Previewing The Tudors

I received a request from the marketers of this new production to inspect their site, because they'd seen my (very brief) movie review of "The Queen".

My first reaction was to ignore the request, but I watched the filmed preview - and, although I know very little about Tudor England, I found the acting performances, pacing and costuming of the preview most intriguing. It certainly helps that the always-dependable Sam Neill is in there. I'll certainly be checking out "The Tudors" when it turns up in Australia. Episode #1 previews on the Internet on 12th March, and on US TV a few weeks later.

About The Show:

"Lover. Warrior. Rebel. King. Jonathan Rhys Meyers is Henry VIII as never seen before. 'The Tudors' is the epic new Showtime Original Series that reveals the scandalous life of the stunning young monarch, who ruled his kingdom with ruthless abandon. With a lust for power and an appetite for love, Henry's affair with Anne Boleyn – and obsession with producing a male heir – changed the institution of marriage, and the world, forever. 'The Tudors' is the untold story of Henry VIII, the beloved tyrant whose reign was marked by treachery, betrayal and intrigue."

Cast: Jonathan Rhys Meyers is King Henry VIII.
Starring: Sam Neill, Callum Blue, Henry Cavill, Henry Czerny, Natalie Dormer and Jeremy Northam.

On the seventh day of Christmas

Not much to report this morning. Did some more housework yesterday, and went to the movies to use up my last discount Hot Cash before the coupon expired (ie. today). I saw "The Queen", which stars Helen Mirren, in an excellent, thought-provoking docudrama about the reactions of the Royal Family to the death of Diana, the Princess of Wales. These days, this kind of movie usually turns up as a telemovie or mini-series on TV, but it was refreshing to see this on the big screen. Fascinating!

Here are today's Christmas tree ornaments:



Above left: For 1994, the (very heavy!) ceramic, church-shaped stable is hinged, so it can open up to reveal the Nativity scene. Baby Jesus is in a water-filled glass ball on one side and the onlookers are on the other side, reunited only when the stable is closed up. Purchased from David Jones' city store. The little raccoon inspects a bag of Christmas gifts. This cute little ornament was purchased from Grace Bros. in Roselands.

Above right: For 1993, this decoration celebrated that year's big animation movie, Disney's "Aladdin". When a cord is pulled, Genie raises his arms. From Grace Bros. in Roselands. The silver plastic Tin Woodsman, from "The Wizard of Oz" was found in a local "Two Dollar Shop" and was good timing, since there was a great stage show version doing the rounds at the time.

Happy 2007 everyone!