Good Reading, Great Play, So-So Film

Sir Thomas More is a fascinating historical figure. Here was a man who, at the cost of his own life, was willing to challenge the King of England. In Robert Bolt's play, "A Man For All Seasons," More is represented with depth and sensitivity. His homelife is well portrayed. Bolt's language is beautiful and elegant. His research proves itself impeccable and it shows in his representation of history. The strength of Thomas More was not his ability to fight physically, but with his words. Anyone who has read his book "Utopia" has been impressed with his logic, eloquence and strength of conviction. Bolt translates this eloquence of strength to the stage.

The play takes place during the reign of Henry VIII when he is first seeking permission from Rome to divorce his first wife, Katherine of Aragon. Because of political ties of Rome to Spain as much as for religious reasons, the Pope refuses Henry's request. Henry makes the decision to divorce her anyway and to create a breakaway Church of England. Most of his advisors give him the go-ahead with what he wishes to do, but More refuses to say that the Pope is wrong. He will support Henry's decision, but cannot bring himself to accept his king as head of the church. Many Englishmen faced this problem. Henry encourages, nudges, pushes and eventurally tortures and puts to death the most famous resister. Eventually, for his loyalty to the Church and willingness to die for it, More is made a saint.

This play is well written. It is, in fact, better to read than it is to see on stage. It is better to see on stage than it is to see the film version. The story is well suited to the pacing of the theater, but as a movie, it drags. There are almost too many monologues for a stage production. There are definitely too many for a movie. As reading, however, it is wonderful to explore the mind of a man who wrote some of the most intriguing words ever penned. There are many novels and movies in which Henry is portrayed in various aspects. It is refreshing to see him as a secondary character and not the lead. More is a wonderful leading man. He has a strong character; he is honest; he is a family man. The only thing he does not do well is play the games of court and politics. He is too honest and has too many convictions.

The film version of this play has wonderful production values. The sets and costumes are gorgeous, but the story drags. It's fine if you're sitting in bed late at night, but not if you're trying to stay awake.