So, my Oscar Winner is Anne of The Thousand Days. One of my personal favourite films of all time. Well, it would be considering my love of the subject matter and fondness for Richard Burton.
The film was nominated for ten Academy Awards, including Richard Burton for Best Actor, Genevieve Bujold for Best Actress, Anthony Quayle for Best Supporting Actor and producer, Hal B. Wallis, for Best Picture, but it was the sumptuous frocks, doublets and codpieces of Costume Designer, Margaret Furse, that came away with the only gong.
Genevieve Bujold was stunning as Anne Boleyn – the accent and the whole French ‘attitude’ and panache such a stark contrast to the stately Spanish Catherine of Aragon and her giggly, shy English maids of honour. Richard Burton reportedly hated the role and the film but he was brilliantly cast and played Henry VIII magnificently. So much more realistically than the current incumbent in The Tudors, who is just too damn lithe, slender and young.
It was something of a shock at the time when, having received the most nominations, the film was passed over so dramatically in every category with Best Picture going to Midnight Cowboy. True Grit‘s John Wayne got Best Actor and Best Actress was awarded to Maggie Smith for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. In retrospect, when you realise that Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and Hello Dolly were also in the running for awards that year, it was certainly a bumper crop from which the Academy had to choose.
I give you my favourite scene – the haunting recollection of an affair that lasted for so many years before she eventually gave in to his advances. A Thousand Days of consummations dissected into just one coupling where they truly loved each other.
I have never seen this movie but Genevieve Bujold was a real hottie. I looked the movie up and this was her first starring role, and opposite Richard Burton to boot. I love period pieces and the fact that you used the word “codpiece”.
Happy MCW!
Interesting choice; a movie I haven’t seen in ages. I love a really well done period piece like this. Probably something I need to watch again as an adult … happy MCW!
I’ve never seen this, but did watch the PBS special on Henry VIII bac in the 70′s and Anne Boleyn was my favorite. Once again, a new movie for me to have on my list. This is why I’m really enjoying these clip memes. Thans for playing and I can’t wait to see your Pepperoni entry!
Good afternoon Joanna,
Very good scene, although the prophcies of Elizabeth coming a great queen, have the benefit of hindsight.
I can remember seeing paintings of Henry VIII as a young man where he is depicted as being quite lean. Maybe this is the look the producers of “The Tutors” are going for.
i haven’t seen this movie in years! thanks for the reminder of how incredible burton was and what a find bujold was in this role. xox