The Private Life of Henry VIII (1933)
While the famous scene from The Private Life of Henry VIII is unarguably the turkey leg scene, during which a very angry King Henry VIII eats an entire turkey while shouting his frustrations that another marriage is being forced upon him, this movie shows much more than the king’s eating habits. As the title suggests, it reveals the private side of a king history has painted so vilely. The word “king” isn’t even included in the title, because for most of the movie, he’s shown to be a man, not a ruler. If you only think of King Henry VIII as a cruel, wicked king who beheaded his wife, give this movie a watch. You’ll see a completely different side, a heartbreakingly human side.
If you’ve seen a painting of King Henry VIII, you know he looks nothing like Richard Burton’s portrayal in Anne of the Thousand Days. In this 1933 biopic, Charles Laughton completely transforms into the role. When he strides forward in his entrance, it’s shocking to see the historical figure come to life. Charles won an Oscar and a Rag for his performance, and even during the first ten minutes of the film, it’s clear why. He’s a master at transforming for different parts, and everything, from his walk to his laugh to his air as he interacts with his subjects, is utterly regal. As the film progresses, the audience is treated to more of his private personality. He may be anointed to the throne by God, but he feels terribly out of control of his life, and his anguish is palpable. Marriages are arranged without his desire, daughters are born instead of sons, and his very movements within the palace are curtailed by his guards.
One of the most interesting aspects of the story is the power women have over the queen. King Henry VIII is a figure best remembered for his cruelty to Anne Boleyn, but this film shows a different reality behind closed doors. Henry’s different wives exert enormous control over him. He’s portrayed as a terribly romantic figure—despite his outward appearance—and when in love, will do anything and everything to impress his woman of choice. Merle Oberon, Wendy Barrie, Elsa Lanchester, Binnie Barnes, and Everley Gregg play the various wives. Binnie, the wife with the greatest screen time, isn’t in love with her husband and has an affair with one of his loyal subjects, Robert Donat. It’s incredibly heartbreaking, because, even though Charles Laughton’s feelings run deep. He may be a king, but he can crumble and weep from a broken heart like any man.
I’ve heaped a great deal of praise on this film, and if you start watching it and think, “I don’t want to watch this gross guy onscreen for ninety minutes!” just give it another ten minutes. It’s a fascinating character piece, and Charles gives a wonderfully layered performance.
Want to watch it? Click here to watch it on ok.ru. And thanks "Classic Movies Kristine Rose" for posting!
More Charles Laughton movies here!
More Merle Oberon movies here!
If you’ve seen a painting of King Henry VIII, you know he looks nothing like Richard Burton’s portrayal in Anne of the Thousand Days. In this 1933 biopic, Charles Laughton completely transforms into the role. When he strides forward in his entrance, it’s shocking to see the historical figure come to life. Charles won an Oscar and a Rag for his performance, and even during the first ten minutes of the film, it’s clear why. He’s a master at transforming for different parts, and everything, from his walk to his laugh to his air as he interacts with his subjects, is utterly regal. As the film progresses, the audience is treated to more of his private personality. He may be anointed to the throne by God, but he feels terribly out of control of his life, and his anguish is palpable. Marriages are arranged without his desire, daughters are born instead of sons, and his very movements within the palace are curtailed by his guards.
One of the most interesting aspects of the story is the power women have over the queen. King Henry VIII is a figure best remembered for his cruelty to Anne Boleyn, but this film shows a different reality behind closed doors. Henry’s different wives exert enormous control over him. He’s portrayed as a terribly romantic figure—despite his outward appearance—and when in love, will do anything and everything to impress his woman of choice. Merle Oberon, Wendy Barrie, Elsa Lanchester, Binnie Barnes, and Everley Gregg play the various wives. Binnie, the wife with the greatest screen time, isn’t in love with her husband and has an affair with one of his loyal subjects, Robert Donat. It’s incredibly heartbreaking, because, even though Charles Laughton’s feelings run deep. He may be a king, but he can crumble and weep from a broken heart like any man.
I’ve heaped a great deal of praise on this film, and if you start watching it and think, “I don’t want to watch this gross guy onscreen for ninety minutes!” just give it another ten minutes. It’s a fascinating character piece, and Charles gives a wonderfully layered performance.
Want to watch it? Click here to watch it on ok.ru. And thanks "Classic Movies Kristine Rose" for posting!
More Charles Laughton movies here!
More Merle Oberon movies here!
Hot Toasty Rag Awards:
Best Actor of 1933: Charles Laughton
Hot Toasty Rag Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Director: Alexander Korda
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Actor of 1933: Charles Laughton
Hot Toasty Rag Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Director: Alexander Korda
Best Adapted Screenplay