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The 16th-century theatre witnessed the particularly English manifestation of 'the history play.' There can be no doubt that Shakespeare's presentations of 'Henry V' and 'Richard III' have been incalculably more influential than any more sober historical study.

English history turned on Henry VIII and his desires, his whims almost. And it was down to Cromwell to make those desires happen. He was the guy that fixed it. He was also the guy that eased Henry's conscience. Because Henry VIII had an enormous, tender conscience and great theological knowledge.

Patrick Henry did not say, 'Give me absolutely safety or give me death.' America is supposed to be about freedom.

There was a period... when I used to say, with as much ferocity as I could muster, 'I hate Henry James, and I wish he was dead.' Influence is perdition.

The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them.

In 'Henry V,' the story of the assumption of true and responsible leadership by Henry I think is hard-won. He has to lose friends; he has to risk his life.

For two decades the state has been taking liberties, and these liberties were once ours.

We felt that although they were patchy, there was a tremendous political energy in the Henry plays.

Patrick Henry aligned himself against ratification. So did Richard Henry Lee.

Whenever Hollywood gets involved with real life events, certain liberties have to be taken.