The Other Boleyn Girl (2003 film)
| The Other Boleyn Girl | |
|---|---|
The Other Boleyn Girl DVD cover
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| Based on |
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory |
| Screenplay by | Philippa Lowthorpe |
| Story by | Philippa Gregory |
| Directed by | Philippa Lowthorpe |
| Starring |
Natascha McElhone Jodhi May Jared Harris Steven Mackintosh |
| Theme music composer | Peter Salem |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language(s) | English |
| Production | |
| Producer(s) | Ruth Caleb |
| Running time | 90 minutes |
| Budget | £750 000 |
| Release | |
| Original network | BBC |
| Original release | It was included as an extra on the DVD release of the BBC's The Six Wives of Henry VIII.28 March 2003 |
The Other Boleyn Girl is a 2003 BBC television film, adapted from Philippa Gregory's novel of the same name. It was re-released on DVD on 6 October 2008, following the release of the 2008 version.
This was a low production budget of £750 000. The film was shot using modern camera techniques and the cast spent four weeks in workshops improvising the script with the director.
The tale follows the history of Mary Boleyn (Natascha McElhone), sister of Anne Boleyn (Jodhi May), second wife of Henry VIII (Jared Harris). Before his relationship with Anne, Henry favoured her sister Mary, who was by then married to her first husband, William Carey, and a lady in waiting to his wife, Queen Catherine of Aragon. Despite her objections, Mary is forced to become the king's mistress, with her husband's reluctant permission and agreement. Mary asks her husband if she's offended him, and he claims that she hasn't, although Mary despairs that William did not object to the illicit union with the king. In time, Mary confesses what she has done to God, and feel guilty whenever she serves the queen, for the queen knows about the relationship, yet says nothing. Mary soon comes to terms with being the king's mistress, however, and begins to fall in love with the king.
Meanwhile, Anne, portrayed as the younger sister (despite being the older sister in the book) falls in love with Lord Henry Percy, heir to the title of Duke of Northumberland. Lord Henry is already betrothed, either without Anne's knowledge, but it is more likely that she doesn't care. Anne and Henry frequently flirt and kiss, and, despite Mary's warnings, soon consummate their affair when Mary is at the height of her power as the king's mistress. It takes great courage for Mary to literally run to their parents and their uncle, who belittle Anne and tell her that she's made a grave mistake and, despite her beliefs that they are betrothed, that the love of her life is already engaged to the daughter of an earl. The match was made by the king's right-hand man, Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, with the king's permission. Fearing that Anne will spoil Mary's relationship with the king, the family plan to send her away, much to Anne's devastation. George comforts Anne, but later leaves with their parents and uncle, while Mary attempts to explain why she did what she did. Anne screams to Mary that she will never forget what Mary has done, before Anne is exiled to the family seat of Hever Castle.
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