Anne of the Thousand Days
The year 1948 marked the Broadway premiere of Maxwell Anderson's play at the Shubert Theatre. H. C. Potter directed a production that ran for 288 performances. Rex Harrison and Joyce Redman played Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn respectively. Harrison won a Tony Award for his performance on that stage. The film adaptation would not appear until twenty years later in 1969. Hal B. Wallis produced the movie with Charles Jarrott directing. Themes like adultery, illegitimacy, and incest delayed its release under the U.S. motion picture production code. Universal Studios finally released the film after these restrictions loosened.
Richard Burton starred as King Henry VIII alongside Geneviève Bujold as Anne Boleyn. Irene Papas played Catherine of Aragon while Anthony Quayle portrayed Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. John Colicos appeared as Thomas Cromwell. Michael Hordern, Katherine Blake, Peter Jeffrey, Joseph O'Conor, William Squire, Vernon Dobtcheff, Denis Quilley, Esmond Knight, and T. P. McKenna filled out the supporting cast. Elizabeth Taylor made an uncredited appearance as a masked courtesan. Kate Burton made her acting debut as a maid. Critics gave mixed reviews to the plot but praised the performances universally. Time Magazine noted that the film seemed made for one person: the Queen of England. Pauline Kael and The New York Times offered mixed opinions yet still acknowledged the strength of the leads. Bujold received high praise from Time magazine despite their overall critique of the movie.
Antonia Fraser described the central theme of unrequited passion as entirely unhistorical. She argued that all six wives married Henry VIII willingly despite his monstrous nature. Most historians believe Anne was in her early to mid 20s in 1527 rather than 18 years old. There is no proof Henry ordered the breaking of the engagement between Henry Percy and Anne. Percy's family always wanted him to marry Mary Talbot instead. Catherine of Aragon had auburn hair and a pale complexion according to documentation. Irene Papas did not match this description with her stereotypical Mediterranean appearance. Jane Seymour was actually blonde but depicted as a brunette here. The meeting between Anne and Henry before execution remains fictional. Anne never received an offer of freedom during her trial.
Universal Studios mounted an expensive advertising campaign to secure nominations. They served champagne and filet mignon to members of the academy after each screening. This strategy contributed to ten Academy Award nominations for the film. The production won the award for best costumes designed by Margaret Furse. Richard Burton received a nomination for Best Actor while Geneviève Bujold earned one for Best Actress. Anthony Quayle was nominated for Best Supporting Actor. Bridget Boland and John Hale were nominated for Screenplay. Maurice Carter, Lionel Couch, and Patrick McLoughlin won Art Direction awards. Arthur Ibbetson captured Cinematography honors. Georges Delerue composed the original score. John Aldred handled Sound mixing. The 42nd Academy Awards recognized these achievements in 1970.
The film achieved popularity at the British box office in 1970. Rotten Tomatoes lists an approval rating of 43% from 14 critic reviews. Critics often considered the plot dull and plodding despite strong acting. Geneviève Bujold remains the only actress nominated for an Oscar playing Anne Boleyn. Her portrayal stands out as her first role in an English language film. The movie continues to be viewed as a significant historical drama. It has inspired later adaptations like The Other Boleyn Girl released in 2003. Wolf Hall miniseries also explores similar themes decades later. The film maintains its status through enduring critical discussion about its accuracy and style.
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Common questions
Who directed the 1969 film Anne of the Thousand Days?
Charles Jarrott directed the 1969 film Anne of the Thousand Days. Hal B. Wallis produced the movie with Charles Jarrott directing.
When did Maxwell Anderson's play Anne of the Thousand Days premiere on Broadway?
The year 1948 marked the Broadway premiere of Maxwell Anderson's play at the Shubert Theatre. H. C. Potter directed a production that ran for 288 performances.
What awards did the film Anne of the Thousand Days win at the 42nd Academy Awards in 1970?
The production won the award for best costumes designed by Margaret Furse. Maurice Carter, Lionel Couch, and Patrick McLoughlin won Art Direction awards while Arthur Ibbetson captured Cinematography honors.
Why was the release of the film Anne of the Thousand Days delayed until 1969?
Themes like adultery, illegitimacy, and incest delayed its release under the U.S. motion picture production code. Universal Studios finally released the film after these restrictions loosened.
How accurate is the historical portrayal of Anne Boleyn in the film Anne of the Thousand Days?
Antonia Fraser described the central theme of unrequited passion as entirely unhistorical. Most historians believe Anne was in her early to mid 20s in 1527 rather than 18 years old.