Henry VIII and his Six Wives - The Memorable TV DVD Review

Keith Michell, Donald Pleasance, Charlotte Ramplin, Jane Asher, Frances Cuka, Lynne Frederick, Jenny Bos
Barbara Leigh-Hunt, Michael Gough, Brian Blessed, Michael Goodliffe, Bernard Hepton, Garfield Morgan

WHAT’S IT ABOUT THEN?

Opening with Henry on his deathbed Henry VIII and his six wives flashs back to his event filled life and his six marriages.

SO IS IT ANY GOOD?

Based on the 1971 BBC TV production which made Keith Michell’s name with his fantastic portrayal of Henry. Condensing down six feature length plays means that although Henry’s relationship with each of his wives is not explored in great depth we do get to see all the highlights quickly, the execution of Anne Boleyn, the birth of Elizabeth etc.

A full on historical pageant Henry VIII is very entertaining, not as dry as the BBC version and with a great cast, Donald Pleasance as Thomas Cromwell, Charlotte Rampling as Anne Boleyn, Jane Asher as Jane Seymour, the scenery chewing Brian Blessed as the Earl of Suffolk and Michael Gough as Norfolk. Special kudos has to go to Michell though, equally adept as the virile young Henry or the sad elderly Henry on his deathbed.

If you like your drama to be of the historical kind then you will love the pomp and pageantry of Henry VIII and his six wives.

ANY SPECIAL FEATURES?

No extras