The Private Life of Henry VIII
UK (1933): Drama
The personal life of England's infamous monarch is portrayed marvellously in this British classic. Starting with the beheading of his second wife, the ambitious Anne Boleyn (Merle Oberon), we follow Charles Laughton's masterly performance of Henry through his subsequent marriages, all of which end in tragedy, until his last wife outlives him. (RIO-15, IMDb)
Laughton is simply fantastic in his role. Portraying the King of England as a virile, charming but dangerous man when he's young and a crouching, old fool in his latest years. Very good performances also by Elsa Lanchester and Binnie Barnes as two of his wives. Produced and directed in the UK by Alexander Korda, with a script by Lajos Biró and Arthur Wimperis.
2 nominations, 1 Award
· Best Actor 1932-33: Charles Laughton
· Best Picture 1932-33: Alexander Korda, producer