Truth Endures: Je Anne Boleyn Book Tour and Give Away – Making the Movie

The love letters that King Henry VIII penned to his amour Anne Boleyn over 1527 and 1528 survive as an enduring testimony to the great love he once had for her; less than ten years before he ordered her execution. The letters have long been source of fascination for historians and readers, who marvel over the laborious effort that Henry, who hated writing, put into the letters, and delight over Henry’s ardent declarations of love and longing. These letters were an inspiration for author Sandra Vasoli, who travelled all the way to the Vatican to study them for herself. Her novels Struck With the Dart of Love and Truth Endures: Je Anne Boleyn tell a story of the great romance that scandalised Europe and its tragic demise that still resonates today.

Sandra joins us for the second day of her Truth Endures: Je Anne Boleyn Book Tour, where we are going to have some fun imagining the making of the movie Truth Endures: Je Anne Boleyn, and you have a chance to win a set of Sandra’s books.

Making the Movie:
Struck With the Dart of Love
and
Truth Endures: Je Anne Boleyn
by Sandra Vasoli

Come behind the scenes of the movie adaptation of the novels, starring Catherine Steadman as Anne Boleyn and Chris Hemsworth as Henry VIII. The series, based upon the riveting account of the love affair between England’s most resplendent King, Henry VIII, and his captivating second wife Anne Boleyn, will be an international TV event not to be missed.

Producer Ciaran Donnelly tells us about the scene which is being prepared for filming:

The setting is excerpted from the second novel, Truth Endures. The book begins with Anne and Henry in jubilant spirits. There is to be a festive gathering on an evening in February of 1533– a dinner party Anne is hosting in honour of her husband, King Henry. Anne and Henry have recently married in a romantic secret ceremony at dawn in a tower of Whitehall. Anne is pregnant, the future looks rosy, and she is giddy with love. Although Henry and Anne have not made an official announcement about their marriage and expectant child, they are very open about their mutual devotion at that moment in time. Here is the passage from Truth Endures:

Not that Henry, either, could contain our joyful secret entirely. He was giddy with unbridled elation at being a new husband and father-to-be. And although no official royal announcement had yet been made with regard to our matrimony, or my condition, he became less and less concerned with guarding the news. And how rightfully he deserved to proclaim the reasons for his exuberance for, I thought, no man had ever shown such patience, such loyalty, such dedication to any woman as did my Henry to me.

To provide him with just the smallest demonstration of my gratitude and devotion, I planned an elegant banquet in his honour, which was to be held in my beautiful new apartments in Whitehall on the 24th of February; the feast of St Mathias. I invited all of the great personages of the court and personally attended to every detail, as was my wont, to ensure the room looked its grandest. With fine arras lining the walls, masses of glowing gold plate on display, and spectacular dishes presented in elaborate style, my position and wealth were now evident to all. The ladies whom I had assembled as members of my household were all present, gaily bedecked, looking stunning, and in high humour. On that evening, Henry had chosen to partake of aqua vitae, or as its distillers called it – uisge beatha – the wickedly potent spirit produced by Scottish monks. He quickly became flush with the drink, jesting and flirting madly with me and my ravishing companions. I found his boisterous, ribald jokes and silly levity to be completely endearing, thinking how much he deserved an evening of release after the tensions he had endured. At one point he gave me a staged wink so noticeable that anyone in view would have wondered what was to come, then moved close – much too close – to the very proper Dowager Duchess of Norfolk before blurting loudly, with a noticeable slurring of the tongue, “Your Ladyship! Doth you not think that Madame the Marquess, seated right here next to me, has an exceptionally fine dowry and a rich marriage portion as we can all see from her luxurious apartment?”

He gesticulated wildly with his arms to indicate the scope of my possessions, nearly knocking the goblets from the table. “Does that not make her an excellent marriage prospect, hey?” Then, as I had done just a few days prior, he exploded in raucous laughter at his own drink-fueled sense of comedy. The Duchess, stony-faced, leant as far back in her seat as was possible in an attempt to escape Henry’s liquored breath while those observing tittered behind their hands. Watching my beloved sway while he roared with amusement, I couldn’t help but enjoy my own hearty chuckle.

The celebration did not conclude till early the morning next. From the room littered with the debris of gaiety, I saw the King off. Henry Norreys, his Groom of the Stool, had his arm firmly about the shoulders of His Majesty as he guided him, staggering amiably, toward his chambers. I suspected I would not see Henry at all on the morrow since there was little doubt he would remain abed till he could recover from the effects of the uisge. Smiling happily as I took myself to bed, I reflected on the entertaining moments of the evening, and mostly on what an irresistible drunk my husband had been.

The scene is to be filmed as if the audience watches through Anne’s eyes – since the novels are in Anne’s voice. Although the viewers do get to see Anne and her interactions with Henry and her guests, they are very aware that the events are unfolding from her perspective.

The intent of the movie scene, as in the book, is to portray the relaxed indulgence Henry and Anne shared at that particular point in their lives together. The viewer will clearly see the deep love they had for one another, ironically portending the unanswerable question of what went wrong just a short time later.

Catherine Steadman, as Anne Boleyn, positions herself at the head of the room. From this point, she will greet guests as they enter. The hall is a large presence chamber at the Palace of Whitehall.

The guests: courtiers and nobles, all richly attired, gather in the large room, mingling and offering toasts to their mighty Sovereign and his Lady Marquess, Anne.

Anne is dressed in a remarkable gown of crimson velvet with a gold and crimson brocade kirtle and furred sleeves.

Henry’s clothing, too, is spectacular – brilliant in colour and richness of fabric. The chamber is alight with candles and torches.

‘Stand by, please. Take 6 underway. Quiet please… and Action!

The minstrels begin to play…

…and the guests move about the room, while many approach Anne to offer their greetings.

Guests are seated at their places along two tables extending the length of the room.

Chris Hemsworth as Henry leans in toward Anne, as they talk and laugh privately. Henry places his hand under Anne’s chin, drawing her to him and kissing her lightly. He drinks and toasts – pages and ushers hurrying to refill his crystal glass with deep amber liquid. Henry’s laughter becomes louder and he rises and walks about the room, visiting his guests.

He stops to complement Anne Zouche (Laura Carmichael) and several other ladies serving his wife.

They giggle and blush.

He pays homage to the venerable Duchess of Norfolk (Dame Maggie Smith)…

…pulls a chair up to sit next to her, and soon their conversation is overheard by all as he demonstrates to the Dowager Duchess the grand holdings now belonging to Anne. The Duchess recoils from the Kings’ drunken exuberance.
The revelry continues until after midnight, when the guests take their leave, and Henry’s groom, Henry Norreys, (James McAvoy) helps his King to bed.

Anne watches everything with a deep sense of pleasure and contentment, appreciating her husband’s drunken antics, pleased that he is at last joyful … and all hers.

The scene fades, focused on her face with its gratified smile…

“Cut!”

The primary locations used for this scene and some others include the beautiful Lismore Castle, Waterford, Ireland; the iconic Hampton Court Palace in England; and dramatic Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California.

All signs of modern conveniences have been removed, and the rooms have been set to standard with furnishings known to have been used in royal households in the 1530’s. Candelabra glow from the light of hundreds of creamy tallow candles. The hearths burn brightly, but the lighting for the set is low – soft and warm.

The music played by the minstrels providing the evening’s entertainment include compositions by the medieval French composer Guillaume de Machaud and various Italian lute masters.

Costumes for both men and women are rich and varied. Immense thanks go to Tudor Dreams Historical Costumier and the talented Gina Clark who created all that you see. Full credit goes to Gina for the use of her photographs as well. You can follow her on FaceBook: Tudor Dreams Historical Costumier.

Anne Boleyn portrayed by Catherine Steadman, and Henry VIII portrayed by Chris Hemsworth:

Thank you for accompanying me on this flight of fantasy.

The Making of the Je Anne Boleyn TV series is but a dream – for now!

In the meantime, though, please read the novels…and I would love to hear from you!

Sandra Vasoli

Costume images ©Gina Clark – Tudor Dreams Historical Costumier. Used with permission. Do not reproduce.

We have a copy of Struck with the Dart of Love: Je Anne Boleyn (Volume I) and Truth Endures: Je Anne Boleyn (Volume II) to give away thanks to MadeGlobal publishing. To enter just tell us who you would love to see play Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII on screen. There’s a set of books up for grabs on every day of the tour, so be sure to check out all the stops.

*Entries close midnight Monday September 12th. Winners have five days to respond.

Struck With the Dart of Love:

In a love letter to Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII wrote: “It is absolutely necessary for me to obtain this answer, having been for above a whole year stricken with the dart of love, and not yet sure whether I shall fail of finding a place in your heart and affection…”, but did Anne ever feel that way about the King?
Tradition tells us that Henry pursued Anne for his mistress and that she resisted, scheming to get the crown and bewitching him with her unattainable allure. Nothing could be further from the truth.
One cold, misty grey day while hunting, Henry and Anne come face to face. It is an encounter that changes everything as Anne, too, is struck by the dart of love. He is powerful and graceful, elegant and witty, and in the King, she finds a passionate consort. But he is married – and the path to their union is fraught with hazard. Only the greatest of commitments will allow them to persevere until they might hope to be together.

Buy from: Amazon US  Amazon UK

 

Truth Endures:

On 1st June 1533, the ancient, traditional rituals of coronation are carried out, and Anne Boleyn emerges as Queen Anne Boleyn, a queen destined to rule alongside her husband, King Henry VIII of England.
It’s the culmination of everything the couple have worked for and the reward for their perseverance. And Anne is pregnant. They fervently believe that she is carrying Henry’s longed-for son and heir. The entire world lies at Anne’s feet.
But being queen is not easy. Anne is determined to be a loving mother, devoted wife, enlightened spiritual reformer, and a wise, benevolent queen. But others are hoping and praying for her failure. Her status and very life become precarious as people spread downright lies to advance their objectives.
But the truth will endure. This story is Anne’s truth.

Buy from: Amazon US  Amazon UK

 

Sandra Vasoli, author of Anne Boleyn’s Letter from the Tower, Struck with the Dart of Love and Truth Endures, earned a Bachelor’s degree in English and biology from Villanova University before embarking on a thirty-five-year career in human resources for a large international company.

Having written essays, stories, and articles all her life, Vasoli was prompted by her overwhelming fascination with the Tudor dynasty to try her hand at writing both historical fiction and non-fiction. While researching what eventually became the Je Anne Boleyn series, Vasoli was granted unprecedented access to the Papal Library. There, she was able to read the original love letters from Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn—an event that contributed greatly to her research and writing.

Vasoli currently lives in Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania, with her husband and two greyhounds.

 

Connect with Sandra:

www.sandravasoli.com
Je Anne Boleyn Community on FaceBook
@queenannefan on Twitter
Find me on Amazon and GoodReads
MadeGlobal Publishing