I finally had the opportunity of seeing the classic film, That Hamilton Woman (aka Lady Hamilton) starring Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier. The 1941 British film has only recently been re-released and is now available on DVD, or in my case on TCM, what luck!First of all, I'll begin by saying I am biased toward Leigh, since I became a Gone With the Wind fan at the same time as I was watching Disney Movies. The lady can do no wrong.
That Hamilton Woman portrays the legendary romance of Lady Emma Hamilton (Leigh) and war hero Lord Nelson (Olivier). The movie opens with a lady-street urchin walking into a wine shop in Calais (wow Calais hasn't changed much in 100 years) and sneakily stealing a bottle of wine. The authorities spot her and a fight breaks out, resulting in the culprit and a woman who came to her defense landing in jail. Once in jail, the clepto reveals herself as Emma Lady Hamilton and tells her tale beginning with her
arrival in Naples. You know how it goes; teenage Emma gets dumped with Sir William, they marry, she meets Nelson, they fall in love and conduct their affair in front of everyone.Like I said, I am biased. I love Leigh, even though her British accent (which is real) is very similar to her southern drawl. I love the chemistry between her and Olivier; very steamy. They are convincing in their affection for each other and stay true to their characters. Leigh portrays a strong Emma Hamilton, and at the same time makes sure to include the elements of Emma's poor background. The costumes on the other hand are disappointing in the sense of accuracy. If you are a fan of
early 40s movie fashions you will not be disappointed, but otherwise they didn't even try to be accurate like they did in the 1938 Marie Antoinette. I was even delighted to see that Georgiana's brother plays a role and, of course, wears a Spencer!One of my favourite scenes of the movie is when Emma introduces Nelson to the Queen of Naples (Norma Drury), whom Emma was close with. The two enter a room of chaos: screaming children, barking dogs, and fretting servants. Among all this is the glittering blonde vision that is Queen Maria Carolina who is rapidly yelling in Italian, adding to the chaos. If it weren't for all the glitz and glam you would have thought you ran into a family in a trailer park. No wonder Emma and the queen bonded so well.
As a whole the film is great. It doesn't stray too far from the truth and keeps your interest. It has the classic flair, complete with running in giant dresses and emotional embraces. So take advantage of its release and enjoy the nice, clean film restoration.
I always think of the BlackAdder 3 episode, Amy and Amiability, where someone says, "Good looks and charm never got anyone anywhere," and BlackAdder responds, "Obviously, you've never met Lady Hamilton." Or some such comment. It's late. :-P
ReplyDeleteI saw this film at least fifteen or twenty years ago and would love to see it again. I also love Leigh, having watched GWTW for the first time as a request at the video store for my tenth birthday. You think my parent's knew? Anyway, I will definitely check it out, though I never expect them to get the costumes right. It was somehow impossible in the 30's-60's [with rare exceptions].
ReplyDeleteHahaha Emma is always the butt of Blackadder jokes. I'm laughing just thinking of them
ReplyDeleteHehe! I watched it, too. (But I only caught it because I was preparing to record the Ginger Rogers/Joel McCrea film that was on after.) Isn't Leigh wonderful? But what a life, poor thing. The costumes were beautiful, but just as inaccurate as the 1940 P&P and Shearer's Marie A. But you gotta love 'em anyway!
ReplyDeleteTCM is also playing The Divine Lady next Monday, also about Emma and Nelson, and starring Corrine Griffith. I've wanted to see it for a long time and have my recording finger at the ready!
Ahhh...I remember watching this ages ago and loved it- I should definitely get it and watch it again. Your review brought me back there- Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI love this film and I'm so glad that it's out on DVD. I'm going to have to buy this. And vivien leigh is one of the most beautiful women in teh world.
ReplyDeletebought viagra fuerteventura viagra cialis buy viagra in london england viagra price comparison buy viagra australian viagra rrp australia how to get viagra viagra alternative effects of viagra free sample prescription for viagra non prescription viagra cheapest viagra in uk buying viagra in uk viagra alternatives
ReplyDeleteHey there, Anonymous! Are you leaving spam all over my favorite blog!? (Channeling Jane Gordon....)
ReplyDeleteOh dear, this is happening more and more. I would hate to have to put in that annoying word verification
ReplyDeleteLoved the film. I watched it years ago because I have been and always will be a Vivien Leigh fan. As you say, the chemistry between her and Olivier was palpable.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the trip down memory lane. Vic
This was one of the first classic movies I ever watched. I think it was on my local PBS station late one night when I was in junior high or so. It remains one of my favorite films, though I can't bear the unhappy ending.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to see that it's released on DVD, though, as I only have it on the clunky VHS!
I love how everyone is so nostalgic about this film!
ReplyDelete