Acclaimed Tudor Period Drama 'A Man for All Seasons' Arrives on BBC iPlayer
A celebrated Tudor period drama, hailed by critics and audiences as one of the finest historical films ever made, is now available for streaming on BBC iPlayer. A Man for All Seasons, released in 1966, continues to captivate viewers over six decades later with its powerful storytelling and stellar performances.
Plot and Historical Context
The film dramatises the final years of Sir Thomas More, a devout Catholic and Lord Chancellor of England, who faces execution for refusing to acknowledge King Henry VIII as the supreme head of the Church of England. Portrayed by Paul Scofield, More's steadfast adherence to his religious principles leads to intense clashes with the monarch, played by Robert Shaw, as the king seeks to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon.
More's decision to leave the royal court does not satisfy Henry VIII and his loyalists, who press forward with grave charges of treason, setting the stage for a gripping narrative of moral courage against political power.
Academy Awards and Critical Acclaim
A Man for All Seasons achieved remarkable success at the Academy Awards, winning six Oscars, including Best Director for Fred Zinnemann. The film also earned accolades for Best Actor for Paul Scofield, Best Supporting Actor for Robert Shaw, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Costume Design.
Adapted from a stage play, this two-hour drama has maintained its reputation over time, with film fans rating it 89% on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviews praise it as impeccable and mesmerising, highlighting its strong cast and compelling storyline.
Audience and Critical Reception
Viewers have consistently lauded the film for its depth and relevance. One review notes, This is a great piece of work; endlessly captivating and with a very strong cast. Paul Scofield is brilliant but the real fun – and menace – in the film comes from Robert Shaw as a lively and very dangerous Henry VIII.
Another fan describes it as one of the best Christian and historical films out there, celebrating Saint Thomas More as a significant figure in English history. A third review compares it to Arthur Miller's The Crucible, stating it will never not be relevant, with particular praise for Shaw's portrayal of Henry VIII as a standout performance.
Further accolades highlight Scofield's excellent delivery and dry wit, lamenting that his focus on stage career limited his film roles. Despite its dialogue-heavy nature and lack of modern grandiose set pieces, the film remains engaging, with one viewer calling it a perfect film due to its casting, direction, and cinematography.
Legacy and Availability
Over the years, A Man for All Seasons has been revisited by audiences every decade, with new appreciations emerging each time. Its themes of individual conscience versus collective pressure continue to resonate, making it a timeless classic in the period drama genre.
The film, featuring an ensemble cast including Leo McKern, Orson Welles, and Susannah York, is now accessible on BBC iPlayer, offering a new generation the chance to experience this Oscar-winning masterpiece.
