Carry On Henry is a 1971 British historical comedy film, the 21st release in the series of 31 Carry On films (1958–1992). It tells a fictionalised story involving Sid James as Henry VIII, who chases after Barbara Windsor’s character Bettina.
The film is based on the “secret history” concept, with a manuscript revealing that Henry VIII had two additional wives. A widowed Henry VIII has a marriage of state to Marie of Normandy, the favourite cousin of King Francis I of France. Henry does not consummate the marriage because he is repulsed by her habit of eating garlic before coitus. Marie starts an extramarital affair with a courtier. When Henry realizes that his wife is pregnant by another man, he tries to get rid of her without negating his alliance to Francis. He eventually agrees to acknowledge Marie’s child as his own, but he is determined to marry his new love interest, Catherine Howard.
Plot
The film opens with a passage which states:
This film is based on a recently discovered manuscript by one William Cobbler, which reveals that Henry VIII did in fact have two more wives. Although it was first thought that Cromwell originated the story, it is now known to be definitely all Cobbler’s… from beginning to end.
Henry VIII had his wife beheaded and immediately married Marie of Normandy. The union was arranged at the behest of the bumbling Cardinal Wolsey, who selected Marie because she is the favourite cousin of King Francis I of France. Before the marriage can be consummated, Marie eats a clove of garlic, claiming it is a Normandy tradition to eat garlic before coitus. The smell and leaves repulse Henry. Marie receives amorous advances from Henry’s attaché, Sir Roger de Lodgerley, which she accepts.
Henry is keen to be rid of Marie and seizes the opportunity to divorce her when he discovers she is pregnant with Lodgerley’s child. He imprisons her in the Tower of London and commands Thomas Cromwell to obtain a confession of paternity from Lodgerley. Marie convinces Wolsey to send for the French ambassador, who tells Henry that Francis I is so thrilled with the successful marriage that he will give England ten thousand gold pieces. This, along with the fear that the ambassador will discover Marie’s imprisonment, convinces Henry to release Marie; he commands Cromwell to retract Lodgerley’s confession.
Soon afterwards, Henry meets the beautiful Bettina, the daughter of the Earl of Bristol (a punning reference to Bristols). Enamoured, Henry renews his attempt to divorce Marie just as Lodgerley signs his retraction, again imprisoning Marie in the Tower. Henry comes so close to achieving the divorce that he sends Bettina to the bridal bedchamber. The handsome King Francis of France arrives on a surprise visit and finds Bettina; finding her to be a suitable wife, he asks Henry if he can marry her. Henry realises that the only way to avoid war with France is to consent. Henry arranges for Cromwell and Wolsey to be executed due to their supposed inaction.
Charmed by Henry’s loyalty, Marie announces that she loves him and goes into labour. Despite not being the biological father, Henry is moved by the birth of the child and promises to serve as a faithful husband and father, though he immediately meets Catherine Howard and resolves to marry her. He rushes to stop the execution of Cromwell and Wolsey, begging for their help in divorcing Marie and ensuring marriage with Howard, but both men cry out ‘Carry on, executioner! Carry on!’, deciding they would rather be beheaded than face an even crueller punishment from King Francis, whilst Henry watches astonished.
Cast
Sid James as King Henry VIII
Kenneth Williams as Thomas Cromwell
Charles Hawtrey as Sir Roger de Lodgerley
Joan Sims as Queen Marie of Normandy
Terry Scott as Cardinal Wolsey
Barbara Windsor as Bettina
Kenneth Connor as Lord Hampton of Wick
Julian Holloway as Sir Thomas
Peter Gilmore as Francis, King of France
Julian Orchard as Duc de Poncenay
Gertan Klauber as Bidet
David Davenport as Major-domo
Margaret Nolan as Buxom Lass
William Mervyn as Dr Findlay, physician
Norman Chappell as 1st plotter
Derek Francis as Farmer
Bill Maynard as Guy Fawkes
Douglas Ridley as 2nd plotter
Leon Greene as Torturer
David Prowse as Torturer
Monica Dietrich as Catherine Howard
Billy Cornelius as Guard
Marjie Lawrence as Serving maid
Patsy Rowlands as Queen
Alan Curtis as Conte di Pisa
Peter Butterworth as Charles, Earl of Bristol (uncredited)
John Bluthal as Royal tailor (uncredited)
Bill McGuirk as Flunkey (uncredited)
Jane Cardew as Henry’s 2nd wife (uncredited)
Valerie Shute as Maid (uncredited)
Peter Rigby as Henry’s courtier (uncredited)
Trevor Roberts as Henry’s courtier (uncredited)
Peter Munt as Henry’s courtier (uncredited)
