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A Man For All Seasons (1966)
Released By: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment   Rating: Not Rated   In Theaters: N/A
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Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Director: Fred Zinneman
Language: English
Official Website: N/A
Theatrical Release: N/A
Home Video Release: N/A
Cast: Orson Welles, Paul Scofield, Robert Shaw, Susannah York
Published ID: 3877
UPC: 043396032569, 043396180857,
Plot: Adapted by Robert Bolt and Constance Willis from Bolt's hit stage play, A Man for All Seasons stars Paul Scofield, triumphantly repeating his stage role as Sir Thomas More. The crux of the film is the staunchly Catholic More's refusal to acknowledge King Henry VIII (Robert Shaw)'s break from the church to divorce his first wife and marry Anne Boleyn (an unbilled Vanessa Redgrave). Sir Thomas willingly goes to the chopping block rather than sacrifice his ideals. Director Fred Zinnemann retains the play's verbosity without sacrificing the film's strong sense of visuals. The impeccably chosen cast includes Wendy Hiller as Sir Thomas' likably contentious wife Alice, John Hurt as the deceitful Richard Rich (More's put-downs of this despicable character provide some of the film's biggest laughs), Orson Welles as a dour Cardinal Woolsey, Leo McKern as the ambitious Thomas Cromwell, and Susannah York as More's daughter Margaret. The Common Man, an important bridging-the-scenes character in the original play, is removed from the film version, which does just fine without him. A Man for All Seasons won six Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor, as well as seven British Film Academy awards. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
IDDateTimeTitleReviewHelpfulVotesTotalVotes
Sir Thomas More
Added 11/8/2009

A wonderful story and one that is inspirational. Sir More felt strongly enough about his convictions to leave his office and the power that went along with it so that he could remain loyal to his God. This version of the story does it great justice, showing Henry VIII for the tyrant he really was (although one who could be charming when he wanted to be) and the characters he surrounded himself with. The actors chosen for the roles in this film included many established actors as well as some very talented ones just making their mark. Certainly worth watching!
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
one of my favorite movies
Added 11/5/2009

This is a great movie of faith and devotion to truth. The movie came in perfect shape.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Excellent Product
Added 8/24/2009

Thomas Moore epitomizes ethical choice and is an example to follow for the ages. Near perfect balance between ambition and morality. A desire for greatness but not at any cost.Understand the rules and guidelines of political survival, use wit and intelligence to circumvent the brute force of power, uphold the neutrality of law and its inherent protection for those who observe it. No compromise in the end.
Paul Scofield delivers a masterful convincing delivery of both the human weakness and moral strength that made up Thomas Moore. A timeless lesson for the ages.

0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Rembrandt goes Hollywood
Added 6/3/2009

There is so much that has been said, and will be said about this film that is in the superlative, that there is no reason to do that again here. But because this is one of my favorite films, I want to try to relate something about what makes this film so special to me. There is an artistic beauty of expression within the filming, that's certainly a big part of it. The dialogue is beautiful, yet simple. The story is simple, yet powerful, and this also describes the performances. Although seemingly tragic, there is never a sense of loss, only gain. There is intense feeling and division, but never a sense of condemnation. There is never an empty moment, life is full. This film somehow does for me, what great works of art have done for so many, for so long. This film draws me into itself and fills me with a sense of beauty,.... that's what I feel,..... that's what I want to relate.

2 out of 2 people found this helpful.
A true modern masterpiece
Added 5/11/2009

I highly recommend this film not only to fans of historical drama but for a truly well-made film. This 1966 winner for Best Picture is stellar in every respect; each craft delivers its best work and the acting is first rate. Paul Scofield won the Oscar as Best Actor in his first major screen role. Sadly we don't have nearly enough Scofield film work to preserve for posterity. Paul preferred stage acting and while I can understand his preference I mourn the fact that this great actor can't be seen in more films. (See him in the Burt Lancaster film "The Train" from this same decade) But this outing shows his power and range as Sir Thomas More who became Chancellor of England for Henry VIII, and died for standing by his deeply felt moral principles. Some say the film is so good because it wasn't a high priority production for Columbia Pictures and they left director Fred Zinnemann and company alone to create. I don't know if that's the case but it has many historically correct touches. Orson Welles as Cardinal Wolsey uses genuine sheepskin parchment with a real quill pen as well as an exact duplicate of Wolsey's official seal. The ax used in the execution scene is authentic from the period. "A Man for All Seasons" won six Oscars including Best Director and Best Picture. It features an excellent period musical score by George Delerue and the backbone of any film, wonderful writing by Robert Bolt who also won an Oscar. Even the smaller roles are expertly played...look for a young John Hurt and the wonderful Leo McKern. Vanessa Redgrave shows up in an uncredited role as Anne Boleyn. The story of Sir Thomas More is taught in every high school and is well known. This production shows how movies should be made, with quality at every turn and a wonderful story to tell.
This edition has a special feature included on the life of Thomas More.

2 out of 2 people found this helpful.
Sir Thomas More
Added 11/8/2009

A wonderful story and one that is inspirational. Sir More felt strongly enough about his convictions to leave his office and the power that went along with it so that he could remain loyal to his God. This version of the story does it great justice, showing Henry VIII for the tyrant he really was (although one who could be charming when he wanted to be) and the characters he surrounded himself with. The actors chosen for the roles in this film included many established actors as well as some very talented ones just making their mark. Certainly worth watching!
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
one of my favorite movies
Added 11/5/2009

This is a great movie of faith and devotion to truth. The movie came in perfect shape.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Excellent Product
Added 8/24/2009

Thomas Moore epitomizes ethical choice and is an example to follow for the ages. Near perfect balance between ambition and morality. A desire for greatness but not at any cost.Understand the rules and guidelines of political survival, use wit and intelligence to circumvent the brute force of power, uphold the neutrality of law and its inherent protection for those who observe it. No compromise in the end.
Paul Scofield delivers a masterful convincing delivery of both the human weakness and moral strength that made up Thomas Moore. A timeless lesson for the ages.

0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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