The Other Boleyn Girl (2003 film)

Infobox Television Film
name = The Other Boleyn Girl


imagesize = 70px
caption = The Other Boleyn Girl DVD Cover
format =
runtime = 90 minutes
studio =
distributor =
creator =
writer = Philippa Gregory
Philippa Lowthorpe
director = Philippa Lowthorpe
producer =
starring = Natascha McElhone
Jodhi May
Jared Harris
Steven Mackintosh
music =
budget = £50,000
country =
language = English
network = BBC
released =
first_aired = March 28, 2003
last_aired =
num_episodes =
preceded_by =
followed_by =
website =
imdb_id = 0357392
tv_com_id =
amg_id = :"For the 2008 film, see The Other Boleyn Girl (film)""The Other Boleyn Girl" is a 2003 BBC television film, adapted from Philippa Gregory's novel of the same name. It received mixed reviews.

Production

There was a relatively low production budget of £50,000 (certain criticisms of the film were derived from this, some saying that the lack of sumptuous costumes didn't do justice to the periodFact|date=April 2008). The drama was shot using modern camera techniques and the cast spent four weeks in workshops improvising the script together with the director. It will come out on DVD on the 25th of August 2008, following the release of the 2008 version. [ [http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0012X6RG0 Amazon.co.uk: The Other Boleyn Girl: Yolanda Vasquez, Jared Harris, Natascha McElhone, Steven Mackintosh, Jodhi May, Phillipa Lowthorpe: DVD ] ]

Plot Outline

The tale follows the history of Mary Boleyn (portrayed by 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. The film outlines their relationship, his relationship with Anne and then the downfall of Anne (who was beheaded).

Alterations from the Novel

Many of the novel's subplots were left out, including George's homosexuality. Catherine of Aragon's role was much smaller as well, and Thomas Boleyn was presented more favorably. Jodhi May attempted to play Anne Boleyn in a more favorable light than the novel, but there was still a scene in which Anne begs George to sleep with her. In this production, however, they are encouraged by Mary, which is a considerable change from the book. Only one of Mary's children is fathered by the king, unlike the two in the book.

Cast

*Natascha McElhone as Mary Boleyn
*Jodhi May as Anne Boleyn
*Jared Harris as Henry VIII
*Steven Mackintosh as George Boleyn
*Philip Glenister as William Stafford
*Jack Shepherd as Thomas Boleyn
*Ron Cook as Thomas Cromwell
*Anthony Howell as William Carey
*Jane Gurnett as Elizabeth Boleyn
*Yolanda Vazquez as Catherine of Aragon
*Geoffrey Streatfield as Francis Weston

References

External links

*imdb title|0357392|The Other Boleyn Girl
* [http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0012X6RG0 The Other Boleyn Girl DVD at Amazon.uk]