Charles I: Downfall Of A King

[vetuste_ennemi]

Another fine piece of television showing that there are still tiny outposts of integrity and intellectual curiosity in the corrupt empire.

9.00 on BBC4 - first of a three-parter.

[Rosie29]

Recorded it and looking forward to it.

[vetuste_ennemi]

I don't think you'll be disappointed, Rosie. Can't wait to see the other two.

Of course, this episode of our history - and maybe the tragic means by which the conflict was resolved - is (to this poster) an analogue of the Brexit confrontation.

[Khandro]

Why do they call him, Charles "the first", shouldn't he be simply referred to as "King Charles" ?
Didn't (and can't) watch it though.

[naomi24]

Thanks v_e. I'll try to get it on catch up.

[vetuste_ennemi]

//Why do they call him, Charles "the first"?//

Possibly because a son of the same name eventually succeeded him, Khandro?

[naomi24]

^I agree. More than one and there has to be a 'first'.

[vetuste_ennemi]

Of course, Khandro, you and I, knowing about the religious aspects of the King v parliament dispute - of the third Charles when he succeeds to the throne and becomes "Defender of Faith".

That's "Defender" without the definite article. And stripped of its historical English context.

[vetuste_ennemi]

"..you and I .... might speculate..."

[Khandro]

Yes, but his successor was rightfully called 'Charles II' there's no need for the "One".
King George ........ King George II, und so weiter

[douglas9401]

It's like Rocky, innit.

[naomi24]

//"..you and I .... might speculate..." //

Scuse me, but is anyone else allowed to speculate with you?

[Khandro]

Correct Douglas - like Shark

[goodgoalie]

If you refer just to 'King Charles', the obvious question would be 'which one?' - hence Charles I, James I, Edward I etc etc

[Khandro]

Not to mention, Planet of the Apes.

[vetuste_ennemi]

Of course, Naomi. I was not suggesting it was a private vice.

[douglas9401]

They're coming fast and furious now.

[Khandro]

Soory, for Shark, I meant 'Jaws' --- which I haven't seen anyway

[vetuste_ennemi]

//I meant 'Jaws' --- which I haven't seen anyway//

You mean the film, Khandro? If so you've missed a great cinematic treat.

Forget the John Williams score, the whole thing is excellent: story line, screenplay, direction and the interaction between Dreyfus and Shaw (two fine and subtle actors).



Shaw is a VE favourite. A Man for all Seasons? The Sting? From Russia with Love? And the underrated Young Winston with Simon Ward as Churchill and Shaw as the tragic father Randolph. (Oh, and Mrs Robinson, of course.)

Stream of consciousness stuff: anybody remember the 1960's film of "Look Back in Anger" with Burton, Claire Bloom (nice to see Phillip Roth's widow still alive and well and acting) and the lovely Mary Ure who died tragically early?

[THECORBYLOON]

The current monarch is Queen in more than a dozen countries and is called Elizabeth the Second in all of them yet they and the UK never had an Elizabeth the First.

[JimF]

Just Queen Victoria - no-one refers to her as Victoria the First. But if there were ever another Queen Victoria, she'd be Victoria II and the original one would be Victoria I. Pretty straightforward, really!