Lady Hamilton

This is a beautiful period piece with the incomparable Vivien Leigh at her peak, just after GWTW and Waterloo Bridge. For a 1940's era production, the sets and lighting are outstanding, and the remaining cast is credible. Laurence Olivier may have been the best actor in history, but I do not appreciate it here. Perhaps this was not his best role. Leigh runs circles around him.

This film is worth a look for Leigh fans and those liking British period work, along with war propaganda. Here the noble civilized Brits are threatened by Napoleon (which is easily drawn to comparison with Hitler, being 1941).

Certainly, this is worth a look. Jolly Good Show.

I have not seen this amazing film for many years, and then viewed it on a TV broadcast. It was sumptuously produced with first-class talents in front of and behind the (unfortunately not Technicolor) cameras, with production values that were absolutely prodigal in their opulence.

For today's audiences, Vivien Leigh is, of course, this film's main attraction, with her delicate beauty and expressive acting showcased as well as could be imagined. I note that no video version of this is currently offered for the American enthusiast and the Canadian VHS, possibly compatible with U.S. VCRs, is "Out of Stock" at present. (The U.K. VHS tape must be viewed via the PAL format, which most American video equipment cannot accommodate.) With so many films as good as this one in a kind of limbo, lovers of truly "classic" films can only hope that the keepers of this treasure will eventually favor us with the opportunity to enjoy it once again.

Screen biography of Emma, Lady Hamilton, whose love for Lord Nelson (the British naval hero of the Napoleonic wars) scandalized the Regency world.

Vivien Leigh is in almost every frame, and completely dominates the film. The story is all about Lady Hamilton and her unhappy marriage, her love for Nelson, and the consequences of leaving her stodgy husband to live adulterously and with the man she loved. (He was already famous before Trafalger, this was the "Monicagate" of its day) It's a fine soap opera, centered around a performance that can only be called luminous.

The camera doesn't just love Leigh, it gets down on its knees and worships her. Even in GWTW she never looked so unbelievably beautiful, and she's also completely charming and sensitive. The great Sir Laurence Olivier doesn't have a chance, he barely registers. He's handicapped by a serious lack of screen time and a dreadful red pony-tail wig, but the director seems to have decided to give him short shrift so he can squeeze in a few more exquisite close-ups of Leigh being enchanting. And she is, oh is she ever...

Vivien stars as another version of Scarlett O'Hara, a woman who wants to be considered a lady even though she doesn't really act like it. A former dancer, and currently penniless, she wants to make a good impression on the wealthy Lord Hamilton, Alan Mowbray. Her mother, the common but delightful Sara Albright, lives with her and acts as her maid after Vivien is successful in her quest. Married to Alan, she's very happy to act in her new role of Lady Hamilton (which was the original title of the film). She looks beautiful in her gowns and hairstyles, and she soon learns what will make a good hostess and how to best support her husband.

Where does Laurence Olivier come in? We all rented this movie to see the married couple up on the screen together, right? He plays a highly respected soldier, introduced to Vivien through her husband. He's also married, but he's drawn to the beautiful lady nonetheless. This classic celebrates forbidden love, all with the comfort of knowing that the pair who can't have each other onscreen can go home together off screen. They're both very beautiful people, and although Larry has a slight impediment in this movie, it's still a treat to see pretty people falling in love. All tied together with a very pretty, sad, and romantic theme by Miklos Rozsa, this is a classic not to be missed - especially if you like Scarlett O'Hara and wish she'd made more movies.

One of the best known stories of adultery in British history is the one between Lord Horatio Nelson and the enchanting Emma Hamilton. This film by Alexander Korda takes that story and does not disappoint.

In the pivotal role of Emma, Vivien Leigh shines in a role that came not long after her international triumph in 'Gone With The Wind'. Her Emma is flirty, scheming, and delightful, and you can see why she captured the heart of Nelson. The part of Nelson is taken by Vivien Leigh's real-life husband, Laurence Olivier, and his stuffed-shirt persona suits the role perfectly.

In support, Alan Mowbray (as the cuckolded Lord Hamilton), and Gladys Cooper (as the snide Lady Nelson), are excellent, and the standard of script, photography, and direction is high throughout.

This was said to be Winston Churchill's favourite wartime film, and you can see the attraction. It was given a coda which showed that Emma didn't profit from her liaison but this is a small price to pay for such a sumptuous and engaging film.