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The Private Life of Henry VIII. (Original title)Oh Henry (Working title)Henry VIII (Working title)The Private Life of Henry VIII (Help search title)
Date: 24 October 1933 (Release)

Countries: United Kingdom, USA

Directed by: Alexander Korda

Synopsis: Historical comedy. The story of Henry VIII's numerous marriages.

Genres:
Biopic, Historical drama

Subject:
Henry VIII (1491-1547)
Releases
Date: 1933Country: United KingdomRelease type: TheatricalFormat: 35mm Film - Black and White - SoundRuntime: 96 mins Length: 8664 FeetDialogue (original): English

Credits (30)
Presents: London Film Productions, Production Company: United Artists, Distributed by: United Artists, a Korda-Toeplitz production: Alexander Korda, Ludovico Toeplitz, Production Manager: David B. Cunynghame, Assistant Director: Geoffrey Boothby, Story and Dialogue by: Lajos Biro, Arthur Wimperis, Scenario by: Arthur Wimperis, Photography by: Georges Perinal, Camera: Osmond Borrodaile, [Assistant Camera]: Donald Gallai-Hatchard, Editorial Supervision: Harold Young, Film Editor: Stephen Harrison, Assistant Editor: Philip Charlot, Settings Designed by: Vincent Korda, Costumes Designed by: John Armstrong, Costumiers: B.J.Simmons & Company, Make-up: James Barker, Song, 'What Shall I Do for Love?': Henry Viii, Music: Kurt Schroeder, Dances Supervised by: M. Espinosa, Sound: A.W. Watkins, Recorded on: Western Electric, Technical Adviser: Philip Lindsay, Falconry Expert: Captain Knight, General Press Agent: Hal Horne, Studio: British and Dominions Studios
Cast (24)
Charles Laughton (Henry VIII), Robert Donat (Thomas Culpeper), Franklin Dyall (Thomas Cromwell), Miles Mander (Wriothesley), Lawrence Hanray (Archbishop Cranmer), William Austin (Duke of Cleves), John Loder (Thomas Peynell), Claude Allister (Cornell), Gibb McLaughlin (the French executioner), Sam Livesey (the English executioner), Merle Oberon (Anne Boleyn, the second wife), Wendy Barrie (Jane Seymour, the third wife), Elsa Lanchester (Anne of Cleves, the fourth wife), Binnie Barnes (Katherine Howard, the fifth wife), Everley Gregg (Katherine Parr, the sixth wife), Lady Tree (the king's nurse), John Turnbull ([Hans Holbein]), Frederick Culley ([Duke of Norfolk]), Judy Kelly ([Lady Rochford]), Hay Petrie ([barber]), Arthur Howard ([member of kitchen staff]), Wally Patch ([man with cleaver in kitchen]), Rosamund Greenwood, William Heughan ([uncredited])
Articles held in BFI Reuben Library (17)
In: Sight and Sound v19 n7 July 2009  Page: 95
Title: Reviews: DVDs: The Private Life of Henry VIIIAuthor: MACNAB, Geoffrey Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English

In: Sight and Sound v18 n3 March 2008  Pages: 36-39
Title: Ruffs and fumblesAuthor: JAYS, David Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: With the release of The OTHER BOLEYN GIRL discusses the enduring fascination with Tudor costume dramas; analyses the iconography of the films and characterisations of both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I in particular.

In: Journal of British Cinema and Television v1 n2 2004  Pages: 291-296
Title: Book reviewsAuthor: SINYARD, Neil Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Review essays of 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' by Mark Connelly (I.B.Tauris, 2003); 'Get Carter' by Steve Chibnall (Tauris, 2003); 'Dracula' by Peter Hutchings (Tauris, 2003); 'The Private Life of Henry VIII' by Greg Walker (Tauris,2003

In: Radio Times v311 n4053 3 Nov 2001  Page: 62
Title: The reel story behind...The Private Life of Henry VIII.Author: COLLINS, Andrew Article type: Short ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Short article giving background information to the production of the film.

In: Journal of Popular British Cinema n1 1998  Pages: 158-161
Title: ReviewsAuthor: Harper, Sue Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Review of "The Korda Collection", a selection of 12 video titles released by Carlton Home Entertainment, includes The PRIVATE LIFE OF HENRY VIII (1933).

In: Spectator v14 n2 Spring 1994  Pages: 22-37
Title: Fear and Loathing of British CinemaAuthor: TASHIRO, Charles Shiro Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Discusses characteristics of British cinema which are diffe- rent from Hollywood. Mentions such things as camera techniq- ue e.g THE PRIVATE LIFE OF HENRY VIII, the links with theatre etc. Article argues against criticism of GB cinema.

In: Sight and Sound v2 n5 September 1992  Page: 69
Title: [Sight and Sound - v2 n5 September 1992: no known title]Article type: NoteLanguage: English
Description: Video note

In: Monthly Film Bulletin v13 n151 July 1946  Page: 94
Title: [Monthly Film Bulletin - v13 n151 July 1946: no known title]Language: English

In: Kinematograph Weekly n2046 4 Jul 1946
Title: [Kinematograph Weekly - n2046 4 Jul 1946: no known title]Language: English

In: Monthly Film Bulletin v5 n55 July 1938  Page: 188
Title: [Monthly Film Bulletin - v5 n55 July 1938: no known title]Article type: NoteLanguage: English
Description: Reissue note

In: The Picturegoer v3 n143 17 Feb 1934  Page: 24
Title: [The Picturegoer - v3 n143 17 Feb 1934: no known title]Language: English

In: The Picturegoer v3 n120 9 Sep 1933  Page: 10
Title: [The Picturegoer - v3 n120 9 Sep 1933: no known title]Language: English

In: Cinema Quarterly v2 n1 Autumn 1933  Page: Autumn 39
Title: [Cinema Quarterly - v2 n1 Autumn 1933: no known title]Language: English

In: Photoplay v45 n1 December 1933  Page: 58
Title: [Photoplay - v45 n1 December 1933: no known title]Language: English

In: Kinematograph Weekly n1375 24 Aug 1933
Title: [Kinematograph Weekly - n1375 24 Aug 1933: no known title]Language: English

In: Sight and Sound v2 n8 Winter 1933/34  Page: Winter 124
Title: [Sight and Sound - v2 n8 Winter 1933/34: no known title]Language: English

In:
Title: [ - : no known title]


Books held in BFI Reuben Library (6)
Title: British cinema
Author: MURPHY, Robert  Pages: 4 volumes

Title: Film architecture and the transnational imagination: set designs in 1930s European cinema
Author: BERGFELDER, Tim  Pages: 316p.

Title: Past and present: national identity and the British historical film
Author: CHAPMAN, James  Pages: xv, 400 p.

Title: Private Life of Henry VIII
Author: WALKER, Greg  Pages: x, 114 p.

Title: British cinema, past and present
Author: ASHBY, Justine  Pages: vii-xx, 385p.

Title: The private life of Henry VIII
Author: BIRO, Lajos  Pages: xx,108p.
Description: Also in The History of the Cinema 1895-1940 microfiche. Directed by Alexander Korda, story and dialogue by Lajos Biro and Arthur Wimperis; edited with an introduction by Ernest Betts.


Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(44)
Accessible materials to view(4)
Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 8443 FeetBFI identifier: C-138254
Status: Viewing - Viewing experience and projection may be compromised by condition of film print (servicing required)


Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 8430 FeetStock date: 1975BFI identifier: C-138253
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)


Description: 35mm PositiveBase: PolyesterSound: CombinedBFI identifier: N-628570
Status: Viewing


Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 8437 FeetBFI identifier: C-982141
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)



Digital materials(13)
Description: WAVBFI identifier: N-626300
Status: Master


Description: DPX - LTO6BFI identifier: N-628552
Status: Master


Description: DPX - LTO6BFI identifier: N-628552-2
Status: Master


Description: DPX - LTO6BFI identifier: N-628557
Status: Master


Description: DPX - LTO6BFI identifier: N-628557-2
Status: Master


Description: DCDM - LTO6BFI identifier: N-628562
Status: Master


Description: DCDM - LTO6BFI identifier: N-628562-2
Status: Master


Description: MOV - LTO6ProRes 422 (HQ) - BFI identifier: N-628563
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved digital file


Description: MOV - LTO6ProRes 422 (HQ) - BFI identifier: N-628563-2
Status: Master


Description: DCP - PDC Portable Digital CarrierDuration: 01:34:42:14 minutesJPEG2000 - BFI identifier: N-628568
Status: Master


Description: WAVBFI identifier: N-726812
Status: Master


Description: WAVBFI identifier: N-1001822
Status: Master


Description: MOV - PDC Portable Digital CarrierProRes 4444 - BFI identifier: N-3617801
Status: Master



Video materials(3)
Description: Digital BetacamBFI identifier: N-376102
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved videotape


Description: Digital BetacamBFI identifier: N-376909
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved videotape


Description: VHS cassetteBFI identifier: C-593671
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status



Film materials(28)
Description: 35mm BW Dupe NegativeBase: NitrateSound: CombinedStock date: 1933BFI identifier: N-7212
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: NitrateSound: CombinedLength: 8437 FeetStock date: 1947BFI identifier: C-138249
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film (servicing required)


Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: CTASound: CombinedLength: 8158 FeetStock date: 1977BFI identifier: C-744544
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: NitrateSound: CombinedLength: 1600 FeetStock date: 1934BFI identifier: C-1428108
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: PolyesterSound: CombinedBFI identifier: N-726609
Status: On loan - Restricted access to film on loan to BFI


Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 8443 FeetBFI identifier: C-138254
Status: Viewing - Viewing experience and projection may be compromised by condition of film print (servicing required)


Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 8430 FeetStock date: 1975BFI identifier: C-138253
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)


Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 8437 FeetBFI identifier: C-982141
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)


Description: 35mm Dupe NegativeBase: PolyesterSound: SoundStock date: 1997BFI identifier: N-18772
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Dupe NegativeBase: PolyesterSound: MuteLength: 8437 FeetStock date: 1997BFI identifier: C-982139
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film - suitable for duplication


Description: 35mm Dupe NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 8455 FeetStock date: 1981BFI identifier: C-138256
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Dupe NegativeBase: NitrateSound: CombinedLength: 8432 FeetStock date: 1947BFI identifier: C-138250
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Dupe NegativeBase: PolyesterSound: MuteBFI identifier: N-628569
Status: Master


Description: 35mm Dupe NegativeBase: SafetySound: Combined as MuteLength: 8447 FeetStock date: 1972BFI identifier: C-744543
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Dupe NegativeBase: CTASound: MuteLength: 8463 FeetStock date: 1966BFI identifier: C-744540
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Dupe NegativeBase: CTASound: SoundLength: 8463 FeetStock date: 1966BFI identifier: C-744541
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Dupe NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteStock date: 1997BFI identifier: N-30284
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Dupe NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 8118 FeetStock date: 1971BFI identifier: C-1013412
Status: On loan - Material returned to lender, donor or transferred to another institution


Description: 35mm Dupe NegativeBase: MixedSound: CombinedLength: 8327 FeetStock date: 1933BFI identifier: C-1013413
Status: On loan - Material returned to lender, donor or transferred to another institution


Description: 35mm Duplicating PositiveBase: CTASound: CombinedLength: 8447 FeetStock date: 1977BFI identifier: C-744542
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Lavender Duplicating PositiveBase: NitrateSound: MuteLength: 8437 FeetStock date: 1933BFI identifier: C-138251
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm NegativeBase: NitrateSound: SoundBFI identifier: N-7324
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm PositiveBase: NitrateSound: SoundLength: 8437 FeetStock date: 1933BFI identifier: C-138252
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm PositiveBase: PolyesterSound: CombinedBFI identifier: N-730410
Status: Status pending


Description: 35mm PositiveBase: PolyesterSound: CombinedBFI identifier: N-628570
Status: Viewing


Description: 35mm Re-recorded NegativeBase: PolyesterSound: SoundLength: 8720 FeetStock date: 2010BFI identifier: C-982140
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Re-recorded NegativeBase: SafetySound: SoundLength: 8455 FeetBFI identifier: C-138255
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Re-recorded NegativeBase: PolyesterSound: SoundBFI identifier: N-628571
Status: Master