The story takes place in 16th century England. But men like Sir Thomas More, who love life yet have the moral fiber to lay down their lives for their principles, are found in every century. Concentrating on the last seven years of English chancellor's life, the struggle between More and his King, Henry VIII, hinges on Henry's determination to break with Rome so he can divorce his current wife and wed again, and good Catholic More's inability to go along with such heresy. More resigns as chancellor, hoping to be able to live out his life as a private citizen. But Henry will settle for nothing less than that the much respected More give public approval to his headstrong course.

Orson Welles used an exact duplicate of Cardinal Wolsey's official seal, as well as authentic sheepskin parchment and a quill pen.

King Henry VIII:
Thomas. I chose the right man for chancellor!


Sir Thomas More:
I should in fairness add that my taste in music is reputedly deplorable.


King Henry VIII:
Your taste in music is excellent. It exactly coincides with my own!

Anachronisms: At the end of the film, Thomas More picks the blossom of a tree called Aesculus hippocastanum L., a tree that appeared in Europe only in the 17th century and was introduced by the Turks.