The Six Wives of Henry VIII (TV Mini Series)

Catherine Howard (1970)

Keith Michell: Henry VIII

Quotes 

• Henry VIII : You must surely know that a fresh husband is expected to do more than just look at his bride.

  Catherine Howard : Lady Rochford's husband spent the night in prayer.

  Henry VIII : Had I been Lady Rochford's husband, I would have done the same!

• Henry VIII : [on learning the truth about Catherine]  So young, so beautiful... yet so corrupt.

• Henry VIII : [admonishing the fool Will Somers, as his doctors are treating his ulcerated leg]  And you hold your tongue or I'll have these butchers cut it out of your head.

• Henry VIII : [sitting down holding his wife's death warrant]  Poor innocent.

  Duke of Norfolk : She was corrupt.

  Henry VIII : No... those around her corrupted her. I truly believe that. She could've been perfect. A paragon without blemish. I should never have married her. I should've been content to admire her.

  [lets the warrant drop on the floor] 

  Henry VIII : When is she to die?

  Duke of Norfolk : On the thirteenth, majesty. At nine in the morning.

  Henry VIII : You will leave London after the execution?

  Duke of Norfolk : With your permission. I understand you wish to go to Hampton Court. I thought I would travel to my estates in the north.

  Henry VIII : You have our permission to leave immediately.

  Duke of Norfolk : It is my duty to attend the tower...

  Henry VIII : Immediately, I say! Now! Tonight!

  [Norfolk bows and turns to leave] 

  Duke of Norfolk : Your Majesty.

  [the king struggles to stand up] 

  Henry VIII : And Norfolk?

  [Norfolk stops and faces him] 

  Duke of Norfolk : Majesty?

  Henry VIII : For your own special safety... you would do well to stay in the north, or the south, or west or wherever you will for the rest of your days. You are the source of corruption, Norfolk. You are the disease. I never want to speak with you, or look on you again. If I do speak, it will be to condemn you. If I do see you... I will look only on your head!

• Henry VIII : You have our permission to leave immediately, I say. You may go to the south or the north or wherever you will until the end of your days. You are the source of infection, Norfolk, you are the disease. If I ever hear you again it will be to condemn you. If I ever see you it will only be to look upon your head.