulous advisor, Thomas Cromwell (John Colicos), he creates his own church and has himself declared its head. Thus was born the Reformation, but that‘s another story.

As a film based on history, most people already know the score. Henry VIII had six wives; Anne Boleyn was No. 2... But the pyrotechnics between the two sometimes lovers is well worth watching. Richard Burton does his best as the bull-like King Henry, bellowing and unashamed, resplendent in his finery. Eager to get at Anne, and just as eager to be rid of her, once he finds she is unable to bear him a son.

Richard Burton, one of the great British thespians (The Spy Who Came in From the Cold, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?), plays the gluttonous, vainglorious monarch with vigor and zest, while Genevieve Bujold (Tightrope) in her first screen appearance, gives possibly her finest performance as the temperamental and vivacious Anne. Her final soliloquy is jarring and thought-provoking and gives the viewer a hint of England’s future…

The supporting cast is also excellent, with Anthony Quayle (Fall of the Roman Empire, Guns of Navarone) as the disapproving Thomas More, Irene Papas (Zorba the Greek, The Brotherhood) as the wronged Queen Catherine, and John Colicos ( Scorpio) as the conniving, unsavory Thomas Cromwell. Familiar face Michael Hordern (Khartoum) makes an appearance as Anne’s father. The same sets of events are also recounted by A Man for All Seasons, focusing on the rivalry between Thomas Moore and Thomas Cromwell.

Sets and costuming were memorable with the costumes receiving the coveted Oscar, the sole award snagged by the film, which was nominated for ten. The Georges Delerue score adds to the Renaissance atmosphere. One con is the film is not available on DVD so the gorgeous 2.35:1 theatrical format cannot be seen . Only pan and scan VHS versions are available.

All in all Anne of the Thousand Days is a stately-paced, well-made costume drama that will appeal to history fans and those who love pageantry. Other costume dramas I highly recommend include

Man for All Seasons
Becket
The Lion in Winter

Thanks for reading!

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening