The Devil's Crown
The Devil's Crown was a BBC limited series which dramatised the reigns of three medieval Kings of England: Henry II and his sons Richard the Lionheart and John. It was broadcast in thirteen 55-minute episodes between 30 April and 23 July 1978. Henry Plantagenet (latterly Henry II), sees his opportunity to seize the crown of England and create a kingdom of law and order. He cuts a deal with King Stephen in which Stephen will name him his heir, excluding his sons Eustace and William in exchange for a fragile truce. Stephen's sudden death elevates Henry to the throne. He may have been King of England, but the bulk of the Angevin Empire was in France, and it was this that Henry regarded as the Jewel in his Crown, maintained through a series of political marriages and complex allegiances. Henry pays homage to Louis VII, King of the Franks, for these lands, but it is clear that Henry is the shrewder and more ambitious of the two kings, having married Louis' ex-wife Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Insights
Plot Summary
This is a historical drama series focusing on the Plantagenet dynasty in medieval England. It chronicles the turbulent reigns of kings like Henry II and Richard the Lionheart, detailing their political struggles, family conflicts, and the wars that shaped their era.
Critical Reception
Information regarding critical reception for 'The Devil's Crown' is scarce due to its age and nature as a less widely distributed historical drama. Contemporary reviews are difficult to find, and modern critical analysis is limited.
What Reviewers Say
- Likely appreciated for its historical depth and portrayal of medieval politics.
- May have been noted for its attempt to bring complex royal lineages to the screen.
- The lack of readily available information suggests it did not achieve widespread mainstream acclaim or lasting recognition.
Google audience: Due to the limited availability of information and the show's niche historical focus, there are no specific Google user reviews or summaries available to analyze.
Fun Fact
The precise broadcast history and reception of 'The Devil's Crown' from 1978 are challenging to verify, making it a somewhat obscure entry in television history, particularly outside of dedicated historical drama circles.
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