The Private Life of Henry VIII (1933)

Directed by Alexander Korda, The Private Life of Henry VIII is a landmark British historical drama that helped establish the international reputation of both Korda and its star, Charles Laughton. The film focuses not on Henry’s political reign, but rather on the colorful and often tragic fates of his six wives, told with a mix of dark humor and theatrical flair.

Plot Summary
The story begins in 1536, immediately following the execution of Anne Boleyn (Merle Oberon), Henry’s second wife. From there, the film moves through his subsequent marriages:

• Jane Seymour (Wendy Barrie), who dies in childbirth
• Anne of Cleves (Elsa Lanchester), whose marriage is annulled after Henry finds her unattractive
• Katherine Howard (Binnie Barnes), whose affair with Thomas Culpeper (Robert Donat) leads to both their executions
• Catherine Parr (Everley Gregg), who survives Henry and dominates him in his final years

The film ends with Henry reflecting bitterly on his marital misadventures, breaking the fourth wall to declare, “Six wives, and the best of them’s the worst.”

Cast Highlights

• Charles Laughton as King Henry VIII
• Merle Oberon as Anne Boleyn
• Elsa Lanchester as Anne of Cleves
• Binnie Barnes as Katherine Howard
• Robert Donat as Thomas Culpeper
• Wendy Barrie, Everley Gregg, and Franklin Dyall in supporting roles

Behind-the-Scenes Trivia

• Laughton’s performance earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, making him the first British actor to win an Oscar
• He and Elsa Lanchester, who played Anne of Cleves, were married in real life
• During filming, Laughton reportedly bit co-star Wendy Barrie on the arm in character—mirroring Henry’s reputed temper
• The film’s famous banquet scene led to a quirky tradition: Laughton was often served roast chicken without utensils by amused restaurant owners
• Due to budget constraints, some sets were only half-built, requiring actors to stay precisely on their marks to avoid revealing unfinished scenery