Watch The Six Wives of Henry VIII

The Six Wives of Henry VIII is a British television series that was produced by BBC One in the year 1970. The series was directed by Naomi Capon and John Glenister, with scripts written by Peter David and authored by Maurice Cowan. The show starred Keith Michell as King Henry VIII, Annette Crosbie as Catherine of Aragon, Dorothy Tutin as Anne Boleyn, Anne Stallybrass as Jane Seymour, Elvi Hale as Anne of Cleves, Angela Pleasence as Catherine Howard, and Rosalie Crutchley as Catherine Parr.

The Six Wives of Henry VIII tells the story of King Henry VIII's six wives, their marriages to him, and the political and personal turmoil that surrounded Henry's court. The series is known for its historical accuracy and attention to detail, and for its outstanding performances by the entire cast. This show appeals to history enthusiasts, lovers of costume dramas and anyone who enjoys high quality storytelling.

Keith Michell's portrayal of Henry VIII is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the series. He delivers a powerful performance as the King, capturing his charisma, temper, and the struggles he faces during his reign. Michell's performance brings depth and nuance to the character of Henry VIII and is a definitive interpretation of the character in film and television. The supporting cast all give excellent performances too with each wife being portrayed with individuality, their strengths and their weaknesses exposed.

The costumes and set design of the series are remarkable, with attention being paid to recreate the fashions, artefacts, and surroundings of the Tudor era in England. The gowns, political garments, and armour seen throughout the series are beautifully crafted and the detail allows the viewer to be transported back in time as they watch each episode. The series does an excellent job of immersing the viewer into the portrayal of the British court of Henry VIII, allowing them to connect with the characters and the historical significance of the era. The music too is strong, fitting the period and adding to the atmosphere.

The episodes take the viewer on a ride through the many ebb and flow of King Henry VIII's reign, with each wife being given the respect and attention they deserve in a well-structured format. The show starts with Henry's marriage to Catherine of Aragon and tracks through his affairs with Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, and finally Catherine Parr. Each of the six wives has their own story and their own relationship with Henry, and the episodes are structured around these. There are moments of intrigue, love, manipulation, and ultimately tragedy as the story of Henry and his six wives unfolds.

The Six Wives of Henry VIII series is an outstanding production and a must-watch for anyone interested in history. This drama offers an insight into both the political and personal turmoil of Tudor England, and the personal struggles of the six women who were married to King Henry VIII. The series does an excellent job of presenting the characters as real people with the qualities that make them human, making their stories come to life with drama, pathos and emotion. It is hard not to be drawn into each of the stories, regardless of the outcome knowing history.

Overall, The Six Wives of Henry VIII is a timeless masterpiece that remains relevant and accessible to audiences today. Its powerful storytelling, outstanding cast, and attention to detail make it one of the finest historical dramas ever created. The meticulous attention to detail given in the costumes, locations and set and the excellent writing and direction make this series one that should be enjoyed and celebrated by all.

In conclusion, The Six Wives of Henry VIII is a masterpiece of television that combines historical accuracy with powerful storytelling and notable performances. Its influence on subsequent historical dramas is undeniable, and it remains a true classic of its genre.

The Six Wives of Henry VIII is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between January 1, 1970 and on BBC One