The death of King Henry VIII throws his kingdom into chaos because of succession disputes. His weak son, Edward, is on his deathbed. Anxious to keep England true to the Reformation, a scheming minister John Dudley marries off his son, Guildford to Lady Jane Grey, whom he places on the throne after Edward dies. At first hostile to each other, Guildford and Jane fall in love, but they cannot withstand the course of power which will lead to their ultimate downfall.
Acting
Helena Bonham Carter's screen debut—feral, luminous, devastating.
Costume
Tudor opulence so gorgeous you'll forget everyone's about to die.
Writing
Historical fiction that invents romance but keeps the beheading real.
Director
Trevor Nunn
Helena Bonham Carter
Lady Jane Grey
Cary Elwes
Guilford Dudley
John Wood
John Dudley, Duke of Nothumberland
Patrick Stewart
Henry Grey, Duke of Suffolk
Joss Ackland
Sir John Bridges
Michael Hordern
Dr. Feckenham
Jane Lapotaire
Princess Mary
Ian Hogg
Sir John Gates
Pip Torrens
Thomas
Richard Vernon
The Marquess of Winchester
Richard Johnson
The Earl of Arundel
Guy Henry
Robert Dudley
Andrew Bicknell
John Dudley
Nicky Croydon
Singing Maid
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Helena Bonham Carter was 19 and still studying at Cambridge when cast; Trevor Nunn discovered her in a student play.
The real Lady Jane Grey was queen for nine days at 16 and mostly a Protestant pawn—this film's romantic rebellion is pure 1980s fantasy grafted onto Tudor tragedy.
US
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