Produced in 1966 and directed by Fred Zinnemann, this film stands alone as an epic drama of immense proportions. The story concerns Sir Thomas More who courageously stood up to King Henry VIII when he rejected the Catholic Church so that he could obtain a divorce and remarry. The Catholic statesman and writer could not compromise on that which he considered to be holy and sacrosanct. The film chronicles More’s trial, imprisonment and eventual execution.
Paul Scofield was not the original choice for the role of Sir Thomas More. Richard Burton turned it down first. Scofield steals the show and heads a brilliant cast as the eloquent, implacable and stoic Sir Thomas. Wendy Hiller deftly plays his loving but simple wife, Alice. Cardinal Wolsey is portrayed by Orson Welles who, for the sake of realism, used an exact duplicate of Cardinal’ Wolsey’s official seal as well as an authentic sheepskin parchment and quill pen. Robert Shaw, whose efforts won him an Oscar nomination for the role, plays Henry VIII with verve. Susannah York is excellent as More’s devoted daughter, Margaret, who after his execution, stole the decapitated head of her father and kept it for years afterwards.
The film won 6 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Costume Design, Best Writing and Best Cinematography. It is truly as durable to behold today as it was the day it was made, some forty years ago. Based on the play by Robert Bolt who also wrote the award-winning screenplay, this film is a must see for anyone who has ever believed in a cause. Even if your cause is not the same as his, it ultimately doesn’t matter. It is More’s nobility and purity of spirit that permeates this beautiful, courageous true story and captivates the viewer.
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