Persian Realm

I love intelligent Historical Epics especially when they have a point to make and an intelligent outlook that resonates with contemporary times. Those on British and European History made by Hollywood in the 1960's were particularly gifted with a great English Cast. A Man For All Seasons is certainly one of those great films. It starred the recently deceased Paul Scoffield, Orson Welles, Vanessa Redgrave and Robert Shaw to name a few. It was directed by Fred Zinnemann based on a play by Robert Bolt. See Full Cast 

The film won 6 Oscars including Best performance of Paul Scoffield and best picture and direction for Frad Zinnemann.

The traagic fate and trial of Sir Thomas More for opposing King Henry VIII marriage to Ann Bolyn for Constitutional reasons, reminds me of that of the Shah's Prime Minister Amir Abbas Hoveyda also used as a scape goat by both the Shah and the Revolutionaries who tried him.

Plot:

The story takes place in 16th century England. But men like Sir Thomas More, who love life yet have the moral fiber to lay down their lives for their principles, are found in every century. Concentrating on the last seven years of English chancellor's life, the struggle between More and his King, Henry VIII, hinges on Henry's determination to break with Rome so he can divorce his current wife and wed again, and good Catholic More's inability to go along with such heresy. More resigns as chancellor, hoping to be able to live out his life as a private citizen. But Henry will settle for nothing less than that the much respected More give public approval to his headstrong course.

Trailer:

And the Trial of Lawyer Thomas More for opposing the King Henry VIII Marriage :

Hoveyda's waiting for his Trial by the Revolutionary Court is interviewed by French Journalist Christine Okrente in an interview said to have been fatal to his immediate execution after a summary trial. Hoveyda seemed to have alot to say about both the previous regime as well as the current Islamic leaders which could explain why his trial was concluded very quickly and without a lawyer.

Hoveyda Prime Minister at the hight of his influence and power on French Documentary: