# A Man for All Seasons

> 1966 film by Fred Zinnemann

**Wikidata**: [Q218999](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q218999)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Man_for_All_Seasons_(1966_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/a-man-for-all-seasons

## Summary
*A Man for All Seasons* is a 1966 biographical drama film directed by Fred Zinnemann. It dramatizes the life and trial of Sir Thomas More, focusing on his moral and religious convictions during the reign of King Henry VIII. The film is based on the play of the same name by Robert Bolt.

## Key Facts
- Released in 1966, with publication dates including January 1, 1966; December 16, 1966; and March 1967.
- Directed by Fred Zinnemann, an Austrian-American filmmaker.
- Produced by Columbia Pictures, a major American film production company.
- Classified under multiple genres: biographical film, drama film, and trial film.
- Winner of multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
- Recognized by the National Board of Review with both a Top Ten Films award and Best Film award.
- Included on the Vatican's list of films, curated in 1995.
- Alternate title: *Man for All Seasons*.
- Has 50 sitelinks across language versions on Wikimedia projects.
- Wikidata description: "1966 film by Fred Zinnemann".

## FAQs

### What is the genre of *A Man for All Seasons*?
It is a biographical film, a drama film, and a trial film. These genres reflect its focus on the life, moral conflicts, and judicial proceedings of Sir Thomas More.

### Who directed *A Man for All Seasons*?
The film was directed by Fred Zinnemann, an Austrian-born director who later became a U.S. citizen. He was known for directing films with strong moral and social themes.

### What awards did *A Man for All Seasons* win?
It won four Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. It also received recognition from the National Board of Review, including a Top Ten Films award and Best Film award.

### What is the connection between *A Man for All Seasons* and the Vatican?
The film is included in the Vatican's list of films, a curated selection recognized for its moral and spiritual themes, established in 1995.

### When was *A Man for All Seasons* released?
The film had multiple release dates: January 1, 1966; December 16, 1966; and March 1967.

### What is the alternate title of the film?
It is also known as *Man for All Seasons*.

### What is the significance of the film's production company?
Columbia Pictures, the production company behind the film, was founded in 1918 and is based in the United States. It is one of the major studios in Hollywood history.

### Is *A Man for All Seasons* based on a true story?
Yes, it is a biographical film that dramatizes the life of Sir Thomas More, a real historical figure known for his moral resistance to King Henry VIII's break with the Catholic Church.

### What is the film's relationship to the United Kingdom?
The story is set in the United Kingdom, which is the historical setting for the events involving Sir Thomas More.

## Why It Matters
*A Man for All Seasons* is significant for its portrayal of moral integrity in the face of political and religious tyranny. It presents a compelling narrative of Sir Thomas More's refusal to compromise his conscience, making it a powerful statement on ethics and personal conviction. The film's critical acclaim, including multiple Academy Awards, solidified its place in cinematic history. Its inclusion on the Vatican's list of films underscores its moral and spiritual resonance. The film also serves as a bridge between stage and screen, originating from Robert Bolt’s Tony Award-winning play. It remains a reference point in discussions about historical drama and biographical storytelling.

## Notable For
- Winning four Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
- Being a biographical film that dramatizes the life of Sir Thomas More.
- Inclusion in the Vatican's list of films curated for moral and spiritual significance.
- Being directed by Fred Zinnemann, a renowned filmmaker with a strong record in socially conscious cinema.
- Receiving both a Top Ten Films award and Best Film award from the National Board of Review.
- Based on the stage play by Robert Bolt, which also achieved critical success.
- Multiple release dates across 1966 and early 1967.
- Produced by Columbia Pictures, a major Hollywood studio.

## Body

### History
*A Man for All Seasons* was released in 1966, with key release dates being January 1, 1966; December 16, 1966; and March 1967. It was directed by Fred Zinnemann, a director known for his work in socially and morally driven narratives. The film is an adaptation of Robert Bolt’s stage play of the same name, which also received critical acclaim and won a Tony Award. The story centers on Sir Thomas More, the 16th-century English statesman who was executed for refusing to support King Henry VIII's break with the Catholic Church.

### Production and Genre
The film is classified under multiple genres:
- **Biographical film**: It dramatizes the life of a real historical figure, Sir Thomas More.
- **Drama film**: It explores deep moral and ethical conflicts.
- **Trial film**: It focuses on the judicial proceedings and moral trial of More.

It was produced by Columbia Pictures, an American film company founded in 1918 and based in the United States. The film was made during a period when biographical and historical dramas were prominent in cinema, and it stood out for its intellectual and moral depth.

### Awards and Recognition
*A Man for All Seasons* received widespread critical acclaim and multiple awards:
- **Academy Awards**:
  - Best Picture
  - Best Actor
  - Best Director (Fred Zinnemann)
  - Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay
- **National Board of Review**:
  - Top Ten Films
  - Best Film

These awards highlight the film's excellence in storytelling, direction, and performance. Its recognition by the National Board of Review and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences underscores its cultural and cinematic importance.

### Cultural and Religious Significance
In 1995, the Vatican curated a list of films that reflect moral and spiritual values. *A Man for All Seasons* was included in this list, acknowledging its portrayal of integrity, faith, and moral courage. The film's focus on Sir Thomas More's ethical stance resonates with themes of conscience and religious conviction.

### Connections to Historical and Geographic Context
The story is set in the **United Kingdom**, specifically during the reign of King Henry VIII. The country's historical context is central to the film's narrative, particularly the political and religious tensions surrounding the English Reformation. The United Kingdom, as an entity, was formally established in 1927, though its modern political structure traces back to earlier foundational events such as the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921.

### Director and Production Team
Fred Zinnemann, the film's director, was an Austrian-born filmmaker who later became a U.S. citizen. He was known for directing films that explored moral and social issues. His other notable works include *High Noon* and *From Here to Eternity*. Zinnemann's direction brought Bolt’s play to life with a strong emphasis on dialogue, performance, and historical authenticity.

### Legacy and Influence
*A Man for All Seasons* remains a reference point in discussions about historical biopics and moral storytelling. Its influence extends into both academic and cinematic circles, where it is studied for its narrative structure, ethical themes, and historical representation. The film's enduring relevance is demonstrated by its inclusion in curated lists such as the Vatican’s film recommendations and its continued presence in educational and cultural discussions.

## References

1. [Source](http://stopklatka.pl/film/oto-jest-glowa-zdrajcy)
2. [Source](http://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Man-for-All-Seasons-A)
3. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060665/)
4. [Source](http://bbfc.co.uk/releases/man-all-seasons-1970-2)
5. [Source](http://moviehaku.com/pelicula/A-Man-for-All-Seasons)
6. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=26041.html)
7. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060665/fullcredits)
8. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1967)
9. Letterboxd
10. The Movie Database
11. A Man for All Seasons. Rotten Tomatoes
12. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060665/releaseinfo/)
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060665/parentalguide)
15. [The Numbers](https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Man-for-All-Seasons-A#tab=summary)
16. Kinopoisk
17. [Source](http://www.kijkwijzer.nl/index.php?id=26&i=1512202)
18. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/a-man-for-all-seasons/)
19. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
20. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/33147)
21. Online-Filmdatenbank
22. Bechdel Test Movie List
23. mymovies.it
24. Carnegie Hall linked open data
25. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/C6A4-D089-65FA-1194-077F-3)
26. Danish Film Database
27. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/80676)
28. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
29. Trakt.tv
30. FilmVandaag.nl