Sixth and the Final Wife (23 May 2010)

After leaving wife Catherine as regent, a bellicose Henry invades France and lays siege to Boulogne in an attempt to regain his French provinces.

Director:

Jeremy Podeswa

Writers:

Michael Hirst (creator), Michael Hirst

Stars:

Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Henry Cavill, Lothaire Bluteau

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Jonathan Rhys Meyers	...	King Henry VIII
Henry Cavill	...	Charles Brandon
Lothaire Bluteau	...	Ambassador Charles de Marillac
Sarah Bolger	...	Mary Tudor
Max Brown	...	Edward Seymour
David O'Hara	...	Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey
Joely Richardson	...	Catherine Parr
Anthony Brophy	...	Ambassador Bishop Chapuys
Simon Ward	...	Bishop Gardiner
Selma Brook	...	Brigitte
Emma Hamilton	...	Anne Stanhope
Frank McCusker	...	Risley
Andrew McNair	...	Thomas Seymour
Rod Hallett	...	Richard Rich
Suzy Lawlor	...	Anne Parr

Storyline

A bellicose Henry eagerly sets out on an invasion of France as an ally to the Emporer Charles V. The King is motivated by his desire to reinvigorate himself in the face of failing health as well as his ambition to regain his French provinces. He confirms the line of succession with new wife Catherine Parr and entrusts her with the regency in his absence. Richard Rich and Bishop Gardner is unhappy with the choice of someone so inexperienced, and Gardner is especially suspicious of Catherine, believing she has Lutheran sympathies, especially after she appoints Reformationist ex-clergyman Hugh Latimer, as her personal chaplain. Henry and his 40,000 man army lay siege to the walled city of Boulogne, believing their artillery sufficient to overcome resistance. When the city continues to hold out, tunnels are dug as a wave of dysentery begins to assault the English army.

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Plot Keywords:

catherine parr | dysentery | regent | chaplain | italian | 

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Genres:

Drama | History | Romance | War

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Details

Country:

Canada Ireland

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 May 2010 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Ardmore Studios, Herbert Road, Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland

Company Credits

Production Co:

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Octagon Films, PA Tudors

Technical Specs

Runtime:

53 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

Henry actually conducted three wars against the French: 1512-14, 1522-23, and the one depicted here, 1543-46.

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Goofs

At the siege of Boulogne one or two English cannon are shown recoiling on firing, but others appear to have no recoil at all. Gunners are also shown serving a piece with gunpowder from a wide open container: this would have been unthinkable due to the danger from sparks.

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Quotes

Ambassador Charles de Marillac: Do you take me for a fool?
Ambassador Bishop Chapuys: No, Excellency. You are what you are... and so am I.

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