Lady Jane (1986)

Decades after Nova Pilbeam portrayed Lady Jane Grey in the British flick Tudor Rose (1936) and before Emily Bader was cast in the series My Lady Jane (2024), Helena Bonham Carter played the same role in Lady Jane (1986). Under the direction of Trevor Nunn, this PG-13 biopic is set in 16th century England. Following the death of King Henry VIII, his son Edward VI (Warren Saire) takes the crown. But when the heir’s health begins to deteriorate, his sis Princess Mary (Jane Lapotaire) has her eyes on the throne — and we’re not talking about the toilet! But due to some backroom dealings by the 1st Duke of Northumberland (John Wood) and the political aspirations of Jane’s husband Lord Dudley (Cary Elwes) and her parents, the Duke (Patrick Stewart) and Duchess (Sara Kestelman) of Suffolk, Jane winds up becoming queen! Unfortunately, her reign only lasts for nine days. Worse than that, she and her hubby are imprisoned and eventually beheaded. You may also lose your head when you are treated to a view of nude Mr. Elwes. Thanks to an intimate scene depicting the sexy spouses in bed, we get to see his bare back, sack, and ass! The flesh flash is fast so you’ll have to choose slow motion. Alas, the period piece doesn’t showcase Cary’s piece. Maybe that’s why this costume drama was a critical miss as well as a box office flop. Nevertheless, Mr. Man gives the movie two thumbs (and another part of his anatomy) way up!