El diablillo y la reina

Charming adaptation of a story that could very well have happened during the days of Victoria's reign after Prince Albert died.

I am not sure if it is a concoction of the imaginative author or not.

Either way, the heavyweight cast delivers as does the director and production -- and of course -- the charming Mudlark simply named "Wheeler". Here is a tale where our imaginations are treated to a fantasy of grand proportions. The comedy of errors during some scenes are enough to make us all giggle. Dunne and Guiness were wonderful!

I have not heard where Andrew Ray wound up. Does anyone know of his whereabouts?

This unlikely Anglophile gives it 10 thumbs up!

A typically good and effective heartstrings film of the era, with the underdog predictably triumphing, but the very best part was the brilliant Alec Guiness. What a talent! His firm, honest but loyal role as PM Disraeli was surely one of the most intelligent I have seen in film. His entire role dialog was nothing short of premier, with equal talent in his delivery of it that are both so very lacking in today's films, for the most part.

His so very erudite and eloquent speech to the House of Commons about the rights of Britain's children that included Mudlarks(really about all underdogs everywhere), and the obligation for England(and all of us everywhere)to care for and about them was astonishing and encouraging, especially where underdogs and common folk are often seen as nuisances and impediments to rich men seeking political power primarily to help themselves and their rich cronies. In reality, nothing ever changes or improves in the wealthy's perception of those without wealth, but a good fantasy about caring never hurts and may someday help as it showcases human awareness of this best-of-all-worlds ideal if not the real accomplishment of it. Maybe one day? That is the message and benefit and hope of this kind of story.

A grand film in the old style, with outstanding writing and acting.

When I saw that Irene Dunne was cast as Queen Victoria, I was ready to hate the film. After all, she seems about as much like this historical figure as Shirley Temple! There was absolutely no way they could make this work. Well, was I wrong...she was terrific and they managed to make her look like the middle-aged monarch. I was amazed.

The film begins on the filthy bank of the Thames River in London. Poor, wretched boys work the bank as 'mudlarks'--kids who will scour the shore for anything of value. This is much like the pathetic kids in places like India and Brazil who live among the garbage and scavenge for a meager living. A boy sees a cameo of the queen. He has no idea who she is but is captivated by how beautiful she looks. When he does learn it's the queen, he decides to go to Windsor Castle and try to see her. By some strange circumstances, he is able to make it inside and is eventually discovered. Where this fantasy story goes next is something you'll just need to see for yourself, but in some ways it's like another fictional story about the British monarchy, "The Prince and the Pauper". But it also has a bit of the Dickens touch--as there is quite an emphasis on social responsibility and the poor.

The acting is just lovely. Dunne is perhaps at her best, Alec Guinness is his usual amazing best and Finlay Currie, though not exactly a mirror image of the man he played (John Brown), was lovely as well. A great script, nice direction and quality all around make this a neat little fantasy film...and one that can be enjoyed by all ages.

This is one of those delightful post-war British films that once seen is hard to forget. The story centers around Wheeler, a London "mudlark" (an orphan who scavenges the Thames at low tide), who, upon finding a cameo of Queen Victoria, sets off to Windsor to see "the mother of England." Victoria is secluded as the "widow of Windsor" and a desperate Disraeli is vainly attempting to urge her to resume public duties. However, when Wheeler finally gets to meet his Queen, Victoria is moved to return to her public life. Wonderful performances by Irene Dunne as Victoria, Alec Guinness as Disraeli, Finlay Currie as John Brown and Andrew Ray as Wheeler, the mudlark. If only Fox would release this on DVD or VHS!

I saw the Mudlark when it first came out in 1950 and have not seen it since. I remember the Mudlark as a very charming film and would love to see it again. If anyone is aware of available Video Tapes (NTSC) or DVDs of the Mudlark, please let me know. I remember the stirring performances of Alec Guinness (always top rate) and Finlay Currie. The little boy who plays the role of the Mudlark is really endearing and you pull for him in his quest to see the reclusive Queen Victoria. Thy British film industry of that time certainly was able to come up with some real classics. The ten years following WW 2 must have been the pinnacle of British film. I can't understand how such a first rate film can just disappear...Jim Mills