A Man for All Seasons

Cardinal Wolsey summons Sir Thomas More to his grand palace at Hampton Court, seeking his support in securing a divorce from the Pope for King Henry. Wolsey feels frustrated as More stands as the sole voice of dissent in the Privy Council, insisting that the Pope will never grant the annulment.

During their meeting, Wolsey is taken aback by More's firm refusal to endorse his plan to exert pressure for a divorce. More emphasizes that all legal and religious avenues have been exhausted, indicating there is no basis for the Pope to approve such a request.

On his way home, More takes a ferry along the River Thames and encounters Richard Rich, an ambitious young man from his past. Rich expresses a desire for a court position, but More warns him about the rampant corruption at Court and advises him to pursue teaching instead.

Upon returning home, More finds his daughter Meg with William Roper, a young Lutheran seeking her hand. More, holding strong to his Catholic beliefs, refuses, stating that until Roper abandons his heretical views, he will not allow the marriage.

Following his failure to procure a divorce from the Pope, Wolsey is stripped of his power and banished from Court, which leads to his demise. In contrast, King Henry promotes More to the position of Lord Chancellor of England.

King Henry visits More unexpectedly at his home, arriving on a barge to discuss the divorce. More firmly upholds his beliefs even as Henry veers between threats and promises, resulting in a fierce argument that ends with the King storming off in anger.

At the riverbank, Rich meets Thomas Cromwell who hints at having information that could ruin More's reputation. Rich, eager for a position at Court, aligns himself with Cromwell, setting the stage for future betrayals.

Roper confronts More, declaring his belief that the King is 'the Devil's minister' for opposing the Catholic Church. More, fearing for Roper's safety, advises caution amidst Rich's continued attempts to gain favor with More.

In a display of quiet defiance, More resigns as Chancellor rather than submit to the King's new demands. He recognizes that discretion has become more crucial than open discourse given the King's declarations of supremacy over the Church.

More learns of a newly circulated oath regarding King Henry's marriage to Anne Boleyn. Although he initially considers taking it, he ultimately refuses, understanding it contradicts his beliefs about the Pope's role.

Following his refusal to take the oath, More is imprisoned in the Tower of London. Despite facing threats and coercion from Cromwell, he steadfastly upholds his principles, enduring harsh conditions for his beliefs.

More's trial commences, during which he remains silent, refusing to compromise his principles. Ultimately, he is convicted based solely on the perjured testimony of Richard Rich, who then receives a promotion in reward for his betrayal.

Facing imminent execution, More boldly denounces the King's overreach, invoking the sanctity of the Papacy and Church immunity from state interference. His courtroom speech stirs chaos among spectators, revealing the tension of the moment.

After More's execution, a narrator reflects on the fates of the main characters. More's head is displayed as a warning but is later retrieved by his daughter Margaret, while Cromwell faces execution himself within five years.

Despite the turmoil following More's execution, Richard Rich ascends to power, eventually becoming Chancellor of England. He lives on unscathed while other key figures face dire consequences for their roles in the King's court.