A Favorita de Felipe II

Paul Scofield made his film debut as Philip II of Spain in this handsome but slow-paced costumer that has Olivia de Havilland in the title role (wearing a black eyepatch as the one-eyed Ana de Mendoza, Princess of Eboli). Interesting costumes and scenery but it's all too talky with not enough movement, giving it the static look of a stage play rather than cinema. Gilbert Roland is excellent as de Havilland's lover and the rest of the supporting cast is fine, including Christopher Lee in an early bit role. Olivia is photographed beautifully throughout but the role, as written, gives her little opportunity to really shine. She was a great admirer of Katharine Cornell who played the role on stage to rave notices--probably the reason she chose to make this film. Lensed in Cinemascope and color, it loses a lot on the small screen and I don't believe Fox has ever released it to home video.

As a very big fan of Mrs De Havilland ,I was very anxious to watch it! What a big disappointment!This costume melodrama is certainly one of her worst parts if not simply the worst!she's so subtle an actress one wonders why she did not turn it down and let it to lesser talents ;there are plenty of starlets who could have been content with it!perhaps because an one-eyed character is not very attractive!

As for the story itself ,it's a Spanish princess in love with the king's minister -and loved by the king too-;the minister is involved in a murder but that lady cannot even serve as an alibi .The king has his own problems with his brother who covets his throne .The script is inept,the cinematography is poor ,and the actors ,left to their own devices ,do what they can but it's not enough to save the movie;French viewers will notice the presence of Françoise Rosay as Bernadine aka Bernie ,one of our greatest actresses;like De Havilland and Scofield,why did she get involved in that business with that lady?

A lot of talent worked on this movie. Terence Young directed, Robert Krasker photographed, and John Addison supplied most of the music. Costumes are lavish and sets make good use of actual locations in Spain. The cast shines with names such as Olivia de Havilland, Paul Scofield, Gilbert Roland, and Christopher Lee. It has the look of an "A" production, in CinemaScope at that.

Alas, neither the story nor the characters have much interest with the result that the movie doesn't work either as a romance or a historical epic. Just as MGM was finding out with Lana Turner's "Diana," these heavy costume dramas had gone out of style by the mid-1950s and audiences stayed away from them in droves. Certainly the marketing department must have had a problem selling a movie with such a bland and pointless title as "That Lady."

'That lady' being starred by a big name cast as Olivia De Havilland , Paul Scofield , Gilbert Roland , Christopher Lee , Dennis Price , among others . Based on historic deeds about intrigue and power-fight in Philip II court ; dealing with Ana, (Olivia De Havilland) Countess of Melito and Duchess of Pastrana , married Rui Gomes Silva , 1st Prince of Éboli when she was 13 years old (1553) , by recommendation of the regent of Spain , the future King Philip II . Her husband was a chief councillor and favourite with Philip , and from 1559 Prince of Éboli. Although she may have been blind in one eye, the Princess of Éboli was considered very attractive and her gorgeous beauty is difficult to resist . She was an energetic person , and prominent in court life . This costumer movie is partially based on real events . It's developed in the court of Felipe II (Paul Scofield) , the Prudent King , this well-known monarch governed in domains where the sun never set . We should have the same intelligence as this monarch and take advantage of the power of this story and of its marvellous renaissance background . The Duke of Alba and other 'favorites' as Mateo Vazquez (Dennis Price) have for some time been relegated to a lesser role in the Court , due to the growing power of the Kings most influential secretary , Prime Minister Antonio Pérez (Gilbert Roland) . Meantime , the situation of Low Countries ruled under charismatic illegitimate Juan of Austria , his illegitimate half-brother is extremely dangerous and delicate . It was an inhospitable place which is in constant conflict and where those who possess privileged information can acquire immense fortunes . The protestant rebellion and the harassing by William of Orange make Flandes an uncomfortable place . Escobedo (José Nieto) , John of Austria's personal secretary is sent to ask for help to stifle revolts . Furthermore , John of Austria attempts to begin new royal line by marrying to Mary, Queen of Scots . While , Ana of Mendoza , married one of Philip's minister , bore 10 sons , and soon became a widow Duchess of Pastrana and princess of Eboli and one of her friends was the queen, Isabel de Valois . After her husband's death in 1573, she spent three years in a convent, but returned to public life in 1576 accompanied by her maid (Françoise Rosay) . Ana wears a patch over her right eye and is an ambitious woman with selfish aims , forming an alliance at Court with the King's undersecretary of state, Antonio Pérez . Presumptuous and arrogant Antonio Perez is the first secretary to the Crown . Ana of Mendoza and Antonio soon become lovers . Juan De Escobedo regaining the king's brother favour attempts to force measures over the rebels . Escobedo comes from Flandes to Madrid , but he aware passionate romance between Antonio Perez and Ana Mendoza . He witnesses the murky and passionate romance and it could create a scandal in court , always the scenario of perpetual intrigue . From that moment on , Juan De Escobedo becomes the target of a series of failed attempts on his life . Then , a deadly conflict takes place . Later on , Antonio supported by his helper Diego (Fernando Sancho) getaways , but he is imprisoned and tortured ; he escapes again and makes his way to Ana , who persuades him to flee the country .

This costumer/melodrama recreates faithfully the historical fact , as 430 years separate us from the events are to narrate , it is really important to highlight the huge significance that the Kingdom of Spain had back then , as the shadows still hide from the public this great historic moment , and the significance of such deeds . The picture contributes to historical , artistic and cultural memory of an era , with a look back to the past , offering us an interesting adaptation based on important facts . This is a enough budget but slowly-paced costumer that has Olivia De Havilland as the one-eyed Ana of Mendoza , she appears beautiful , sensitive and sweet , in spite of wearing a black eye-patch . Gilbert Roland gives a convincing character as astute and mean Antonio of Mendoza . Dennis Price plays with enormous distinction as Mateo Vazquez , the incorruptible as well as cunning adviser . Personality and charisma of Paul Scofield's portrayal as one of the most remarkable European kings that ever reigned . The rest of the supporting cast is nice , such as : Fernando Sancho , Françoise Rosay , Anthony Dawson , Christopher Lee and José Nieto as Escobedo . Extraordinary costume design accompanied by colorful cinematography filmed on location . Luxurious sets make excellent use of real locations in Spain and it has a look of a great production , including colorful photography by the great cameraman Robert Krasker . The motion picture , based upon Kate O'Brien's novel ¨That Lady¨ , was professionally directed by Terence Young , though it results to be slow-moving and tiring , at times .

Other films dealing with this actual happenings are the followings : "The Escorial Conspiracy" (2008) by Antonio del Real with Julia Ormond , Jason Isaacs , Jordi Molla , Joaquin De Almeida , Juanjo Puigcorbe , Fabio Testi and TV miniseries "La Princesa De Éboli" (2010) by Belén Macias with Belén Rueda as Princesa De Éboli , Hugo Silva as Antonio Pérez , Eduard Fernández as Felipe II , Pedro Casablanc as Mateo Vázquez , Roberto Enríquez as Juan De Escobedo and Michelle Jenner as Ana De Austria . In addition , there was a character called Princess Eboli based on Ana in Schiller's play Don Carlos, Infant Von Spanien, and Verdi's opera Don Carlos .

Philip II of Spain was one of the most interesting and powerful figures in 16th century Europe. So why is a film featuring him so incredibly dull?! The only reason I stuck with the film are the good actors...the script is bereft of life and certainly doesn't encourage you to keep watching.

The widow Ana de Mendoza (Olivia de Havilland) and Antonio Perez (Gilbert Roland) have fallen in love. Perez is a minister within Philip's government and Ana is a woman the King (Paul Scofield) seems to want...though considering his many political intrigues not mentioned in the movie, it seemed like the King wanted her but more didn't want anyone else to have her. As a result, he trumps up charges against Ana and Don Antonio...and the King just seems mean and petty throughout the film. And, for so much of the film, the three of them talk and talk and talk...with very little action.

The actors starring in the film are all very good actors and the film looks good. But it also is slow and dry and Philip's actions seem irrational much of the time...and the real life Philip was not this dumb! Overall, a film that I recommend mostly if you have insomnia and really need a good nap.

By the way, the characters in this film were real people who lived in Spain during the 16th century and the film reasonably follows their lives. But with no energy nor action, the story just becomes duller than dust.