The Devil's Crown

Excellent television, of a type they will never make again. Unlike the tedious backdrops and effects of today, the sets are built like a play; whimsical and appreciative; nothing to detract from the extraordinary performances on display. Brian Cox plays a convincing Henry II - tough, outrageous, red-haired; he betrays Henry's viking roots. Jane Lapotaire plays his wife and Michael Byrne their son Richard - both are stand-outs, as are their characters. The writing is v remarkable. As memory serves, it is more about clever dialogue set-pieces more than narrative thrust (much like a play). The story is of the three Angevin Kings of England - Henry, Richard and John - and their domestic altercations that leads inevitably and casually into endemic armed conflict. They fact we never see these battles, and only a few of its participants, makes it feel even more fittingly morbid. Many of the nuances of feudalism are present: all the England crown's lands in France are under the overlordship of the 'King of the Franks' whose alternating friendship and hostility with these Norman kings and counts adds another layer of historical social structure to the scenario. It seems to be very risque for the era, though this may be my limited experience with series from that time, what with being born a latter day millennial. There is a fair amount of nudity and sexual references.

I watched this on live TV back in the 1970s - remember those days? Yes we had to stay in to watch it each week.

It has taken root in my memories for many reasons.

The acting was compelling. All the main characters were exceptional. History was brought vividly to life and my passion for The Plantagenets began.

I can hardly believe that 4+ decades later I'm still searching for it!! Come on BBC - how can we get to see it.

Many of the actors became my favourites! I remember writing a fan letter to the magnificent Michael Byrne and receiving a delightful message and signed photograph in the post. I still watch him wherever I see him and still get just as swept up in his performances as when I was that 20-year old.

Loved him through all his incarnations.

Please, someone tell me how we can watch this again?

I enjoyed this drama so much that here I am today doing a google search on it, just in case it's available on video (apparently not, dammit!). John Duttine and Jane Lapotaire in particular are just plain stunning in this production. Brian Cox also made a big impression. The set decoration also sticks in my mind. At times it seemed as if the actors had been transplanted to some medieval painting. Why on earth "Masterpiece Theater" has never showed this one in the USA is beyond me. If you are stuck with the Walter Scott or Legends of Robin Hood version of King Richard vs King John, prepare to have your preconceptions shattered here. Richard is shown as profligate and vain, while John is more sympathetically portrayed than you will ever see elsewhere.

Very interesting, nicely-made, and mostly historically accurate TV series about the lives King Henry II of England, his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine and his sons, including King Richard I (Lionheart) and King John I (Lackland). This series includes thirteen 50-minutes episodes covering the rise and fall of the Angevin Empire from 1150 when young Henry and his father Goeffrey Count of Anjou visit Paris and first meet with Eleanor of Aquitaine, then Queen of France, to 1216 with the death of King John. There are essentially no outdoor scenes in this series and it is most often much more akin to a theater play than a movie or even a TV show. Decors are highly stylized and patterned after the illustrations of medieval manuscripts. Nevertheless the acting and dialogs are excellent and the show always captivates your attention with the intricacies and deviousness of medieval politics.

I recall this as a serial on BBC2, which was (is?) the more highbrow of the two BBC channels available in 1978. It whetted my appetite for history, which as a boy I hated. I too Googled it hoping for a DVD set, not even a Region 2 one (I live in America now, but I have the means). If it ever comes out, here is what to expect:

An accurate historical dramatisation, not just a showcase for actors (though they give an excellent performance). Dates are shown at the bottom of the screen, so you can keep track of when this all happened. (I don't think I have ever seen that before except in documentaries, and this was not broadcast as a documentary).

There is a book (published by the BBC to go with the serial), by Richard Barber. If you can find a copy, this is an excellent companion that includes discussions on motives and factual uncertainties, and has maps, eg the Third Crusade and the Angevin domains in England and Europe.

The only "problem" with all this is that has the look of a "budget" production. But the acting and the content and authenticity are what make it! It might not work in America however, though the period 1133-1216 is part of America's history due to the migration of Europeans. I will definitely buy the DVD set if is issued!