A Man For All Seasons Details

This is a creditable television version of Robert Bolt's fine play, which was itself formed into a masterly film in 1966 by Fred Zinnemann. The director this time out, unusually, is Charlton Heston, who also plays the leading role of Sir Thomas More, having at the time recently re-created the role on stage at London's Phoenix theatre. Heston's creased features and distinguished tones are well suited to the part, and his innate integrity shines through. He's well served by a distinguished British support cast that includes John Gielgud, Vanessa Redgrave and, notably, the late Roy Kinnear. Well worth watching, though no match for the Zinnemann movie in which Paul Scofield won the Oscar for best actor.

Irreproachable film version of a play which has had its narrative tricks removed but stands up remarkably well. Acting, direction, sets, locations and costumes all have precisely the right touch.