Image Unavailable
Image not available for
Color:
Color:
-
-
-
- Sorry, this item is not available in
- Image not available
- To view this video download Flash Player
The Private Life of Henry VIII
Charles Laughton
(Actor),
Robert Donat
(Actor),
Alexander Korda
(Director, Producer)
&
0
more
Rated:
Format: DVD-R
NR
This title is manufactured on demand using DVD-R, when sold by Amazon.com.
Learn more
What's this?
IMDb7.1/10.0
| Price: |
$19.99
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime
&
FREE Returns
Return this item for free
How to return the item?
|
| Additional DVD-R options | Edition | Discs |
Price
|
New from | Used from |
|
VHS Tape
November 1, 1994
"Please retry"
|
VHS video
|
1
|
$2.83 | $2.69 |
|
VHS Tape
November 2, 2000
"Please retry"
|
— | — | $7.99 | $2.74 |
|
VHS Tape
November 12, 1996
"Please retry"
|
— |
1
|
—
|
— | $3.90 |
|
VHS Tape
"Please retry"
|
— |
1
|
—
|
— | — |
Watch Instantly with
|
Rent | Buy |
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
What other items do customers buy after viewing this item?
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Editorial Reviews
PRIVATE LIVES OF HENRY THE VIII THE (DVD MOVIE)
Product details
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
- MPAA rating : NR (Not Rated)
- Product Dimensions : 7.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches; 3.2 Ounces
- Director : Alexander Korda
- Media Format : Black & White
- Run time : 1 hour and 37 minutes
- Release date : January 23, 2003
- Actors : Charles Laughton, Robert Donat, Franklin Dyall, Miles Mander, Laurence Hanray
- Producers : Alexander Korda, Ludovico Toeplitz
- Studio : Movies Unlimited
- ASIN : B000085EF9
- Writers : Arthur Wimperis, Lajos Biró
- Country of Origin : USA
- Number of discs : 1
- Customer Reviews:
Customer reviews
4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
138 global ratings
How are ratings calculated?
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2017
Verified Purchase
This is a oldie but goodie. I loved how the followed the history of King Henry VIII and his wives, and put a spin of funny into it. If you know anything about the history you too would agree. I would love to say this would be a great movie for the whole family, but I honestly do not see my 7 year old staying to watch the whole thing. I would recommend this to everyone. Give it a chance, realize that this movie came out in 1933, and not be judgmental. Very pleased I came a crossed this movie... Hope this helps.
9 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2019
Verified Purchase
This is not a historical drama--it is a black comedy. Charles Laughton is a hoot as the crusty, lusty old monster Henry VIII in his latter years. In the beginning, we join Henry's rout in progress as he gleefully rids himself of Anne Boleyn and takes up with the pleasantly hapless Jane Seymour. Laughton's own wife, Elsa Lancaster, splits the ribs as Henry's next intended, the wily Anne of Cleeves. Catherine Howard--well, another of Henry's disposable wives, although not without a wee bit of poignancy from Henry as she's also off to the chopping block. Finally, he ends up old and gouty with the patient and long-suffering Catherine Parr, although his gratitude is sarcastically questionable. The only quibble I have with this movie is the poor condition of the transfer; it was filmed in the early 1900's (1917, I think)--it would be wonderful to see it restored and the sound re-mastered.
Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2021
Verified Purchase
Charles Laughton had to have had fun playing the role of King Henry VIII; here almost seems to be making fun of this larger than life king. He was ruthless, but this movie didn't go in that direction. It's all about his seeking the one woman who'd settle in as the perfect wife. Finally he finds her in Katherine Parr..... sort of.
You could say that this Henry is played with a tongue-in-cheek sort of way which made the story interesting.
You could say that this Henry is played with a tongue-in-cheek sort of way which made the story interesting.
Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2018
Verified Purchase
Like seeing Charles Laughton.
2 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2019
Verified Purchase
This movie should only be considered a vehicle for Charles Laughton's acting. Not as a real biography of Henry VIII or any of his wives. Queen Katherine (1st wife) to whom he was married 20+ years isn't even in the movie. In any event, the movie does have its moments but Henry comes across as less of the ill-loved tyrant that he was.
Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2001
Verified Purchase
This is a somewhat disappointing historical drama, directed by Alexander Korda. While Charles Laughton does, indeed, give an excellent performance as Henry VIII, the film suffers from its screenplay, which chooses to focus on Henry's last five marriages, with emphasis on his fourth and probably least important marriage, that to Anne of Cleves. One has to wonder if her prominence in the film was due to the role being played by Elsa Lancaster, Laughton's wife at the time. The most important marriage, that to Katherine of Aragon, is dismissed of being of no interest. This is an amazing and absurd statement, given the fact that it was this marriage that ultimately set England on the path to Protestantism and the establishment of the Church of England. As a historical drama, the film leaves a lot to be desired, as it suffers from superficial treatment.
The film begins with the execution of Ann Boleyn, played by the lovely Merle Oberon, who, despite star billing, is only in the film for several minutes. The film then goes to the marriage to Jane Seymour, played by an actress with a thirties style hair bob. It is Jane who gives the King his heart's desire, a son and heir, before succumbing to death shortly after childbirth.
The film then segues into the marriage to Anne of Cleves, which role is played with comedic abandon by Ms. Manchester. This is followed by Henry's marriage to Katherine Howard, a young wanton who cuckolds the king with Thomas Culpepper, one of the King's Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber. The role of the hapless Thomas Culpepper is played by screen great, Robert Donat. Katherine Howard, as did Anne Boleyn, ends up losing her head on the chopping block for her treasonous transgression. Henry's last wife, Katherine Parr, is merely depicted as a loving and caring woman, watching out for Henry in his dotage.
The video itself is of very poor quality, with a lot of static which renders portions of the film's dialogue inaudible. It is also disconcerting to have many of the female cast wandering about the set with nineteen thirties style hair bobs, as this serves to have a jarring effect. For a better and historically more accurate picture of the wives of King Henry VIII, one would do well to view the BBC production, "The Six Wives of Henry VIII", which is available on DVD and as a set of six video cassettes.
The film begins with the execution of Ann Boleyn, played by the lovely Merle Oberon, who, despite star billing, is only in the film for several minutes. The film then goes to the marriage to Jane Seymour, played by an actress with a thirties style hair bob. It is Jane who gives the King his heart's desire, a son and heir, before succumbing to death shortly after childbirth.
The film then segues into the marriage to Anne of Cleves, which role is played with comedic abandon by Ms. Manchester. This is followed by Henry's marriage to Katherine Howard, a young wanton who cuckolds the king with Thomas Culpepper, one of the King's Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber. The role of the hapless Thomas Culpepper is played by screen great, Robert Donat. Katherine Howard, as did Anne Boleyn, ends up losing her head on the chopping block for her treasonous transgression. Henry's last wife, Katherine Parr, is merely depicted as a loving and caring woman, watching out for Henry in his dotage.
The video itself is of very poor quality, with a lot of static which renders portions of the film's dialogue inaudible. It is also disconcerting to have many of the female cast wandering about the set with nineteen thirties style hair bobs, as this serves to have a jarring effect. For a better and historically more accurate picture of the wives of King Henry VIII, one would do well to view the BBC production, "The Six Wives of Henry VIII", which is available on DVD and as a set of six video cassettes.
17 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Top reviews from other countries
Roey
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 6, 2021Verified Purchase
This version may not be historically correct but the part of Henry played by Charles Laughton is worth its weight in comedy gold.
I adored his portrayal, his stance, his facial expressions and his stomping about as only Henry would. Brilliant, funny and clever
The brief part of Anne Boleyn played by the beautiful Merle Oberon was a delight. This lady could outshine any of today's ''beauties''.
Take it for what it is. A classic piece of historic cinema. Watch Relax and enjoy! Laugh along and dont be too critical, we will never see the likes of this gem again.
I adored his portrayal, his stance, his facial expressions and his stomping about as only Henry would. Brilliant, funny and clever
The brief part of Anne Boleyn played by the beautiful Merle Oberon was a delight. This lady could outshine any of today's ''beauties''.
Take it for what it is. A classic piece of historic cinema. Watch Relax and enjoy! Laugh along and dont be too critical, we will never see the likes of this gem again.
J. R. Heaney
2.0 out of 5 stars
Was expecting more
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 27, 2015Verified Purchase
As this is such a famous film, I thought I would watch it as I am a Tudor fanatic. There is no real story line and the wives get rushed through the film so you only get a glimpse of them. On a plus side, it was good to see that they had an accurate Anne Boleyn who had dark hair and dark eyes.
2 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Arthur
5.0 out of 5 stars
old fashion film
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 23, 2019Verified Purchase
very enjoyable, good role for Charles Laughton.
Paul bradley
5.0 out of 5 stars
Light hearted
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 1, 2020Verified Purchase
Great viewing
A. Reader
4.0 out of 5 stars
Four Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 29, 2018Verified Purchase
Stands up very well today.








