The Six Wives of Henry VIII

Watch The Six Wives of Henry VIII

  • 1970
  • 1 Season
  • 8.4  (1,476)

The Six Wives of Henry VIII is a British television series that was produced by BBC One in the year 1970. The series was directed by Naomi Capon and John Glenister, with scripts written by Peter David and authored by Maurice Cowan. The show starred Keith Michell as King Henry VIII, Annette Crosbie as Catherine of Aragon, Dorothy Tutin as Anne Boleyn, Anne Stallybrass as Jane Seymour, Elvi Hale as Anne of Cleves, Angela Pleasence as Catherine Howard, and Rosalie Crutchley as Catherine Parr.

The Six Wives of Henry VIII tells the story of King Henry VIII's six wives, their marriages to him, and the political and personal turmoil that surrounded Henry's court. The series is known for its historical accuracy and attention to detail, and for its outstanding performances by the entire cast. This show appeals to history enthusiasts, lovers of costume dramas and anyone who enjoys high quality storytelling.

Keith Michell's portrayal of Henry VIII is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the series. He delivers a powerful performance as the King, capturing his charisma, temper, and the struggles he faces during his reign. Michell's performance brings depth and nuance to the character of Henry VIII and is a definitive interpretation of the character in film and television. The supporting cast all give excellent performances too with each wife being portrayed with individuality, their strengths and their weaknesses exposed.

The costumes and set design of the series are remarkable, with attention being paid to recreate the fashions, artefacts, and surroundings of the Tudor era in England. The gowns, political garments, and armour seen throughout the series are beautifully crafted and the detail allows the viewer to be transported back in time as they watch each episode. The series does an excellent job of immersing the viewer into the portrayal of the British court of Henry VIII, allowing them to connect with the characters and the historical significance of the era. The music too is strong, fitting the period and adding to the atmosphere.

The episodes take the viewer on a ride through the many ebb and flow of King Henry VIII's reign, with each wife being given the respect and attention they deserve in a well-structured format. The show starts with Henry's marriage to Catherine of Aragon and tracks through his affairs with Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, and finally Catherine Parr. Each of the six wives has their own story and their own relationship with Henry, and the episodes are structured around these. There are moments of intrigue, love, manipulation, and ultimately tragedy as the story of Henry and his six wives unfolds.

The Six Wives of Henry VIII series is an outstanding production and a must-watch for anyone interested in history. This drama offers an insight into both the political and personal turmoil of Tudor England, and the personal struggles of the six women who were married to King Henry VIII. The series does an excellent job of presenting the characters as real people with the qualities that make them human, making their stories come to life with drama, pathos and emotion. It is hard not to be drawn into each of the stories, regardless of the outcome knowing history.

Overall, The Six Wives of Henry VIII is a timeless masterpiece that remains relevant and accessible to audiences today. Its powerful storytelling, outstanding cast, and attention to detail make it one of the finest historical dramas ever created. The meticulous attention to detail given in the costumes, locations and set and the excellent writing and direction make this series one that should be enjoyed and celebrated by all.

In conclusion, The Six Wives of Henry VIII is a masterpiece of television that combines historical accuracy with powerful storytelling and notable performances. Its influence on subsequent historical dramas is undeniable, and it remains a true classic of its genre.

The Six Wives of Henry VIII is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between January 1, 1970 and on BBC One

The Six Wives of Henry VIII
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Seasons
Catherine Parr
6. Catherine Parr
February 5, 1970
Having been forced to marry the gross and ageing king, the unpretentious Queen proves to be the only wife whose courageous honesty, directness and shining intellect endear rather than anger King Henry. She is also the only wife to survive her marriage and outlive the most notorious king in history.
Catherine Howard
5. Catherine Howard
January 29, 1970
Henry is enchanted by the young and beautiful Catherine Howard; who is in love with the glamour of being the Queen of England. But her physical distaste for the king, her vanity, immaturity, indiscretion and adultery lead her, with her lover, to a bitter end.
Anne of Cleves
4. Anne of Cleves
January 22, 1970
Henry's marriage to the raw-boned Anne of Cleves is the story of an uneasy alliance between England and Germany, a political convenience. But while the annulment of that marriage amounts to a corresponding escape from political dilemmas, it also means the parting of two close friends.
Jane Seymour
3. Jane Seymour
January 15, 1970
The shy and devout Jane Seymour is the antithesis of Anne Boleyn. She comforts and cherishes her king with loyalty and love and even bears him a child. But tragedy awaits.
Anne Boleyn
2. Anne Boleyn
January 8, 1970
Wanting everything and unwilling to be subservient, Anne Boleyn, the second wife of the omnipotent king moves headlong towards a terrible fate but her wit, charm and courage shine to the end.
Catherine of Aragon
1. Catherine of Aragon
January 1, 1970
Catherine of Aragon seemed to be the perfect queen. She had love for her husband and was loyal to her people and to her faith, but she was unable to bear Henry a surviving son.
Description
Where to Watch The Six Wives of Henry VIII
The Six Wives of Henry VIII is available for streaming on the BBC One website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Six Wives of Henry VIII on demand at Amazon Prime, Amazon, Vudu and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    January 1, 1970
  • IMDB Rating
    8.4  (1,476)