Search - The Shadow of the Tower on DVD

Samuel K. (Solvanda)
Reviewed on 1/13/2019...

1972 series, BBC, thirteen episodes, prequel to the earlier serials "The Six Wives of Henry VIII" and "Elizabeth R". It focuses on Henry VII of England and the creation of the Tudor dynasty. These are events which occurred 500 years ago, and are still, to this day, subjects of dispute. Henry VII is generally most famous for being Henry VIII's father and defeating Richard III at the battle of Bosworth, which brought the War of the Roses to an end. There is a lot of complex history which occurs in this short period. After viewing this series, it certainly made clear in my mind the reasons that Henry VIII seemed so mentally imbalanced in his monomaniacal quest to secure a male heir.

Much of the budget here was given to the wardrobe department, as you'll notice when looking at the sets. The scripting is so well done however, that the production values fall into the background. If you are a historical aficionado, the detail here will no doubt fascinate. Henry VII's Lancastrian claims to the throne were rather dubious to say the least, being born in Wales, and of mixed background. His appearance however, supplied a figurehead to the Welsh "Son of Prophecy" who would save the land, which he appropriated to maximum effectiveness. This is a time when the advent of print began to exert an influence on what would be taught of bygone ages.

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