War is the inevitable result when the King of France demands that John relinquish his crown in favour of his nephew, the young Prince Arthur. Excommunication, attempted atrocity, rebellion and assassination all contribute to a political and personal turmoil that finds devastating expression in an anguished mother’s grief for her son.A filmed version of the Shakespeare play as put on by the Stratford Festival. The much unloved 12th century King John fought battles on several fronts including with his own barons.