Saint Alexander Briant, English Martyr, Trailer

Saint Alexander Briant, English Martyr, executed with St. Edmund Campion, 1st December

COMING SOON a new film on the life of St. Alexander Briant, one of our heroic English Martyrs. St. Alexander Briant was only 25 when he was hanged, drawn and quartered at Tyburn after having to witness his friends Fr. Edmund Campion and Fr. Ralph Sherwin brutally executed before him. He had suffered greatly in the Tower of London, enduring the thumbscrews, iron spikes thrust under his nails, ‘The Scavenger’s Daughter’ and the infamous ‘Rack’ several times, but he had remained calm and had even laughed at his tormentors saying “Is this all you can do?” St. Alexander Briant is here presented in a new film using specially recreated moments of his life, combined with sacred art, historical images, narration, and more for an encounter with this heroic Catholic priest. COMING SOON.

Meanwhile, check out our two DVDs on St. Edmund Campion: Saint Edmund Campion: a Hero Returns (1 hour) is available exclusively from our online shop and God’s Champion: St. Edmund Campion (30 minutes) is available from Amazon COM and Amazon UK.

St. Thomas More DVD

Out NOW is our new DVD on St. Thomas More, one of the most famous English Martyrs. Told from Sir Thomas More’s own perspective, step back into early Tudor history and walk through the fascinating life of this great Englishman from his early years in the home of Cardinal Morton through his friendship with King Henry VIII, his extensive writings against heresies to his final days in the Tower of London and his last walk to Tower Hill. With a look at his encounters with the great figures of Tudor history including Erasmus, Anne Boleyn, Calvin, Luther and Bishop John Fisher, this is a detailed and original documentary presented in a new and interesting style. Seeped in history and touching upon the depths of Saint Thomas More’s Faith and love of Christ, enter upon a simple but informative journey with this courageous Chancellor of England. Visit our website www.marysdowryproductions.org or AMAZON UK and AMAZON COM for this new DVD documentary.

Martyrs trailer - English Martyr St. Edmund Arrowsmith

COMING SOON Only from http://www.marysdowryproductions.org/

Saint Edmund Arrowsmith, English Martyr, DVD film of his life and mission

The Mary’s Dowry Productions team filmed original portrayals on Saturday 15th October 2011 for an upcoming documentary on Saint Edmund Arrowsmith. Because there are hardly any images of this great English Martyr we had fun recreating some of our own images and portrayals which we’re really pleased with. It’s great to bring these Martyrs to life - putting flesh and blood on them so that their relevant witnesses and characters are more real. St. Edmund Arrowsmith has a fascinating and inspiring story that is set during the reigns of King James I and King Charles I. He was a native of Lancashire and was born into a staunch Catholic family. Even as a young boy his experiences prepared him for a life of persecution for the Catholic Faith for his parents were often arrested for sheltering hunted Catholic priests in England. One time he was left shivering in his nightshirt as they were dragged from the house in the middle of the night. But instead of traumatising him, these experiences led him to a determined defence of the persecuted Catholic Church and he felt called to be a priest. He studied in France even though illnesses and ailments plagued him. Nevertheless he was very intelligent and was ordained a priest in Arras. He was determined to return to England on the English mission and a year later entered by ship and set upon a fifteen year mission in secret throughout his native home of Lancashire. He was hunted, stayed in safe houses and became famous for his humility, his ability to debate, his fearlessness and his love of the Catholic Faith. He was also an exorcist and his attention upon those possessed and tormented by evil spirits and enslaved to the satanic was selfless and great. Saint Edmund Arrowsmith was a man of great prayer and love of Christ, the Eucharist and the Church. One time he was arrested and detained at the home of the Protestant Bishop of Chester. He rebuked the men for eating meat during Lent and the Bishop apologised saying that he was ill so was exempt. Saint Edmund Arrowsmith looked at the Bishop’s accompanying clergymen and said “What about those dogs?”. A great theological debate ensued and as St. Edmund Arrowsmith was well versed in scripture, history, theology, Faith and reason, science and philosophy he gained the upper hand much to the Bishop’s embarassment. Because he was humble and quiet many took him to be a fool until they entered into conversation with him. He loved to debate heretics and his arguements were blunt and to the point so much so that his friend said he wished he had salt in which to season his words. But his kindness and concern in his conversations won many back to the True Faith. He became a Jesuit after witnessing the great courage of the Jesuit missionaries in England and he would often frequent the Blue Anchor Inn in Brindle for meetings with his Jesuit brothers. This Inn was to prove the place of his final mission for in the year 1628, King Charles I reintroduced the severe anti-Catholic penal laws. In late spring of this same year, Saint Edmund Arrowsmith returned to the Blue Anchor Inn on business with the son of the landlord, Mr. Holden. Although a young Catholic man, Mr. Holden had been married to his protestant cousin by a protestant minister. His ‘wife’ then desired to become a Catholic so St. Edmund Arrowsmith worked hard sorting out the process to regulate the marriage, preparing them for a Catholic marriage. He had one condition, that the couple live seperately for the two weeks it would take to organise this. But Mr. Holden was not prepared to change his lifestyle for two weeks and when Saint Edmund Arrowsmith pointed out to him the never changing teachings of the Church on cohabitation, Mr. Holden was irritated. Holden agreed that his marriage was not valid but refused to live seperately until he was properly wed. He then left the Inn in a rage and went to the authorities to betray Saint Edmund Arrowsmith. Saint Edmund Arrowsmith was warned and managed to escape and a dramatic chase ensued. But when his horse refused to jump a ditch, St. Edmund had to continue on foot. Holden was determined that St. Edmund be betrayed and his captors caught up with him. In the fight St. Edmund’s hand was cut badly, he was dragged back to the alehouse and his captor took his purse and spent all of St. Edmund’s money on drink until the authorities arrived and arrested the priest. St. Edmund Arrowsmith was taken to Lancaster Castle and appeared at the assizes overseen by he rabiddly anti-Catholic Yelverston. His trial was swift and he was sentenced to be hanged, drawn and quartered for being a priest and a Jesuit and for refusing to attend the State Church and take the Oath. Humble but unmovable, the account of his trial is interesting and inspiring, for he was prepared to face his gruesome death rather than compromise. He was thrown into a horrible hole where he could not sit, stand or lie down but had to crouch for two days without food or water. He remained in prayer and we can imagine that because of his deep love for Christ and confromity to Him he would have pictured Our Lord’s own imprisonment and derived comfort and graces from these sufferings. Future fellow Martyr Saint John Southworth was also being held at Lancaster Castle. St. John Southworth was able to slip into St. Edmund’s cell and hear his confession. They arranged that he would give St. Edmund a final absolution as Edmund was led towards the gallows. This he did. As he was being escorted to the hurdle, St. Edmund Arrowsmith paused and looked up at the cell window and Fr. John Southworth gave him absolution.

St. Edmund was dragged to the gallows and there he was subjected to haranguing by protestant minsters. His final words are filled with straightforward advice and show his deep love for Jesus and the English people.

He pulled his cap over his eyes and then looked once more to tell the protestants to cease hounding him for he was a dying man and would never conform. He was hanged until almost dead and then cut down. His body was violently butchered while he was still alive and then his four quarters were set around Lancaster castle, his head upon a pike. A resusant Catholic rescued his right hand which has been a source of great miracles and cures even today where it is kept in a silver casket in the church of St. Oswald in Ashton in Makerfield. We will be putting our documentary together soon and look forward to presenting this resource on one of our great English Martyrs to help spread his life and witness to the Catholic Faith. www.marysdowryproductions.org

St. Simon Stock DVD about England and the Brown Scapular

Out now on DVD all region formats NTSC and PAL is a short documentary about St. Simon Stock, an English Saint who recieved the Brown Scapular from Our Lady. This devotion is particularly helpful in the spiritual life and can be worn by lay people. This DVD gives a nice history of St. Simon Stock and the Scapular devotion. With a combination of simple portrayals of St. Simon Stock and sacred art, with narration detailing his life and the history of the Brown Scapular it runs for 24 minutes. Available from our online shop: St. Simon Stock DVD. It is priced at £9.99. Mary’s Dowry Productions has been established for four years, founded in 2007 – a family run apostate bringing the lives of the Saints especially of England to the DVD media with simple films incorporating the spirituality and message of the Saint.

St Richard Gwyn, Catholic film from Mary's Dowry Productions

Encounter the films, docudramas, documentaries and trailers from MARY'S DOWRY PRODUCTIONS where the lives of the Saints and Martyrs become real. "My dear countrymen, remember your souls, and do not lose them for this vile tranistory muck which Christ hath so dearly bought." Thus said St. Richard Gwyn as he stood beneath a gallows in Wrexham market square in 1584 and was hanged, drawn and quartered by law for his Catholic Faith. This likable, witty, friendly, honest Welsh schoolmaster loved his family dearly and had a great love for Truth, honour and Faith. He was hunted for refusing to attend the 'State' Church and for this he was imprisoned, tried and condemned. He was kind, peaceful and forgiving to the very end. As of August 2011 this film is currently being edited and will be released on DVD worldwide for all to encounter this great Elizabethan Catholic Martyr in film. Check our website for more information and updates: http://www.marysdowryproductions.org/

English Martyr, St. Anne Line, a 5 minute clip from a DVD production by Mary's Dowry Productions

A clip taken from a full-length DVD production on the life of St. Anne Line, English Catholic Martyr. This clip is taken from the middle of the film and gives an example of the original style developed by Mary's Dowry Productions. Since we are a small independent film production company we use the small resources available to us to produce our films and docudramas on the lives of the Saints and Martyrs. As there is a great lack of imagery available in art and imagery format we provide costumed portrayals of the specific Saint or Martyr of historical person we are working on. The portrayals DO NOT INCLUDE dialogue. The result is a blend of costumed imagery, art, paintings, maps etc...to run beneath a narrative with a specially composed music score to picture. It is as though the viewer is looking back in time to see the events play out. This style has developed and it is one we have favoured and chosen to keep as it it both original and effective. Our films are not only a biography of a specific Saint and Martyr but an insight and encounter with the timeless and unchanging Catholic Faith. Seeing the devotion of men and women from all historical eras of England, be it Tudor, Elizabethan or Saxon, and realising that these people held the same belief and devotion makes these histrocial people real. Encountering their prayers, thoughts and own spiritual journey towards their relationship with Jesus, their courage and great witness to the Catholic Faith and love of God when faced with the threats and hostility of their cultures, proves an inspiring and important link to the Church Triumphant. The Saints and Martyrs are held up for us learn from and imitate and Mary's Dowry Productions hopes to help to make these great heroes of our Church real and relevant today. Saint Anne Line is available worldwide on DVD from www.marysdowryproductions.org and is priced at £9.99. Sales of these DVDs help to cover costs for our productions and also enable more to be made. They are also a great way to share the lives and witnesses of these great Catholic Saints and Martyrs.

Martyr at the gallows, St. Richard Gwyn, hanged drawn and quartered, Welsh Martyr, Catholic resources (film production images 6)

Final original screenshots from a docudrama by award winning British Film Production Company Mary's Dowry Productions, bringing to life on DVD the lives of little known and well known historical figures, Saints and Martyrs from history. Above, the final moments of Welsh Catholic Martyr St. Richard Gwyn as he stands at the gallows in Wrexham market square in 1584. Mary's Dowry Productions has written, filmed, edited and produced a variety of original docudramas to share the inspiring lives of these great historical men and women whose powerful lives and deaths in defence of the Catholic Faith throughout history are relevant and inspiring today. Below, a screenshot from original dramatic portrayals shows the prosecutor and Sir George Bromley, the judge at the trials of St. Richard Gwyn.

Mary’s Dowry Productions is pleased to bring this heroic Welsh Martyr to the screen in an original docudrama rich with the history, faith and culture of Great Britain, with portrayals, sacred art, historical imagery and facts. For other films on the little known and well-known historical figures, Saints and Martyrs of history visit our website:
www.marysdowryproductions.org

VISIT OUR NEW BLOG:
www.marysdowryproductions.org/catholicfilms/

Catholic films, St. Richard Gwyn, Welsh Martyr, Elizabethan (film production images 5)

Further screenshots from an original docudrama by award winning British film production company Mary's Dowry Productions presenting the life of Welsh Martyr St. Richard Gwyn. The above shot shows Sir George Bromley, judge at the trial of Catholic Welshman St. Richard Gwyn. St. Richard Gwyn's admirable life of heroic virtue and witness during the persecutions of the Elizabethan Era, combine with the history and culture of that turbulent time. St. Richard Gwyn's humour, wit, joy, bravery, determination and courage see him stand out in history as a great figure for human justice, freedom and Faith. Below is a screenshot showing St. Richard Gwyn at home with his wife Catherine Gwyn before they had to leave Overton due to persecutions of the Welsh Catholics.

St. Richard Gwyn loved his family deeply and being an intelligent man with a love for history and culture he instilled in them a deep understanding of the world and a love of the Catholic Faith. Saint Richard Gwyn's son below prays the rosary with his family at home.


At his trial with fellow recusant Catholics John Hughes and Robert Morris, a Protestant minister was brought in to preach to St. Richard Gwyn. The three men harangued the minister by speaking in Latin, Welsh and English so that Sir George Bromley was driven to great anger and the minister gave up trying to preach. St. Richard Gwyn had a love for Welsh Folklore and being fluent in the Welsh language he wrote poetry and songs in the language.

Mary’s Dowry Productions is pleased to bring this heroic Welsh Martyr to the screen in an original docudrama rich with the history, faith and culture of Great Britain, with portrayals, sacred art, historical imagery and facts. For other films on the little known and well-known historical figures, Saints and Martyrs of history visit our website:
www.marysdowryproductions.org

VISIT OUR NEW BLOG:

www.marysdowryproductions.org/catholicfilms/

Richard Gwyn, Welsh Martyr, Catholic films, Assizes, attacked by crows (film production images 4)

Further film production stills from an original docudrama on the life and Martyrdom of Welsh Saint Richard Gwyn. Plunge back into the treachery, trauma and turmoils of the Elizabethan Era and meet a king hearted, humorous man whose love for his family, life, Faith and God saw him persecuted, hunted and eventually executed for the Catholic Faith in Wales.This original docudrama written, filmed, edited and produced by Mary's Dowry Productions presents a selection of rich portrayals from the life of St. Richard Gwyn, one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. Scenes include St. Richard with his family (above) and St. Richard Gwyn apprehended by fanatical Puritan cloth merchant David Edwards (below).

At the Assizes in Wrexham, false witnesses bribed by David Edwards tried to give evidence to condemn St. Richard Gwyn to death. Below, David Edwards purgers himself in court in his attempt to see Catholic Richard Gwyn executed.

Screenshots below show St. Richard Gwyn with his family as they travel about Wales avoiding the authorities. This recusant Catholic family keenly shared the Faith that they loved with neighbours and people that they lived near.


In his earlier life, when savagely pressured and induced to attend the State Church, St. Richard Gwyn agreed to attend due to his concern for the welfare of his family. As he left the Protestant Church in Overton a very strange thing happened. A great flock of kites and crows swooped down upon him and began to peck his face and head (shown below). St. Richard Gwyn resolved never again to violate his conscience by attending the Protestant Church.

Mary’s Dowry Productions is pleased to bring this heroic Welsh Martyr to the screen in an original docudrama rich with the history, faith and culture of Great Britain, with portrayals, sacred art, historical imagery and facts. For other films on the little known and well-known historical figures, Saints and Martyrs of history visit our website:
www.marysdowryproductions.org

VISIT OUR NEW BLOG:

www.marysdowryproductions.org/catholicfilms/

St. Richard Gwyn, Catholic films from Mary's Dowry Productions (film production images 3)

Further screenshots from an original docudrama written, filmed, edited and produced by British Catholic film production company Mary's Dowry Productions. Bringing to life little known and well known historical figures, Saints and Martyrs from history. Original portrayals from this production on Welsh Martyr St. Richard Gwyn show the prosecutor at the Spring Assizes of 1582 in Wrexham, threatening St. Richard Gwyn, John Hughes and Robert Morris.

Below, Catherine Hughes comforts the jailers wife Mrs. Cotymore in the prison. The jailer and his wife grew very fond of St. Richard Gwyn and were distraught to learn of his execution. What was worse was that jailer Cotymore had to hang St. Richard Gwyn as a punishment for showing too much leniency toward the Papist prisoner.

Below is a screenshot from the docudrama showing St. Richard Gwyn travelling with his family. The Gwyn family were forced to leave Overton due to St. Richard's absence from the State Church services. In order to avoid taking the Oath of Supremecy, the Gwyn family moved around and eventually settled in an old empty barn in Erbistock.

After his arrest, St. Richard Gwyn lingered in prison and was brought to the Assizes many times. Below he awaits trial with fellow recusant Catholics John Hughes and Robert Morris. John Hughes was released from prison and a little later Robert Morris was also given a reprieve. Both men grew fond of St. Richard Gwyn whose good humour and love of the Catholic Faith drew many souls to the Faith too.


Below is a screenshot showing the last walk of St. Richard Gwyn from the prison to the gallows in Wrexham market place. Catherine Gwyn rebukes David Edwards, the Puritan cloth merchant who captured her husband, but St. Richard Gwyn gently rebuked her and exhorted her to forgive for if they did not forgive him then all of their sufferings would be in vain.

This noble Welshman was not only a man of deep Faith and morals, with a love of the Catholic Church and fellow man, but he was fascinated in the rich folklore of his country, and being fluent in Welsh he wrote songs and poetry in the language. Mary’s Dowry Productions is pleased to bring this heroic Welsh Martyr to the screen in an original docudrama rich with the history, faith and culture of Great Britain, with portrayals, sacred art, historical imagery and facts. For other films on the little known and well-known historical figures, Saints and Martyrs of history visit our website:
www.marysdowryproductions.org

VISIT OUR NEW BLOG:

www.marysdowryproductions.org/catholicfilms/

St. Richard Gwyn and his wife Catherine Gwyn in prison, Welsh Martyr (film production stills 2)

A selection of production stills from an original docudrama on the life of Welsh Martyr St. Richard Gwyn. Here we see a still from the film showing St. Richard Gwyn praying with his wife Catherine Gwyn during his imprisonment for refusing to attend the Elizabethan state Church, refusing to pay fines for not attending, and refusing to deny the Catholic Faith. This original docudrama has been written, filmed, edited and producted by British Catholic film production company Mary's Dowry Productions. Steeped in the history of the era, this heroic Welshman's fascinating life is brought to film in an absorbing docudrama that combines original portrayals, music, narration, art and historical imagery.

Mary's Dowry Productions is pleased to produce original portrayals from the life of St. Richard Gwyn bringing to life this brave, good humoured Welsh Martyr whose great love of the Catholic Faith during the Elizabethan persecutions saw him face a gruesome death at the gallows of Wrexham.
For more docudramas on the lives of little known and well known historical figures, Saints and Martyrs visit our website:

http://www.marysdowryproductions.org/

VISIT OUR NEW BLOG:

www.marysdowryproductions.org/catholicfilms/

St. Richard Gwyn, Welsh Martyr, (film production stills 1)

A selection of production images from an original docudrama on the life of St. Richard Gwyn, Welsh Martyr written, filmed, edited and produced by Mary's Dowry Productions. In this screenshot from a scene in the film we see the well-known meeting of St. Richard Gwyn with 'the minister with a large purple nose' as St. Richard Gwyn spends the day in the town stocks. The minister wished to discuss the Keys of the Kingdom of which he believed he had been given as well as St. Peter. St. Richard Gwyn's famous reply was that there was a difference. St. Peter had been given the Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven whereas he had obviously been given the keys to the beer cellar.
Mary's Dowry Productions is pleased to produce original portrayals from the life of St. Richard Gwyn bringing to life this brave, good humoured Welsh Martyr whose great love of the Catholic Faith during the Elizabethan persecutions saw him face a gruesome death at the gallows of Wrexham.
For more docudramas on the lives of little known and well known historical figures, Saints and Martyrs visit our website:
www.marysdowryproductions.org

St. Richard Gwyn, Elizabethan Martyr, Catholic Saint - new upcoming Docudrama

The Mary's Dowry Productions team had a busy day on Saturday 2nd July 2011 filming original visuals for an upcoming docudrama on the life of St. Richard Gwyn. Steeped in the history of the era, this likable Elizabethan Welshman's life was embroiled in the culture, politics and drama of Britain during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Above is a promotional headshot for the upcoming film showing the historical portrait of St. Richard Gwyn and our actor who portrayed him. Richard Gwyn's story will fascinate and interest all for he was a man of good humour, cheer, honesty and faith whose love of justice, freedom and God gives a powerful encounter with the thought and reality of the times, very relevant for today. Coming Soon!

Visit our new blog at:

Catholic Films and Music
and our NEW website and online shop at:

www.marysdowryproductions.org

What if you were a Catholic Bishop in England?

Saint Thomas More Trailer, English Martyr

A NEW trailer for a film by Mary's Dowry Productions on the life and witness of Saint Thomas More, Lord Chancellor of England - COMING SOON!

www.marysdowryproductions.org

Saint Francis of Assisi Film

Be sure to check our online shop over the next few weeks for the release of our latest film, this time on the life of 'Saint Francis of Assisi'. This great Saint and founder in the Universal Church is here presented as never seen before in a 45 minute biography. A truly powerful encounter with the Saint and his challenging message.

Coming soon!

www.marysdoryproductions.org

Final filming for ST. JOHN FISHER

On Saturday 28th May the Mary's Dowry Productions team completed filming portrayals for two films: Saint Thomas More and Saint John Fisher, who are two great Englishmen that were Martyred for the Catholic Faith by King Henry VIII.

Visuals that were filmed on set for 'Saint John Fisher' included the early Court of King Henry VI with the King's mother Lady Margaret Beaufort whose confessor and Spiritual Director was Saint John Fisher. The set was then altered to fast forward into the court of Lady Beaufort's grandson King Henry VIII. Other scenes included the home of Bishop John Fisher. Below are screenshots from the day. The films will be coming soon!

Lady Margaret Beaufort and Saint John Fisher

Saint John Fisher in his study at Rochester.

Saint John Fisher speaks with King Henry VIII and Cromwell

Thomas Cromwell

Queen Catherine of Aragon and Saint John Fisher

Sts Thomas More and John Fisher at the Court of King Henry VIII

King Henry VIII and Bishop John Fisher

King Henry VIII's fury at not having the support of Sts Thomas More and John Fisher. Cromwell and Lady Anne Boleyn look on.

Saint John Fisher at home.

A courtier reads a letter opposing the King's illicit plans for England and the Catholic Church, his divorce and marriage to Lady Anne Boleyn.

Saint John Fisher with his servants whom he loved as his own family.

A servant tries to prevent Saint John Fisher from leaving his home to attend the Convocation of Bishops as he is so ill.

These films are currently in production and will be released on DVD soon!

http://www.marysdowryproductions.org/

Final filming for ST. THOMAS MORE

On Saturday 28th May the 'Mary's Dowry Productions' team spent the day filming portrayals of the life of Saints Thomas More and John Fisher for two upcoming films. Imagery included scenes at the court of King Henry VIII and Sir Thomas More's house at Chelsea. Below are some of the screenshots from footage acquired on that day for the upcoming film on Saint Thomas More.

Saint Thomas More's son John, wife Alice and daughter Cecily at their home in Chelsea.

St. Thomas at the court of King Henry VIII while Cromwell looks on.

Saint Thomas More at the court of the King.

Saint Thomas More studying and writing at his home in Chelsea.

Saint Thomas More watches in disapproval as the King speaks with Anne Boleyn at court.

Saint Thomas More and Cardinal Wolsey

The King's eye is keen upon Lady Anne Boleyn as Queen Catherine of Aragon sits at his side.

Saint Thomas More and his family

King Henry reminds Saint Thomas of his loyalty to his King and his Chain of Office.

Sir Thomas leaves the court after having tried to resign the office of Chancellor.

Saint Thomas points out in Scripture passages to convince the King not to divorce his lawful Queen Catherine.

Saint Thomas More returns the Chain of Office.

King Henry VIII and Cromwell plot against the King's former close friend and Chancellor, holding the returned Chain of Office.

St. Thomas, his daughter Margaret and son John.

St. Thomas, his son John and wife Alice.

St. Thomas at his home in Chelsea

Saint Thomas More bids farewell to his family after he is summoned to take the Oath.

St. Thomas More film COMING SOON.

www.marysdowryproductions.org