Lady Jane (1986)

The death of King Henry VIII throws his kingdom into chaos because of succession disputes. His weak son King Edward VI is on his deathbed. Anxious to keep England true to the Reformation, a... See full summary »

Director:

Trevor Nunn

Writers:

Chris Bryant (story), David Edgar

Stars:

Helena Bonham Carter, Cary Elwes, John Wood

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Helena Bonham Carter	...	Lady Jane Grey
Cary Elwes	...	Guilford Dudley
John Wood	...	John Dudley, Duke of Nothumberland
Michael Hordern	...	Dr. Feckenham
Jill Bennett	...	Mrs. Ellen
Jane Lapotaire	...	Princess Mary
Sara Kestelman	...	Frances Grey, Duchess of Suffolk
Patrick Stewart	...	Henry Grey, Duke of Suffolk
Warren Saire	...	King Edward VI
Joss Ackland	...	Sir John Bridges
Ian Hogg	...	Sir John Gates
Lee Montague	...	Renard, the Spanish Ambassador
Richard Vernon	...	The Marquess of Winchester
David Waller	...	Archbishop Cranmer
Richard Johnson	...	The Earl of Arundel

Storyline

The death of King Henry VIII throws his kingdom into chaos because of succession disputes. His weak son King Edward VI is on his deathbed. Anxious to keep England true to the Reformation, a scheming minister John Dudley marries off his son, Guilford, to Lady Jane Grey, whom he places on the throne after Edward dies. At first hostile to each other, Guilford and Jane fall in love. But they cannot withstand the course of power which will lead to their ultimate downfall.

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Plot Keywords:

decapitation | horse drawn carriage | female nudity | starvation | brothel | 

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Taglines:

Under the shadow of the axe...

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | History | Romance

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Certificate:

PG-13

Did You Know?

Trivia

Thomas Wyatt was the leader of the rebellion, proclaiming her Queen of England. Her father, Henry Grey, was a part of this rebellion.

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Goofs

Through the movie John Dudley and everyone else keeps referring to Guilford as the last of three sons, the true Guilford was the 4th of the 5 sons of John and Jane Guildford Dudley to survive infancy. The 5 sons were, in order of age, John, Ambrose, Robert, Guildford, and Henry. At the time of the marriage negotiations Guildford was the eldest unmarried son of John Dudley and nearest to Jane Grey in age. John Dudley's 5 sons were all arrested after their father's fall from power. The eldest son John became ill during his imprisonment and died within days of being released. Ambrose survived and regained the family title of Earl of Warwick; he was the only Dudley son to leave surviving legitimate heirs. Robert fought under Queen Mary's husband Philip of Spain at St Quentin and went on to become Queen Elizabeth's favorite and gained the title of Earl of Leicester. Guildford was of course executed hours before his wife Lady Jane. Henry also fought under Philip of Spain and died in battle.

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Quotes

Sir John Bridges: [disgusted] Reprieves, for those who return to Rome!
John Dudley, Duke of Nothumberland: Ah... Well, then...
[cynically]
John Dudley, Duke of Nothumberland: Hail Mary.
Sir John Bridges: What?
John Dudley, Duke of Nothumberland: [crosses himself]

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Connections

Referenced in As You Wish: The Story of 'The Princess Bride' (2001)

User Reviews

Beautiful and Moving

It's hard for me to be objective about this film as I find both the main actors so divine, but I thought the portrayal of the developing romance extremely moving, by the time the film ended I was sobbing, and I say that about almost NO movie.

The cinematography was stunning, both indoor and outdoor shots were beautifully visualised and captured. The sets and costumes also were extremely well done.

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

7 February 1986 (USA)

Also Known As:

Lady Jane

Filming Locations:

Compton Wynyates, Warwickshire, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$8,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$55,964, 9 February 1986

Gross USA:

$277,646

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$277,646

Company Credits

Production Co:

Capital Equipment Leasing, Paramount Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

136 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1