The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses | Henry VI Part 1

The Duke of Gloucester's wife, the Duchess of Gloucester, believes that she has the right to the throne. She is arrested after hiring a witch to summon spirits and ask about the future of Henry VI's reign. Gloucester grieves for her, but asserts that he cannot control the law. The Duke is released from his duties as King Henry's protector.

The King is dead and England is in crisis. War rages with the French and divisions within the English court threaten the crown. Young Henry VI (Tom Sturridge) causes outrage by marrying Margaret of Anjou, forcing an unwanted truce. This sets the scene for Civil War.

PBS talks with the cast and director of The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses, a lavish three-part follow-up to the BAFTA winning The Hollow Crown. The Wars of the Roses, which picks up the story with epic film versions of Henry VI (in two parts) and Richard III, comes to Great Performances on three consecutive Sundays -- beginning December 11 at 9 p.m.

The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses with an all-star cast including Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Sturridge, Sophie Okonedo, Keeley Hawes, Hugh Bonneville, Judi Dench & Michael Gambon. It airs on three consecutive Sundays beginning December 11 at 9 p.m. and picks up the story with epic film versions of Henry VI (in two parts) and Richard III.

Henry IV Part 1 is the first of three parts in The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses. The King is dead and England is in crisis. War rages with the French and divisions within the English court threaten the crown. Young Henry VI causes outrage by marrying Margaret of Anjou, forcing an unwanted truce; the scene is set for Civil War.