Scarlett Johansson, Natalie Portman, Eric Bana, Kristin Scott Thomas and Spanish
actress Ana Torrent are about to bring one of history's most notorious, controversial
and influential love triangles to life in an epic romance for the silver screen.
Another star of the movie is The Peak District & Derbyshire, which again provides some of the backdrops in a period drama packed with Hollywood's
finest. Two years ago, Keira Knightley, Matthew MacFadyen, Chatsworth Estate,
Haddon Hall and the majestic Peak District scenery had moviegoers flocking to
the cinemas to see Pride & Prejudice. And last year, Ruth Wilson, Toby Stephens and the atmospheric Haddon Hall,
starred in BBC TV's adaptation of Jane Eyre.
During October 2006, some of Hollywood's biggest names, along with director Justin
Chadwick, travelled to The Peak District & Derbyshire to film scenes for the
movie at North Lees Hall, Haddon Hall, Cavedale, and the picturesque Dovedale.
Now set for nation-wide distribution from March 7th, 2008, The Other Boleyn Girl is an adaptation of a novel by one of the world's best selling authors, Philippa
Gregory, which tells the story of Henry VIII's pursuit of a male heir. Sir Thomas
Boleyn concocts a plan to bring his family back to prominence: his daughter Anne
(Portman) will seduce the King and provide him with a son. However, the scheme
goes off course when the King takes to Anne's younger sister Mary (Johansson).
Of course, that love affair ultimately proves no obstacle for Anne…
A huge crew took over much of the accommodation in the region during the filming.
Several hotels in Buxton were used by the cast and production team, while The
Peacock at Rowsley
http://www.thepeacockatrowsley.com hosted Johansson, Portman, Bana, Scott-Thomas and Chadwick.
The launch, in November 2007, of the movie The Golden Age – starring Cate Blanchett as Elizabeth I – followed closely on the big screen
by The Other Boleyn Girl is helping to trigger world-wide interest in the Tudor period. And in 2008,
The Peak District & Derbyshire will be hosting a full calendar of events to
commemorate the 400th anniversary of the death of one of the most fascinating characters of that era
– Bess of Hardwick. Visit Peak District & Derbyshire will be launching a
Bess of Hardwick "Surprising Short Break" package in 2008, as well as new visitor
information to take full advantage of its role in The Other Boleyn Girl.
Keira Knightley, meanwhile, returned to the area recently to film yet another
period drama for the big screen. This will be a chronicle of the life of 18th century aristocrat Georgiana, Duchesss of Devonshire and ancestor of Princess
Diana who was alternately celebrated and reviled during her extravagant life.
