We've seen that in our lifetime, royals with their names branded across every newspaper and rag in every country, and scandal is like morning coffee even if it isn't proven to be true. 5000+ years of world history is filled with equally scandalous stuff, spread through the courts of Europe through chambermaids, jealous aristocrats and titillated soldiers. This story takes place during a period of England's history when German relatives of past kings were chosen to take over the throne, just as a Scottish king did the same a century before.
The arrogant German prince George (Peter Bull) needs a bride and the pretty Joan Greenwood is selected, no love required, the only necessity that she can bear a heir. He's unloving (not that he's loveable anyway) and cruel, and once she's established as wife and mother, she embarks on a love affair with the romantic Stewart Granger. There's more than enough scandal whispered around for Bull to find out, and his wrath is swift and ruthless. Others in the court (particularly countess Flora Robson) do their best to create more damage, and the stage is set for a genuine historical tragedy.
The gorgeous photography, sets and costumes makes this a must for fans of historical events captured on film. There are probably far too many characters to make it flow without some confusion but the performance is by the leads and a good percentage of the supporting cast makes it intriguing and riveting. Greenwood and Grangerare an excellent romantic team, and Bull and Robson are terrific villains. The British Cinema of the 1940's was far advanced in creating these types of memorable melodramas, and fortunately, they have been recently discovered by American audiences who weren't privy to these on the late, late show or other expositions outside of arthouse showings.
The arrogant German prince George (Peter Bull) needs a bride and the pretty Joan Greenwood is selected, no love required, the only necessity that she can bear a heir. He's unloving (not that he's loveable anyway) and cruel, and once she's established as wife and mother, she embarks on a love affair with the romantic Stewart Granger. There's more than enough scandal whispered around for Bull to find out, and his wrath is swift and ruthless. Others in the court (particularly countess Flora Robson) do their best to create more damage, and the stage is set for a genuine historical tragedy.
The gorgeous photography, sets and costumes makes this a must for fans of historical events captured on film. There are probably far too many characters to make it flow without some confusion but the performance is by the leads and a good percentage of the supporting cast makes it intriguing and riveting. Greenwood and Grangerare an excellent romantic team, and Bull and Robson are terrific villains. The British Cinema of the 1940's was far advanced in creating these types of memorable melodramas, and fortunately, they have been recently discovered by American audiences who weren't privy to these on the late, late show or other expositions outside of arthouse showings.