Lady Jane
Seen it?1986 | 142 min | Drama, Romance, History
Weeknight Watchearly ratingWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
With middling reviews (56% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a box office loss, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics and history buffs. If you loved Elizabeth or The French Lieutenant's Woman, start here.
- The mood
- Warm and romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 22 min.
- What might put you off
- Nothing much for most grown-ups.
The death of King Henry VIII throws his kingdom into chaos because of succession disputes. His weak son, Edward, is on his deathbed. Anxious to keep England true to the Reformation, a scheming minister John Dudley marries off his son, Guildford to Lady Jane Grey, whom he places on the throne after Edward dies. At first hostile to each other, Guildford and Jane fall in love, but they cannot withstand the course of power which will lead to their ultimate downfall.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
56% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
6.9 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$278K worldwide on a $9 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 76K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Trevor Nunn
- Helena Bonham CarterLady Jane Grey
- Cary ElwesGuilford Dudley
- John WoodJohn Dudley, Duke of Nothumberland
- Patrick StewartHenry Grey, Duke of Suffolk
- Joss AcklandSir John Bridges
- Michael HordernDr. Feckenham
- Jane LapotairePrincess Mary
- Ian HoggSir John Gates
- Pip TorrensThomas
- Richard VernonThe Marquess of Winchester