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Whether it is accurate in all its details or not, A Man for All Seasons is an attempt to present the historical conflict between Thomas More and Henry VIII. The conflict could be viewed as merely a political one but neither history nor the filmmakers have viewed More's conduct purely in that light, although Henry followed a policy which advanced his personal power while it diminished the power of the Church of Rome. Sir Thomas …

…request except the highly regarded and religious Sir Thomas More. When Cardinal Wolsey, Chancellor of England, names More as his successor, it becomes important for Henry to get More's support, but More cannot be swayed. Henry demands the clergy to renounce the Pope and to name him Head of the Church of England. Oliver Cromwell frames More, forcing him to resign as Chancellor. Eventually More is brought to trial, found guilty of treason, and beheaded.