The film opens with a cheeky prologue about a newly discovered manuscript by William Cobbler that claims Henry VIII actually had two additional wives. It was once thought that Thomas Cromwell originated the tale, but the film makes clear that the entire story belongs to Cobbler from start to finish.
The narrative then follows a series of bold, comedic turns. Henry VIII quickly has his wife beheaded and immediately weds Queen Marie of Normandy, a union orchestrated at the insistence of the bumbling Cardinal Wolsey, who sees Marie as the favorite cousin of King Francis I of France. Before the marriage can be consummated, Marie samples a garlic clove, claiming it’s a Normandy tradition before coitus. The pungent smell repels Henry, who leaves in disgust, while Marie welcomes advances from his loyal attaché, Sir Roger de Lodgerley, which she accepts.
Henry becomes eager to sever the match when he learns Marie is pregnant with Lodgerley’s child. He imprisons Marie in the Tower of London and orders Thomas Cromwell to extract a confession from Lodgerley. Marie convinces Cardinal Wolsey to summon the French ambassador, who reveals that Francis I is thrilled with the match and will even send England ten thousand gold pieces. This financier’s promise, along with concerns about Marie’s imprisonment being exposed, coerces Henry into releasing her and ordering a retraction of Lodgerley’s confession.
Soon after, Henry meets the stunning Bettina, the daughter of the Earl of Bristol, and is immediately smitten again. He redoubles his efforts to divorce Marie as Lodgerley signs the retraction, once more imprisoning Marie in the Tower. Henry even contemplates bringing Bettina to the bridal chamber, but then the unexpected arrives: King Francis of France makes a surprise visit and, seeing Bettina, asks Henry for permission to marry her. To avert a war with France, Henry agrees. In the fallout, Cromwell and Wolsey are ordered to be executed for their alleged inaction.
Charmed by Henry’s loyalty, Marie proclaims her love and goes into labor. Although Henry is not the child’s biological father, he is moved by the birth and vows to be a faithful husband and father. He then encounters Katherine Howard and resolves to marry her. He hurries to halt the executions of Cromwell and Wolsey, begging for their help in divorcing Marie and ensuring marriage with Howard. But Cromwell and Wolsey defy him, crying out “Carry on, executioner! Carry on!” and choosing death over facing an even harsher punishment from King Francis, while Henry watches in astonishment.
> Carry on, executioner! Carry on!
