Bluebeard of Kings Portrayed by Laughton

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 151, 29 June 1938, Page 11

Bluebeard of Kings Portrayed by Laughton

“THE PRIVATE LIFE OF HENRY VIII” (Mayfair: Now screening.) From early boyhood, -when the lure of the stage first began to beckon the youthful Charles Laughton from his position as a hotel clerk with its promise of great things, he has always wanted to play the role of Henry VIII. “The Private Life of Henry VIII,” a United Artists release sees the fulfillment of that wish and critics liavo credited Laughton with giving his greatest performance as the monarch who is recorded in history as the Bluebeard of kings.

The story, as written by Lajos Biro and Arthur Wimperis, is concerned with the romantic rather than the historic phase of Henry’s reign. This does not mean that London Films in producing it, or Alexander Korda in directing ft, have taken any liberties with the life of England’s “Bluff King Hal” as recorded, but rather that tho king is shown as a man with human, lovable qualities and with as many domestic difficulties as any husband who married six times. In fact, the story of “The Private Life of Henry VIII” leans decidedly towards the humorous, and it is claimed the picture provides almost continuous laughter.

Five of the six wives of Henry VIII are portrayed in the film. Merle Obcroa plays Anne Boleyn and was found to 'greatly resemble that unfortunate lady. Laughton’s wife, Elsa Lanchester, plays Ann of Cleves, whose wedding night provides tho picture w r ith its comedy high spot. Wendy Barrie is Jane Seymour, who bore the king a son and then died. Binnio Barnes as the lovely but faithless Katheryn Howard gives promise of a great career ahead of her. Henry’s last wife, Katherine Parr, is played by Everley Gregg. Other important roles ai-o played by Lady Tree, Robert Donat, Allies Mander, Franklin Dyall, Claud Allister and John Turnbull.