Click here for a detailed explanation of how we determine our grades.

The MPAA rated A Man For All Seasons (1966) G.

What is integrity? The Merriam Webster Dictionary describes it as “firm adherence to a code of moral values.” It is synonymous with incorruptibility, honesty... or Sir Thomas More.

A Man For All Seasons tells the life story of this famous Englishman whose popularity amidst his fellow citizens comes from a reputation for fair and impartial judgment. Yet More’s (played by Paul Scofield) standing within his professional circle is shaken when he declines to support King Henry VIII’s (Robert Shaw) desperate desire to rid himself of a wife who cannot produce a male heir (the fact that the Ruler has found another woman is also adding urgency to his plight).

In order to successfully petition the Catholic Church to grant him a divorce from Katherine of Aragon, His Majesty needs the collaboration of the ecclesiastical and political leaders in his own country. Using his royal authority to exert the necessary power of persuasion (including bribes, threats, and levying taxes), the Monarch soon enlists the ruling class in his cause. More is also subjected to these tactics.

First he is bullied by Cardinal Wolsey (Orson Wells), a high ranking official both in church and state, who calls More’s religious point of view “a horrible moral squint.” Then he is flattered by career advancements. When these approaches fail to sway his loyalty to honor King before God, the attack moves to the courts where clever lawyers attempt to snare the stalwart man in various legal loopholes.

Recognizing the potential dangers of his situation, More tries to shield himself with strict adherence to the letter of the law, using incredible self-control to avoid any incriminating statements. However, his silent conviction to his principles roars louder than any inflammatory speech.

This Academy Award winning film (with six Oscars including Best Picture for 1966) convincingly reconstructs this turbulent time in English and Christian history. Although it contains only a few profanities and some implied violence, young children may object to the dialogue heavy script. Those with longer attention spans will be amply rewarded by what the story offers. Sir Thomas More is not an action figure, like those who frequently flash across the silver screen, but his courageous fortitude makes him a powerful hero nonetheless. A cinematic portrait of integrity, A Man for All Seasons proves there are some qualities that should never fall out of fashion.

Interested in owning a copy? Help support Grading The Movies by making your purchase through these links...
On DVD

Talk about the movie with your family...

At his trial, More makes reference to the biblical scripture, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). How did More apply this Christian teaching in his life?

The film’s script quotes from historical records the actual words spoken by Sir Thomas More and Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, after each of them had fallen from the King’s favor. More is reported to have said, “The King’s good servant, but God’s first, ” while Wolsey declared, “If I had served God as diligently as I have done the King, he would not have given me over in my gray hairs.” What insight do these statements shed on the practice of “situational ethics” –meaning to shift one’s values or behavior according to the prevailing circumstances? What other characters in the movie subscribed to this philosophy?

To learn more about Sir Thomas More, see www.luminarium.org/renlit/morebio.htm. While you are there, check out the biography of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey at www.luminarium.org/encyclopedia/wolseybio.htm.

Video Alternatives...

Gandhi is another movie adaptation of a true story featuring a man unwilling to abandon his convictions. Standing up for what is right, regardless of the consequences, is the theme found On the Waterfront.

Donna Gustafson

© 2004 One Voice Communications. All Rights Reserved