Il grande ammiraglio

If nothing else, 'That Hamilton Woman' proved two things: Vivien Leigh is just as beautiful in black and white as she is in the glorious technicolor of 'GWTW'; and when it comes to the cinema, her acting technique on screen is every bit as expert as Laurence Olivier's. (In fact, Olivier himself admitted this when he saw a screening of her Scarlett O'Hara performance.)

At any rate, my main interest in seeing this film was that I learned it was Winston Churchill's favorite movie during World War II, dealing as it does with the British admiralty and the threat of war and domination. As Lady Hamilton, Vivien Leigh narrates the story and since it is told from her viewpoint, she manages to dominate with her beauty and acting prowess. How she rises from abject poverty to become Lord Nelson's mistress makes up the bulk of the story--which sometimes seems a bit unbelievable. However, since both stars were at the time married to others, one can easily see that these roles suited both of them to perfection. Surely, if anyone could identify with these characters, they could!

Slow moving in spots, handsomely photographed in black and white, it is interesting to note how very British Leigh actually was when not assuming a more American way of talking (as in 'GWTW') -- proof indeed that she was a good actress. Of all of her films after "Gone with the Wind", I prefer her in 'Waterloo Bridge' (with Robert Taylor). Following that, I would choose this one.

Some of the ships are obvious models--but other than that, the production is a handsome one. Worth seeing for the two stars alone.

Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh when they were both young and desperately beautiful are a joy to watch in this film. He plays the great English naval hero, Nelson, and she, Lady Hamilton, the wife of the English ambassador. Another favorite movie moment of mine is after the opera given in his honor when they are in a bar, before they have actually declared their love for one another. They're talking about what they're not missing by having left the ball after the opera. She says, "This is where the real and exclusive party is." Then she tells him about himself: "Nelson in a good mood," and she makes a bored face. "Nelson in a bad mood," and makes the same face. "Nelson in an exuberant mood," with the same face a third time. He says, "Am I really such a dull fellow?" Her reply: "Only when you ask questions like that." His response is the beautiful part. He says something to the effect of, "Now I'll give my performance. What mood is this? One guess." And he leans his chin on his hand and gazes into her eyes. She guesses something like, "Nelson allowing himself to be just a little bit happy?" He shakes his head slowly and says, "Nelson in love." She leans forward and her chin touches his hand, and just then a group of soldiers, including his son, enter the bar. The moment is all the better because you're left wanting more!

In 1941,only England was still resisting Hitler.So the parallel was obvious and "that Lady Hamilton" is a propaganda work,which does not prevent if from being highly commendable,thanks to the two leads,mainly Leigh-this must have been her third best performance,in the movies,far behind "gone with the wind" and "a streetcar named desire",but her beauty shines in every scene.

The movie is a long flashback,sandwiched between two "present scenes " in a jail in France.Hamilton tells her story to her prison mate,an English good-time gal:the rise,decline and fall of a courtesan.There are some brilliant lines in the dialogue:Hamilton to her old soon-to-be hubby:"so your nephew sent me to you with his paintings and the bric-à-brac because he's broke!".Her last lines are touching .My mother saw the movie when it was released and how did she love them:"And then?" ,the hooker says " "there's no then" Hamilton replies"there's no after".When Hamilton understands she's lost everything,she draws the curtains and collapses,she seems to be on a stage and the play is over.

Vivien leigh did not make many movies.So it would be a pity to miss this one.

French remake by Christian-Jaque in 1968,with Michèle Mercier,John Mils and Richard Johnson as the leads ,known as "les amours de lady Hamilton."Despite a huge budget,much inferior to Korda's version" Jean Tulard.

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.

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.