Lady Hamilton

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.

This picture emphasizes the fact that Vivien Leigh is not only beautiful but a major talent, too. In some ways, the character of Lady Emma Hamilton does resemble Leigh's earlier role of Scarlett O'Hara, but this is not surprising when one considers the actress is often typecast as the scheming vixen.

In a particularly memorable scene, when the Lady argues with her husband (Alan Mowbray) you do get a sense of Scarlett quarreling with Rhett. But the actress' undeniable chemistry with costar Laurence Olivier, as lover Lord Nelson, is perfect and much more intimate than what she shared on screen with Clark Gable in Gone with the Wind.

In fact, we believe that these two sincerely love each other. Both performers are rather eloquent and yet passionate in this film. And Korda's direction is superb. In addition to the great melodramatic moments, we are treated to some very realistic battle scenes that provide a fair amount of adventure amid the realities of war.

This movie was Winston Churchill's favorite and for me, has always held a charm. Laurence Olivier is fine as Horatio Nelson but he doesn't hold a candle to his co-star and wife, Vivien Leigh. Vivien Leigh is simply superb as Emma Hamilton and dominates the entire film with her beauty and impressive acting skills. There is no doubt that she is one of the greatest beauties of the twenty-first century.

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!

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.