“Still Safe At Home At The Movies…..Royal or Not?” Volume II, No. 5 (June 2021) By Stephanie Mardesich
Still Safe At Home At The Movies…..Royal or Not?
By Stephanie Mardesich
Miss Stephanie Mardesich in Royal Enclosure, “Ladies Day” races at Royal Ascot, June 1987 (Photo by Jayne McCutchan Hufschmid)
Culminating the “Season” from Chelsea Flower Show in May to Royal Ascot (horse races) in June it’s a traditionally festive time in London, England.
In June 1987was this writer’s pleasure to attend “Ladies Day” of the five day meet known as Royal Ascot, dating back to 1911 at the Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire; and to be in the exclusive “Royal Enclosure” with Queen Elizabeth, the “Queen Mum”, Princess Diana and her pal Sarah, Duchess of York aka “Fergie” in very close proximity. I attended with lifetime American friend Jayne (McCutchan) Hufschmid and it was a delightful experience. To be in the specially designated area one must observe special protocol that includes obtaining a letter of recommendation from one’s Congress member (House or Senate), presenting “compliments” to the Ambassador to the Court of St. James (as the USA ambassador is officially known), and possibly most important once the credentials are secure finding the perfect dress, hat and accoutrements to add to the sartorial splendor of the occasion.
In the Royal Enclosure it’s more champers and back and forth to the tote to make bets. The year I was present remarkable for “Di” and “Fergie” playfully bopping many of the ladies and gents with their “brollys” (sic=English for umbrella). Diana in splendid bright floral suit complimented with picture hat made an indelible impression. The horses of course are the raison d’etre and magnificent to see in best form.
It was like being in the famous “Ascot Opening Day” scene of My Fair Lady with all the brilliant finery and protocol. Prior to the races many of this “Ritzy” set, we included, “tail-gate” in most elegant manner, with champagne, caviar, and hampers of delightful taste treats, all out of the “boot” (English name for automobile trunk) be it a Rolls Royce, some state of the art SUV or humble vehicle.
Royal by blood (“divine right of kings”), by marriage, by name (e.g. Stephanie is derived from Greek “Stephanos” and means crown, or as my nocturnally inclined late brother, was drolly dubbed “The Count” not for lineage, rather akin to infamous Dracula), “Royal or not?” is the question as suggested by the films described here for your regal consideration. Post time!
The Prince & The Pauper (USA, Warner Bros., 1937, 118 min., dir. William Keighley)
Mark Twain’s book translated to the screen is a Hollywood “classic” with Tom Canty vs. Prince of Wales (played by twins Billy and Robert J. Mauch) who switch identities when Tom surreptitiously visits the Prince, they change clothes for the fun of it, and discovered by the guards who expel Tom and don’t believe t he’s the true prince
Leading man of the WB Errol Flynn (Miles Hendon) as the “good guy” and nemesis Claude Rains (Earl of Hertford) at odds over fate of pauper and prince, and who will inherit the throne upon death of the “old king.”
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0029440/?ref_=fn_al_tt_3
Prisoner of Zenda
(USA, Selznick International Pictures, 1937, 101 min., dir. Henry Cromwell & W.S. Van Dyke (un-credited)
Classic:swashbuckler stars ever dashing Ronald Colman as Rudolph Rassendyll, identical distant cousin of about to be crowned King Rudolf V of mythical Ruritania, who is asked to risk his life and impersonate his royal cousin who has been kidnapped the eve of his impending coronation by henchmen of his conniving older half-brother Black Michael (Raymond Massey) and held captive in the Castle of Zenda.
If Rudolf V isn't present at the ceremony he will forfeit the crown to his half brother. Further complications ensue when the king's cousin and bride to be Princess Flavia (Madeline Carroll) begins to notice a "personality change" in her fiancé. Rudolf does indeed fall for Flavia though it’s unrequited when the real King is rescued and restored to the throne, and they must part.
Two Academy Award® nominations. C. Aubrey Smith, Mary Astor, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., and David Niven in key supporting roles. Ever intriguing story, script based on novel by Anthony Hope (1894) with seven film adaptations from silent to talkies and one mini series for the telly.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0029442/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1
The Little Princess USA, 20th Century Fox, 1939, 93 min., dir. Walter Lang)
Shirley Temple as kind hearted and generous of spirit Sara Crewe is left at a boarding school in London, England while her father Captain Crew (Ian Hunter) goes off to the Boer War. When the Captain is reported missing in action, presumed dead, his fortune depleted Sara is shunned by nasty school head mistress Miss Michlin (Mary
Nash) and banished to an attic room and scullery downstairs, now serving her classmates as a maid, and teased as the former “little princess.” Undaunted in belief that her father is alive Sara never gives u hope seeking him among the wounded in local hospital.
Until her demise she has some special friends in her teacher Miss Rose (Anita Louise) whose beau Geoffrey Hamilton (Richard Greene) was her riding instructor, housemaid Becky (Sybil Jason) and silent “benefactor” Ram Dass (Caesar Romero) Indian servant from next door that countermand her nemeses Lavinia (Marcia Mae Jones – remember her as “Klara” to Temple’s Heidi). Charming “tear-jerker”; memorable song and dance sequences with all time best butler Bertie Minchin (Arthur Treacher). And not to give plot away it’s ultimately a happy ending, Then again it’s a Shirley Temple movie so one would expect that.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0031580/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Royal Wedding (USA, MGM, 1951, 93 min., dir. Stanley Donen)
Brother/sister song and dance team Tom Bowen (Fred Astaire) and Ellen Bowen (Jane Powell) - reminds of another famous sister/brother team, Fred & Adele Astaire, who were dance star partners until she left the stage for a Brit - are performing in London and it’s the time of a royal wedding. On Atlantic crossing from NYC Ellen meets Lord Peter Ashdon (Peter Lawford) and shipboard romance progresses on land. Upon arrival in London Tom encounters aspiring dancer Anne Ashmond (Sarah Churchill, third daughter of Sir Winston) en route to audition and it’s “Kismet” of sorts, with some rocky (dance) steps to the altar for both couples. Keenan Wynn in droll dual roles as American and British based brothers Irving & Edward Klinger. Charming entertainment, lovely costumes by Helen Rose and coiffures by resident MGM hair stylist Sydney Guillaroff. No message, just a very good old fashioned romantic movie. Oscar® nod “Best Song” by Burton Lane and Alan J. Lerner, who also wrote screenplay.
Note: Though not a personal favorite of this writer, though some pleasant aspects and of course the famous Astaire terpsichorean turn around the room from floor to ceiling and remarkable editing.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043983/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Roman Holiday (USA, Paramount Pictures, 1953, 118 min., dir. William Wyler)
Celebrated story of Princess Ann (Audrey Hepburn) of an imaginary foreign country is in Rome, Italy on
“royal visit.” Frustrated and bored with her over protected perfunctory existence she runs away - “plays hooky” - to see the Eternal City close up. American newsman Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck) assigned to interview the foreign regent comes to her rescue and realizes who she is, though not revealing that to her. He becomes her protector, if not suitor though the underlying romance is quite subtle, and they have a great adventure speeding around the city on a vespa, dancing into the wee hours, until he discreetly leaves her near her official abode. His photographer buddy Irving Radovich (Eddie Albert) has captured the antics in photographs, however demonstrating discretion and integrity Joe chooses to not sell the story, yet does attend the official press conference where he and Ann and their special (eye contact) moment. Ten Oscar® nods with three wins for ”Best” Actress (Hepburn), Costumes (Edith Head), Screen Writing-Motion Picture Story (for then un-credited Dalton Trumbo, originally listed under pseudonym because of “Hollywood Ten” scandal).
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046250/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
The Swan (USA, MGM, 1956, 104 min., dir. Charles Vidor)
Prince Albert (Alec Guiness) has been seeking a wife and bored with the prospects and process when he arrives in the kingdom of Princess Alexandra (Grace Kelly) who needs to marry to help regain the throne of their native land, taken during Napoleon’s rein, for her mother Princess Beatrix (Jessie Royce Landis). Albert is more blasé than fascinated and when would be rival tutor Dr. Nicholas Agi (Louis Jourdan) seems to capture Alexandra’s heart is ready to concede to chagrin of his mother Queen Maria Dominika (Agnes Moorehead). Will duty or true love prevail? Watch the lovely movie and find out.
Note: Soon after making the film Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier of Monaco and became a real princess. MGM timed the opening of the film to coincide with the day of her marriage, and Helen Rose who designed the costumes for the film famously created Kelly’s elegant wedding gown.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049815/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_6
The Prince And The Show Girl (UK/USA, Warner Bros., 1957, 115 min., dir. Laurence Olivier)
In June 1911 Grand Duke Charles (Laurence Olivier) of Carpathia is London, England for the coronation of King George V. A widower, the regent is rather the “play boy” and likes the ladies of the stage for feminine companionship and becomes intrigued by American show girl Elsie Marina (Marilyn Monroe). It’s a protracted seduction scenario and Elise proves to be far more shred and aware than the naïve beauty she appears to be. No Oscar® acclaim, though five BAFTA nods.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050861/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Author’s note: Interesting “companion” film to view is My Week With Marilyn (2011) that gives another view of making the movie. Find at https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1655420/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Sleeping Beauty
(USA, Walt Disney Animation Studios & Productions, 1959, dir. Clyde Geronimi & three un-credited)
In some imaginary kingdom Princess Aurora (voice of Mary Costa) born into royalty and at the great celebration of her birth a viciously evil and jealous fairy Maleficent (voice of Eleanor Audley) places a curse on Aurora that she’ll die at age 16 when she pricks her finger. Another fairy changes the curse so instead the Princess will succumb to a deep sleep that can only be ended by the kiss of her true love. Exquisite animation and lilting tunes for great romantic entertainment. Oscar® nod for Best Musical Score,
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053285/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2
My Fair Lady (USA, Warner Bros., 1964,190 min., G, dir. George Cukor)
Professor Higgins (Rex Harrison repeating his stage success to win Best Actor Oscar®) and his buddy Colonel Pickering (Wilfrid Hyde-White) have a wager with Higgins claiming he can turn a humble Covent Garden cockney flower seller Eliza Doolittle (Audrey Hepburn) into an elegant lady. Exceptional costume design by Cecil Beaton especially “Ascot Opening Day” and the scene at the ball (is Eliza really a Hungarian princess?). The subtle tension belies the underlying love story of the Professor and Eliza with comic relief of Eliza’s father and the beloved “I’m Getting Married In The Morning” among the many memorable times created by Lerner and Lowe of Broadway musical fame who based their musical on Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw with so many memorable tunes perfectly translated to the silver screen with 12 Oscar® nods and eight wins.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058385/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Casino Royale (UK/USA, MGM, 1967, 131 min., dir. Val Guest, et al)
Spy spoof has James Bond (David Niven) called back from retirement after “M” is killed to stop evil SMERSH who devises a clever plan to dupe the adversary and enlist of other agents all going by the name of “Bond.”
Starry cast includes: Deborah Kerr, Peter Sellers, Orson Wells, Ursula Andress, Charles Boyer, Woody Allen, Jean Paul Belmondo and more.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061452/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2
The Royal Tenenbaums (USA, Touchstone Pictures, 2001, 110 min., R, dir. Wes Anderson)
Siblings Richie, Margot, and Chas Tenenbaum prodigies of a kooky family, now grown up yet residing together with their mother Etheline (Angelica Houston) are revisited by their father who deserted them years earlier, Royal Tenenbaum (Gene Hackman)m in an effort to make amends.
Effective and equally” kooky” supporting cast includes Bill Murray, Seymour Cassell, and Owen Wilson. One Oscar® nod for best writing directly for the screen for Anderson and Owen Wilson.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0265666/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Princess Diaries (USA/UK, Walt Disney Pictures, 2001, 111 min., G, dir. Garry Marshall)
Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway) is a rather awkward American teenager living with her single mother Helen (Caroline Goodall). Little does Mia realize that the father she never knew was the Prince of mythical European country of Genovia as revealed by her grandmother Queen Clarisse Renaldi (Julie Andews) who seeks her out to claim her right of birth. The Queen takes Mia to Genovia where a new world of pomp and circumstance await her as the “ugly duckling” under tutelage of Joe (Hector Elizondo) transforms to an elegant Princess. The media catches on to the story and comical havoc ensues, along with potential romance. Mia will have to decide between her old and new life by the time of Genovia’s Independence Day Ball. Will “royal” win out? Discover for yourself and watch this charming entertaining movie.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0247638/?ref_=fn_al_tt_4
More “ royal or not” titles to consider for your home entertainment:
Victoria The Great (UK, 1937)
(and the excellent Masterpiece Theatre series “Victoria”)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0029734/?ref_=nm_ov_bio_lk1
Queen Christina (USA, 1933, stars ever beautiful Greta Garbo as the Swedish monarch)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0024481/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Marie Antoinette (USA, 1938, stars MGM “queen” Norma Shearer)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0030418/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_6
Princess Bride (USA, 1987, ever popular and early big screen role for Robin Wright)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093779/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
The Queen (UK, 2006, Oscar® for Best Actress for star Helen Mirren)