Anna Boleyn (1920)

The story of the ill-fated second wife of the English king Henry VIII, whose marriage to the Henry led to momentous political and religious turmoil in England.

Director:

Ernst Lubitsch

Writers:

Norbert Falk, Hanns Kräly

Stars:

Henny Porten, Emil Jannings, Paul Hartmann

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Henny Porten	...	Anna Boleyn
Emil Jannings	...	Henry VIII
Paul Hartmann	...	Sir Henry Norris
Ludwig Hartau	...	Duke of Norfolk
Aud Egede-Nissen	...	Jane Seymour
Hedwig Pauly-Winterstein	...	Queen Catherine
Hilde Müller	...	Princess Marie
Maria Reisenhofer	...	Lady Rochford
Ferdinand von Alten	...	Mark Smeaton
Adolf Klein	...	Cardinal Wolsey
Paul Biensfeldt	...	Jester
Wilhelm Diegelmann	...	Cardinal Campeggio
Friedrich Kühne	...	Archbishop Cranmer
Karl Platen	...	Physician
Erling Hanson	...	Count Percy

Storyline

The story of the ill-fated second wife of the English king Henry VIII, whose marriage to the Henry led to momentous political and religious turmoil in England.

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Plot Keywords:

character name in title

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

Germany

Release Date:

17 April 1921 (USA)

Also Known As:

Anne Boleyn

Filming Locations:

Liepnitzsee, Brandenburg, Germany

Company Credits

Production Co:

Messter Film, Union-Film, Universum Film (UFA)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min 118 min (DVD)

Sound Mix:

Silent

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Version of The Tudors: Dissension and Punishment (2009)

User Reviews

Sad Anne

Silent historical drama based on the story of Anne Boleyn, newly arrived lady-in-waiting to the Queen who catches the lustful eye of Henry VIII, bad-tempered King of England who loves to feast, drink, hunt, be entertained by his court jester, watch jousts, and chase around after young beauties who jump out of cakes and assorted attractive females around the castle. Well, he's soon annulled his marriage, married Anne, and telling her it is her holy duty to produce a male heir. She fails on that score and he soon has his eye on yet another lady-in-waiting. Meanwhile, Anne spends pretty much the entire film looking hesitant, perturbed, or downright ready to burst into tears. She just doesn't come across as a happy camper (or is it just bad acting?!).

This film is a solid piece of entertainment, with an absorbing story that held my interest for two hours - plus I enjoyed seeing the very lavish medieval costuming featured here on a gorgeous sepia tinted print. Emil Jannings is quite striking and memorable in his well-done portrayal of King Henry the Eighth - he really seemed like he WAS Henry the Eighth. I am not so sure about the performance given by the actress who plays Anne, seemed a bit over the top. The DVD of this film features an appropriate, nicely done piano score that perfectly suits this story. Quite a good film.