source: Fire Over England

Trailer—Fire Over England

Fire Over England

Whilst Olivier falls for Vivienne Leigh at the court of Elizabeth I, the queen sends him on a mission to Spain to find out who are the traitors in King Philip's pay. Mounted rather like a Shakespearean play with Olivier in best thrusting doublet pose, this is a very British, handsomely put together piece of flag waving. Most of the cast speak in the grandest tones about everything leaving it to Raymond Massey as Philip to provide the only grounded performance. Enjoyable but very much of its pre war time.

This is a terrific, interesting historical saga about an Englishman(Laurence Olivier)spying in Spain during their 1500s conflict. Full of action and adventure. Flora Robson is outstanding as Queen Elizabeth I. Almost flawless portrayals from Raymond Massey, Leslie Banks, Morton Selten, Cecil Mainwaring and the lovely Vivien Leigh. Highly recommended.

Other than the great cinematography by the marvelous James Wong Howe in the battle scenes, this film is a true stinker. This is the second film that I've seen in recent days directed by Alexander Korda. The first was Charles Laughton's "Rembrandt." It was so lousy that I shut it off. This one I'm afraid is not very much better. Flora Robson is as ugly as ever as Queen Elizabeth. Perhaps, her performance as the virgin Queen was good for 1937 standards but when you compare it to that of a Helen Mirren, it is absolutely no match. In robotic fashion, Robson states her lines. Her battle message to the English troops is so lackluster in spirit. Even a dashing Laurence Olivier can't save this utter piece of boredom. Future wife Vivien Leigh is in a supporting role here and she doesn't really convey anything here. To think, that Scarlett was 2 years later! It's a shame that history with the Spanish Armada is made out to be so boring in this film.

Laurence Olivier is an excitable and immature hero for much of the running time of this unremarkable costume drama that was probably made with one eye on the gathering war clouds in Europe. Its' plot revolves around young Larry's undercover attempts to unearth the names of those in England plotting to replace Queen Elizabeth I with the Spanish King Philip. The direction and editing leaves much to be desired, but is at least counteracted by a strong, committed cast and a mildly intriguing plot. More of Raymond Massey would have been good - he barely rises from his seat once...

This is a great movie with excellent production values, performances and exposition. These were very complicated times and neither Elizabeth nor Philip was a simple ruler. Neither was good nor bad and both were permitted by the mores of their times to be outrageous. Given that Flora Robson did not resemble Elizabeth in the slightest and was far, far younger at the time of her portrayal, she presents the great Queen as she should be portrayed except that Elizabeth was a beauty in her youth and permitted the illusion of beauty to continue long after it was lost. See it, hear it and enjoy it. It is a mountain beside the current portrayals of these people and their times as a bland pageant of farthingales.

Even considering the 1937 production here, this is a classy effort on every front: acting, sets, script, plot, historical accuracy, etc. My major reason for seeking out this film was a compilation of the works for the incomparable Vivien Leigh. While she is stunning here, adding her usual vitality to any of her roles, there are many other strengths to admire in "Fire Over England." This is certainly the best of her early works with Laurence Olivier. The film only runs about 90 minutes but moves quickly with a plot that makes perfect sense. The whole production is quite believable, and Olivier is stronger here than in "That Hamilton Woman." Flora Robson steals the show. Her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I reveals a complex woman with a big heart. She is brilliant, wise, cunning, ruthless, and forgiving all in one package. These terms describe both Robson and the Monarch she played. Go out and get this one. You will be glad you did.