TUDOR ROSE
UK, 1936, 78 minutes, Black and white.
Cedric Hardwicke, Nova Pilbeam, John Mills, Felix Aylmer, Leslie Perrins, Frank Cellier, Desmond Tester, Gwen Frangcon Davis, Sybil Thorndike, Martita Hunt, Miles Malleson, John Laurie.
Directed by Robert Stevenson.
Tudor Rose is a more lavish production than might have been expected from Britain in the mid-'30s. It is the story of Lady Jane Grey, the Tudor Rose, who was chosen for political purposes to succeed Edward VI and became a scapegoat for the clash between Catholics and Protestants. She was also the victim of the Seymour family and their influence over Henry VIII and Edward VI. She and her husband Dudley were executed - seeming innocents, pawns of aristocratic power struggles.
Nova Pilbeam (Hitchcock's Young and Innocent) is an attractive Lady Jane. John Mills plays Lord Dudley. There is a strong supporting cast including Cedric Hardwicke and Felix Aylmer. The story was used in a rather more elaborate version from the '80s, Lady Jane, with Helena Bonham Carter and Cary Elwes, directed by Trevor Nunn.
1.A British historical film of the '30s? Its popularity in its time? Perceptions of British royal history?
2.The black and white photography, the elaborate sets, costumes, musical score? Re-creation of the Tudor period?
3.The title, the focus on Lady Jane Grey, perceptions of her, her memory? The innocent Tudor victim?
4.The historicity of the film: the reign of Henry VIII, the Reformation, the heir to Henry VIII, Edward VI, Catherine and Elizabeth? The role of the Seymours and their influence, especially over Edward VI? The Dudleys, the Greys? Users and used?
5.The film's dramatising of the politics of succession? Edward VI and his illness? Lady Jane Grey and the choice, the manoeuvres, the battles? Mary and the legitimate succession, the confrontation with the Seymours and the Dudleys, her encounter with Jane - and her regrets at the execution of Jane for treason?
6.The period of the Reformation and the Tudors, 16th century divine right of kings, male succession, power struggles and emerging nationalism?
7.The portrait of the Seymours, their plots, sinister? Warwick? Characters, their plotting, deaths? The influence on Edward VI and their downfall?
8.The picture of Edward VI, the young boy, not knowing what was happening around him, his attempts at ruling, the protectorate, the influence of the Seymours? His illness and collapse?
9.Jane Grey and her parents, quietly in the country, her encounter with James Dudley, the plans of the parents, the money and status deals, her not willing to be queen? The love for James, the separation from him? The visit with Mary? The sentence to death, the pathos of her execution?
10.James and his family, their influence, using him and their ambitions for a marriage with Lady Jane? Warwick and the plots? The collapse of the Revolution? The accession to the throne of Mary and her vindictive attitude towards those accused of treason?
11.An interesting glimpse of 16th century politics and religion?
