The Private Life of Henry VIII.

A good biopic with a very solid and entertaining performance from Laughton.

I've rarely seen so many sexual innuendos in one movie, and one from 1933 at that. Even Lubitsch can't keep up here! An entertaining tongue-in-cheek interpretation of the King and all his Wives - and who really appreciates an "accurate" film of historical events aside from mothers? Laughton is incredibly charismatic and does well in adding an unusual charm to a vain, yet powerful and amusingly arrogant rascal. No wonder this movie catapulted British cinema into brief success across the pond.

A fun biopic that has stood the test of time well enough.

Made good because Charles Laughton is in it.

Charles Laughton is just plain great in this comedy.

Wonderful comedy, with Laughton having a field day as the flamboyant king (and stopping just short of merciless ham!) Perhaps historically suspect, but remarkably fresh and modern for a film made in popular cinema's early days.

Laughton's embodiment of pomp and vanity is a thing to behold. This is a funny picture, but apart from the titan lead performance, perhaps it is most striking in moments of unexpected poignancy: Anne Boleyn facing execution with grace, Culpeper's unrequited love, and an aging Henry who longs for companionship.

While the history-lover in me shakes his fist at some of the "liberties," Charles Laughton makes the perfect Henry VIII. Only (his real-life wife) Lanchester comes close to matching his personality here. It's a fun watch, but it sometimes feels like it's just a collection of skits rather than a complete whole.

A light-hearted look at the monarch and his six wives. Never laugh-out-loud funny, but generally amusing, frequently charming and occasionally poignant. I suppose it goes without saying that the highlight is Charles Laughton in the title role, commanding the screen like nobody's business without ever seeming hammy. As for the rest of it, well, it could use a little something extra. I was consistently entertained, but never bowled over. Still, an enjoyable little romp with a touch of naughtiness.

A humorous historical portrait of King Henry VIII with Charles Laughton in a wonderful over the top performance as the king. A gigantic flirt. A king one can hardly call elegant, nor discrete. We go through 5 or his 6 wifes and it's hilarious to follow Laughton different reactions to all of them. The film as a whole lacked something else besides Laughton's reactions to help the movie become a more rounded experience. But as a Laughton vehicle it's a joy and he deserves his Oscar!