Drama,History,Romance
United Kingdom
Anne of the Thousand Days is a 1969 historical drama film based on the life of Henry VIII of England, centered on his relationship with Anne Boleyn, his second wife. The film stars Richard Burton as Henry VIII and Geneviève Bujold as Anne Boleyn, and was directed by Charles Jarrott.
The movie begins in 1525, when Henry is still married to his first wife, Katharine of Aragon (Irene Papas). Though they have been married for over 20 years, they have only one surviving child, a daughter named Mary. Henry wants a male heir to secure the future of the Tudor dynasty, but Katharine has been unable to conceive another child. Henry begins to consider the idea of divorcing Katharine and marrying Anne Boleyn, a lady-in-waiting in the court.
Anne is initially uninterested in Henry's advances, but she eventually agrees to become his mistress so that he will marry her. Henry begins to pursue a divorce from Katharine on the grounds that their marriage is illegitimate because she was previously married to his deceased brother. The Catholic Church does not recognize Henry's claims, and he breaks with Rome to establish the Church of England as a separate entity.
Despite the political turmoil surrounding their relationship, Henry and Anne marry in 1533. Their marriage is not a happy one, as Anne is unable to provide Henry with a male heir despite several pregnancies. Henry begins to grow resentful of Anne, who is rumored to be unfaithful, and he eventually has her arrested on charges of adultery, incest, and treason.
Anne is found guilty and sentenced to death. Henry spares her the more gruesome punishments reserved for traitors, and she is beheaded by a skilled French swordsman. The movie ends with Henry regretting his decision and reflecting on his legacy as a king who brought both progress and tragedy to England.
