Anne of the Thousand Days (1969)

ANNE OF THE THOUSAND DAYS tells the story of the ill-fated Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII's second wife. I've seen this story so many times now, in everything from THE TUDORS to HENRY VII AND HIS SIX WIVES, that it would take a special kind of film to really get me interested in the story again.Sadly, ANNE OF THE THOUSAND DAYS isn't that film. Oh, it's a perfectly adequate costume drama to be sure, but it never feels like anything more than that. The film looks good but the script just lacks the kind of intrigue, excitement and drama that the material demands. It's also at least an hour too long, dragging the early stages of the marriage out far too long and to little reason.The relationship between Anne and Henry is depicted in soap opera-ish ways and occasionally feels trite, despite the best efforts of both actors. It's always apparent that these two are acting the parts, rather than inhabiting the roles; there's something very mannered about both Burton and Bujold. A lack of really interesting supporting performers hurts it too.Not a bomb, then, just a passable movie that I have no great desire to rewatch. Certainly no classic. Natalie Dormer's vixen-like turn as the scheming Anne in THE TUDORS is still my favourite portrayal of the doomed queen.

Richard Burton and Genevieve Bujold both give bravura performances here, but I was particularly struck by the quality of the supporting cast in what could easily have been a film totally dominated by its two stars. John Colicos stands out as a highly intelligent Thomas Cromwell, jumping ship from the old master to the new as Wolsey's favour falters, scheming and utterly ruthless and yet human enough to betray a moment of shaken relief after successfully manipulating his monarch. Anthony Quale as Cardinal Wolsey, who makes the mistake of holding more power than the King -- and of alienating the King's mistress -- is also excellent, as is William Squire in a small part as Thomas More. Irene Papas plays a fine gaunt Spanish Queen (although ironically, the real Catherine of Aragon was praised in her youth for her fair hair, dainty stature and generally un-Spanish looks!) and Michael Hordern does well as the pandering Thomas Boleyn, who procures both his daughters for the King's pleasure. Gary Bond as the unfortunate musician Mark Smeaton (does he really sing those countertenor-style ballads himself? I see that he played the lead in "Joseph & the Technicolor Dreamcoat") creates a character out of what could have been simply a pretty-boy role, and a number of other actors lend depth to brief appearances in parts such as Lady Kingston (the wife of Anne's jailer).My main issue with the film would be the clunky dose of hindsight administered in the closing voice-over (a lingering shot of the toddling Princess Elizabeth), which undermines the impact of the ending. Anne's finally falling for Henry also seemed to come somewhat out of nowhere: he is no more likable at this point than earlier, when she rejects him scornfully, and there has been no sense of preceding love/hate tension between them; what I got was mainly scorn. One just has to take this development as read for the sake of the plot.Otherwise, a powerful and impressive production that canters through some complicated history without becoming dull.

This magnificent and well-crafted historical costumer is set in Henry VIII (Richard Burton who garnered an Academy nomination and Golden Globe) age , concerning his life and lovers , and especially his relationship to Anne Boleyn . Based of the playwright by Maxwell Anderson which is particularly accurate as a history lesson . The origin conflict takes place when Catherine of Aragon (Irene Papas ) was previously married to Arthur , Henry VIII's older brother . Cardinal Thomas Wolsey (Anthony Quayle) was the most influential member of Henry's council , but Wolsey failed to obtain the Pope's permission for Henry 's new marriage to Anne Boleyn (Genevieve Bujold , in her breakthrough international film role) . Wolsey came swiftly in distress and his possessions including the Palace of Hampton Court passed to King . Then Henry breaks with Catholic Church and secretly married Anne , creating the Anglican religion . When the King proclaimed himself as Head of the England Church was inevitable that Henry and Thomas Moro would clash . Those who stood in Henry's way , even those he claimed to love, invariably ended up on the scaffold and many catholic priests were led from their cells in the Tower of London and beheaded . Later on , Henry falls in love with a young favourite named Jane Seymour and he wishes to marry her . But the marriage to Anna did not last long and she was accused of adultery with his brother and four Communers .Interesting screenplay based on the source stage play "Anne of the Thousand Days" by Maxwell Anderson that was originally produced on Broadway in New York at the Shubert Theatre, it describes "England between the years 1526 and 1536" . Dynamic performance by Richard Burton , though he hated both the film and his interpretation and was amazed when he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor . Burton had been the second actor to do so for playing Henry VIII, and the first to win for playing a role that someone else had already nominated an Oscar for playing the same character was actor Charles Laughton , he first played the monarch in 1933 for The private life of Henry VIII (1933) and won the Best Actor Academy Award for his performance . Burton and Genevieve Bujold make an extraordinary battle of wits , they were two of the foremost talents of the time . Actresses Olivia Hussey, Julie Christie , and Faye Dunaway all turned down the role of Anne Boleyn , Hussey was the first choice for the part but she declined due to personal problems she was dealing with at the time , as the leading female part in the end was cast with French actress Geneviève Bujold who gives a marvelous acting . Understanding and charismatic acting by large secondary cast as John Colicos as the ambitious Thomas Cromwell , Irene Papas as suffering Catherine of Spain , Michael Hordern as Thomas Boleyn , Peter Jeffreys as Duke of Norfork , among others . It appears uncredited Elizabeth Taylor as masked courtesan in a lush ball , in fact she wanted to play Anne Boleyn, but was rejected as too old at age 37 . Sumptuous cinematography by Arthur Ibbetson , reflecting glamorously the spectacular sets and luxurious gowns which won an Academy Award . Evocative and emotive musical score by Georges Delerue . Lavishly produced by Hal B Wallis, fitting accurately to Renaissance time , though the film received mixed reviews, it was a financial flop on release . This engrossing motion picture was brilliantly directed by Charles Jarrot who continued in similar style with ¨Mary queen of Scots¨, about Henry's great-niece, he directed two years later and again a wills duel , this time starred by Glenda Jackson as Queen Elizabeth and Vanessa Redgrave as Mary Stuart .

The young King Henry the Eighth(Richard Burton)is tired of his first wife Queen Catherine(Irene Papas) after she fails to bear him a son and heir(she does give birth to some but they die)she has only gave him a daughter the Princess Mary.Henry's eye is caught by the young and beautiful Anne Boleyn(Genevieve Bujold)who is a member of the court.He woos her(much to Annes annoyance)till she eventually falls in love with him.Well as anyone who has studied Tudor history knows their marriage was not a happy one.Anne promises the King to give birth to many fine sons but sadly hers die also.She gives birth to the Princess Elizabeth but Henry only wants a son and is already looking out for another wife.By then Annes fate is sealed and through the cruelty of Thomas Cromwell(John Colicos)she is doomed to meet her tragic end in The Tower of London. Genevieve is the perfect combination of strength,dignity and vulnerability as Queen Anne and Richard Burton is an intense and torn Henry great acting,sets,locations and costumes this is a must see.