Reflecting on the recent May 6 historic Coronation of King Charles, III of the United Kingdom gives one pause to consider films that feature stories about “Kings” through the centuries, from true royals to those aspiring for power and prominence. Brew a pot of tea with scones and jam, or enjoy some libation with popcorn and snacks, and tune in……Long live the King whoever he may be!

Prisoner of Zenda (USA, Selznick International, 1937, 101 min., dir. John Coleman/W.S. VanDyck)

Dashing Ronald Coleman has dual role of Major Rudolf Rassendyll, of England, and soon to crowned King Rudolf V, portraying two look alike cousins barely acquainted. Set in the fictional European principality of Ruritania story has all the elements of tense drama with family rivalry, treachery, romance, envy, and greed.

On the eve of his coronation Rudolf V is drugged by his evil brother Duke Michael (Raymond Massey), who’s then kidnapped by Michael’s charming but devious henchman, Rupert of Hentzau (Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.) and held captive the Duke’s castle at Zenda. Allies convince Rupert’s look alike cousin Rassendyll to impersonate him to prevent Michael from usurping the throne. After the Coronation, however, forced to keep up the charade Rassendyll falls in love with Rudolf’s fiancé, Flavia (Madeleine Carroll). Michael and Rudolf fail to seize power. Rassendyll embarks on a mission to rescue Rudolf, with the help of the Duke’s mistress Antoinette (Mary Astor). Amid the ensuing chaos, Rupert stabs Michael; a sword fight with Rassendyll follows, Rupert jumps into the castle’s moat, leaving Rudolf and Flavia to finally assume the throne and Rassendyll returns to England.

Exciting sword fights, exhilarating musical score by Alfred Newman, picture earned five Academy Award® nominations with two wins including the music.

This movie is considered the best of about ten film and television adaptations of the popular late Victorian novel by Anthony Hope (published in 1894) that was part of his stories involving intrigue, double-crossing, power grabs and forbidden romance in a microcosm of the royal courts of Europe. Garnered two Academy Award® nominations it was designated part of (USA) National Registry of Film

in 1991. Note: Previously published shorter write up in PVP June 2021.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0029442/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Anna & The King of Siam (USA, 20th Century Fox, 1946, 128 min., dir. John Cromwell)

The fascinating story of Anna Leonowens, widowed Englishwoman and teacher who takes a post in Siam in Victorian era is probably best remembered in the musical created by Rodgers & Hammerstein The King & I, however this film is a poignant version of the noble ambition of the monarch who yearned to bring his ancient Asian country into civilization of the day.

Stalwart Anna (Irene Dunne) and her son Louis (Richard Lyon) demonstrate true courage in making the journey from England to the exotic foreign shore. She is determined, if not challenging to the chauvinistic monarch King Mongkhut (Rex Harrison) and embraces the children of the court, encouraged by the King to promote literacy and western values though stubbornly, if not regally, he balks at some of her suggestions. Mostly that he provide a single home for her and Louis that was her clear understanding as part of their contract. Concerned to make proper presentation to foreign diplomats he delegates to Anna the task of creating a proper formal dinner with lavish evening gowns for his concubines. Yet he is still entrenched in cultural tradition of multiple wives and slaves. The touching story of the latest added to his harem Tuptim (Linda Darnell) that encapsulates both his ego and regal status challenged with the new morality he attempts to adopt. Intimately Anna and the King achieve deep affection and mutual respect,

as she continues to teach and advise, as he meets his demise with dignity and reverence. Excellent cast includes Lee J. Cobb, Gale Sondegaard (Lady Thiang). Five Oscar® nods including best supporting actress for Sondegaard.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038303/?ref_=nmbio_mbio

All The King’s Men (USA, Columbia Pictures, 1949, 110 min., dir. Robert Rossen)

A different twist on what it means to be “King” in this story inspired by “the Kingfish” of Louisiana Huey P. Long, based on the acclaimed book of the same title by Robert Penn Warren.

Newspaper reporter Jack Burden (John Ireland) first hears of Willie Stark (Broderick Crawford) when his editor sends him to Kanoma County to report on the alleged “nobody” running for county treasurer, supposedly an

honest man, that Burden discovers is true when he sees Stark delivering a speech and having his son Tom (John Derek) pass out handbills, while other local politicians do their best to intimidate him.

Tenacious and sincere Stark is also a naive country boy whose schoolteacher wife Lucy (Ann Seymour) provided what little education he’s had. He’s smart, however and after losing the election for treasurer, he forges on and makes his way through law school, becoming an idealistic attorney fighting for the people.

He’s singled out by someone in the Governor's staff who remembers him when the Governor needs a fall guy to run against him and undermine the vote for his true rival. The powers that be underestimate Stark, and his immense charisma; and his biggest supporter Burden overestimates his idealism. To achieve his burgeoning ambition Stark plows over people like a tractor in a field, including his loyal candid assistant, Sadie Burke (Mercedes McCambridge), Jack's lovely fiancée, Anne Stanton (Joann Dru) who he falls for and vice versa, and Burden himself. The analogy to the Kingfish is further substantiated by the suggestions of some illicit business and fractured by his ambition his ultimate assassination when his minions couldn’t like Humpty Dumpty put the would be “king” back together again.

Perfectly performed, pacing on par, the film is an extraordinary adaptation of the book with seven Oscar® nods and three wins, including “Best” picture, actor for Crawford, supporting actress for McCambridge.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0041113/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2

The Man Who Would Be King

(UK/USA, Columbia Pictures, 1975, 129 min., PG, dir. John Huston)

Daniel Dravot “Danny” (Sean Connery) and Peaches Carnehan (Michael Caine), officers in the British Army find themselves at a loss when their services are no longer required in Asia. While blackmailing a local Raja, the pair are exposed by author Rudyard Kipling (Christopher Plummer) and brought up for disciplinary action, given warning and released. After the episode they call on Kipling to get him to witness a contract for their latest plan to become Kings of a small country by training a village, to conquer the rest of the villages, and then they plan to leave months later with riches. The conquest begins in earnest, but when Danny's vigor in battle makes him appear to be a god to the villagers new dangers are imminent. Four Oscar® nods.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073341/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

The Madness of King George (UK/USA, Samuel Goldwyn Co., 1994, 110 min., PG-13, dir. Nicholas Hytner)

The stage play adapted for the silver screen by its author Alan Bennett is insightful and intriguing movie. Up in years King George III of England (Nigel Hawthorne) is exhibiting signs of madness with erratic behavior and speech. His bewildered doctors attempt ineffectual cures of the day, e.g. applying leaches, soaks in hot and cold waters, tinctures, etc. It’s like he’s being tortured, when the root of the affliction is most likely a rare condition known as “porphyria” that turns the urine blue, though that’s debatable. It’s painful to view what the King endures, though ultimately he regains health; and nd family reunited. During the troubled time his devoted wife and mother of his 15 children Queen Charlotte (Helen Mirren) and Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger (Julian Wadham) attempt to prevent the King's political enemies, led by the foppish premiere heir Prince of Wales (Rupert Everett), from usurping the throne. Lavish costumes, exhilarating music, pathos countered by comic moments, bodes a journey to historic time considered again recently with the ancient rites legacy in connection with Coronation of his descendent King Charles, III.

Four Academy Award® nods and worthy to win. It was a very competitive year.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110428/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

First Knight (UK/USA, Columbia Pictures/First Knight Productions, 1995,134 min., PG13, dir. Jerry Zucker)

Another Camelot imagined with King Arthur (Sean Connery) veteran of many wars, and now peace prevails, about to wed Guinevere (Julia Ormond) who upon death of her father became leader of neighboring country Leonesse.

Peace and justice for Arthur and Guinevere are short lived as Prince Malagant (Ben Cross) a Knights of the Round Table wants Camelot for himself and King Arthur deposed. Many follow Malagant, whose quest also involves invading and taking over Leonesse. As the King's betrothed, Guinevere becomes Malagant's target in achieving both of his goals. Meanwhile, Lancelot (Richard Gere) free spirited peasant, who eventually joins the Round Table, makes his way through life with demonstrations of his sword fighting prowess arrives in Camelot and thwarts Malagant's attempt at abducting Guinevere. He falls in love with her and the attraction is mutual, though Guinevere remains loyal to King Arthur and the wedding takes place. Because of his affection Lancelot becomes involved in the battles between Malagant and Arthur doing whatever he can to keep Guinevere safe. As these battles brew and Arthur becomes indebted to Lancelot for saving Guinevere at the possible expense of his own life, Guinevere cannot help but succumb to Lancelot, resulting in a romantic triangle. though Arthur is quite unaware of the couple’s betrayal resulting in tragic consequences. Nice to see ever elegant John Gielgud (Oswald).

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113071/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

The King’s Speech (UK/USA, Weinstein Co., 2010, 118 min., R, dir. Tom Hopper)

The historical drama reveals how King Edward VIII (Guy Pearce) abdicated the throne for the “woman I love” and his younger brother Prince Albert (Colin Firth) by “default” ascends the throne and crowned King George VI. Though in the line of succession it was always possible it’s not what “Bertie” was truly prepared for or desired. He is daunted by a “stammer” speech impediment and more shy nature. Knowing that the country needs her husband to be able to communicate effectively his stalwart loving Scottish wife Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter) takes him to an Australian actor and speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) to help him overcome the adversity.

An unusual relationship ensues as Logue with fortitude and respect, yet firmness, uses unconventional technique to teach the sovereign how to speak with dignified confidence, all building up to the new King delivering his first radio broadcast to the nation when Britain declared war on Germany in 1939, that was not perfect yet indeed triumph, for King George VI, who served the nation with courage through the terrible siege of WWII. Apparently there’s been “dramatic license” with regard to some facts and timeline, however the essence of the story holds true. The two men retained a lifetime relationship and bond until the demise of the King in 1952, extraordinary between royalty and a “commoner.”

Excellent supporting cast includes Michael Gambon (King George V), Claire Bloom (Queen Mary), Derek Jacoby (Archbishop of Canterbury), though it’s Firth who truly gives his most compelling performance. Garnered five Oscar® nominations with three wins for “Best” picture, actor (Firth), and director. The recently anointed King Charles, III is the grandson of George VI who would certainly make his progenitor proud for his own eloquence.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1504320/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

The King (UK, Netflix/Plan B Entertainment/Torchlight Films, 2019, 140 min., R, dir. David Michod)

Prince Hal, Henry Prince of Wales (Timothée Chalamet), wayward and reluctant heir to the English throne, has turned his back on royal life and is living among the people. When his tyrannical father Henry IV (Bill Mendolsohn) dies, he is crowned King Henry V and forced to embrace the life he had tried to escape. Now the young King must negotiate court politics, chaos and climate of war his father left behind; and the emotional strings of his past life, including his relationship with his closest friend and mentor, the aging Knight, John Falstaff (Joel Edgerton).

Based on Shakespeare’s plays Henry IV and V (aka “Henriad”) and apparently though the film received good reviews there was criticism for historical inaccuracies and treatment of the Bard original inspiration. None the less the movie is evocative and engaging and leads to pursuing the subject with further reading and viewing other films depicting the events. It’s full on action drama, violence disturbing, however not gratuitous, feels like one is there in the battlefront.

Note:aas credentialed journalist at London Film Festival I viewed the film in 2019 and was thoroughly impressed by the cast, and production values. Chalamet was a “revelation” with amazing screen presence and so authentically inhabited the role of the ancient King. Charming Lily-Rose Depp (Catherine – French princess) was his eventual love interest and she had a demure radiance. Pity not to see more of her on the big screen.

The film never seemed to have wide release, and it was meant for “big screen”, sweeping and bold, earthy and sensual.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7984766/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_9_act

Previously suggested films with Kings as center of the plots:

Lion In Winter

Camelot

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Stephanie Mardesich, a native of San Pedro from a family who arrived in the harbor area over 100 years ago. An alumna of U.S.C. School of Cinematic Arts; founder-director of the LA Harbor International Film Festival; credited journalist and public relations consultant, she launched "Cinema Stephanie" film critique blogette in 2017. More recently, she created "Eclectic Culture" lifestyle stories and reviews blog. She is also co-producer with Jack Baric (S.P. native and R.P.V. resident) of the oral history project Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (SOLAHA) - Volume II debuted in March 2020.

For more see:

(to look up films) www.imdb.com

www.laharborfilmfest.com( Cinema Stephanie blogette)

www.storieslaharborarea.com (histories/stories)