<P> A Man for All Seasons is a play by Robert Bolt based on the life of Sir Thomas More . An early form of the play had been written for BBC Radio in 1954, and a one - hour live television version starring Bernard Hepton was produced in 1957 by the BBC, but after Bolt's success with The Flowering Cherry, he reworked it for the stage . </P> <P> It was first performed in London opening at the Globe Theatre (now Gielgud Theatre) on 1 July 1960 . It later found its way to Broadway, enjoying a critically and commercially successful run of over a year . It has had several revivals, and was subsequently made into a multi-Academy Award - winning 1966 feature film and a 1988 television movie . </P> <P> The plot is based on the true story of Sir Thomas More, the 16th - century Chancellor of England, who refused to endorse King Henry VIII's wish to divorce his wife Catherine of Aragon, who did not bear him a son, so that he could marry Anne Boleyn, the sister of his former mistress . The play portrays More as a man of principle, envied by rivals such as Thomas Cromwell and loved by the common people and by his family . </P> <P> The title reflects 20th century agnostic playwright Robert Bolt's portrayal of More as the ultimate man of conscience . As one who remains true to himself and his beliefs while adapting to all circumstances and times, despite external pressure or influence, More represents "a man for all seasons ." Bolt borrowed the title from Robert Whittington, a contemporary of More, who in 1520 wrote of him: </P>

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