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A Man for All SeasonsThat Robert Bolt's adaptation of his own stage play won six Oscars at the Academy Awards in 1967 took many by surprise. An incisive exploration of ethics, it relies heavily on Bolt's caustic wit and subtle handling of some weighty issues. Yet the sheer power of his writing, and the understated approach of director Zinnemann (From Here To Eternity) make this is a quietly profound historical drama with expert performances by its charismatic actors.
At its centre is the clash between fiery monarch Henry VIII (Shaw) and his devout Catholic chancellor Sir Thomas More (Scofield). Henry wants to break with the Catholic Church so that he can divorce Catherine of Aragon and marry Anne Boleyn (Redgrave). More refuses to sanction the move but Henry goes ahead anyway. Unshakable and vocal in his conviction that Henry is wrong, More is imprisoned and eventually executed.
Though quality support comes from John Hurt, Orson Welles and Shaw as the chaotic King, it's a film that belongs entirely to Oscar-winner Scofield. With his melancholy smile, dry laugh and even drier wit, More is far from the dour dogmatist one might expect and, in depicting his fall, Bolt conveys much about the nature of faith and the abuse of power.
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