Henry VI, Part 1.

Streaming video - 1984

This production is part of a famous series produced by BBC of all of William Shakespeare's plays. The resulting films, renowned for their loyalty to the text, utilized the best theatrical and television directors and brought highly praised performances from leading contemporary actors. As the nation mourns the death of King Henry V, news reaches England of military setbacks in France. After the release of their General, Lord Talbot, the English reclaim lost ground, but the appearance of a mystic warrior-woman, Joan of Arc, inspires the French. Meanwhile, at Henry's court, feuds begin between the lords of the white and the red roses... The first part in the most complete television version of the trilogy, this stylized production r...ecreates Henry's early days as King. Here, Oliver Blaydon's set, a children's adventure playground decaying through the trilogy, reflects the disintegrating state of England. more