One of the best Oscar-winning British films of all time is on TV this weekend | Films | Entertainment

Back in 1966, Fred Zinnemann directed and produced a film adaptation of Robert Bolt’s play, A Man for All Seasons. The movie follows Paul Scofield’s Sir Thomas More, who refused to back Robert Shaw’s Henry VIII in his divorce from Catherine of Aragon and in his bid to become the Supreme Head of the Church of England.

Scofield had previously portrayed the role in the West End stage production and went on to star in the film with Shaw, Wendy Hiller, Susannah York and Orson Welles. The film, which was John Wayne’s favourite, also featured Nigel Davenport, Vanessa Redgrave and John Hurt in one of his early roles.

A critical hit and box office smash, A Man for All Seasons won six Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor. Winner of the Best British Film BAFTA, in 1999 the BFI named it the 43rd greatest British film ever made.

A Man for All Seasons is on BBC Two this Sunday morning at 11:25am and will be streaming on BBC iPlayer for a limited time afterwards.