Tuesday, December 20, 2022
Anne of a Thousand Days
- Commentary: My interest in this movie has nothing to do with a personal interest in Anne Boleyn. It is, more, about Geneviève Bujold's performance in this movie and the interplay between her Anne and Richard Burton's Henry VIII, a man, who, among other, more admirable, qualities, just couldn't keep his dick in his pants and spent much of his mental energy in figuring out how to bed yet another young woman. Trust me, his sexual proclivities had little (possibly nothing) to do with engendering "a son".
The review attached to the title, above, is a double review of this movie and Mary, Queen of Scots. The two movies came packaged together, which explains why the same cover picture is on both of my write-ups.
Despite this, Geneviève Bujold's and Richard Burton's performances and interplay sweep me away. I can't explain why. Much of the story is crass and highlights the contemptible extremes royals were (and are?) allowed (in England, anyway) in exercising their power. The details of Anne's own crown climbing are laughable, however true they may be. Despite all this, though, I was so anxious to watch it I put it in the DVD player moments after I received it. And, I was satisfied. Good movie! Absolutely liquid acting!
It is interesting to note that Roger Ebert does not review this movie, although he mentions it more than a few times, without any respect, in his review for Mary, Queen of Scots. That review is attached to the title of my write-up for that movie, as well as being linked to the movie's mention in the previous sentence.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Richard Burton King Henry VIII Geneviève Bujold Anne Boleyn Irene Papas Queen Catherine of Aragon Anthony Quayle Cardinal Thomas Wolsey John Colicos Thomas Cromwell Michael Hordern Thomas Boleyn Katharine Blake Elizabeth Boleyn Valerie Gearon Mary Boleyn William Squire Sir Thomas Moore Nicola Pagett Princess Mary Terence Wilton Lord Percy Gary Bond Mark Smeaton
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1969
Directed by Charles Jarrott.
Labels: historical4, period7, royals
