... though the producer and director was Alexander Korda(From Hungary, lived in England) on a mission(sent by Churchill)to make a propaganda film in order to get the Americans involved with what happened here in Europe. Indeed, his actions were questioned and he was ordered to explain himself before the goverment... A few days later things happened at Pearl Harbor and the case was dropped...
Vivien Leigh and Emma Hamilton had striking similaraties. Both were thought to be the most beautiful of the period and both made their men become knighted by Britain. They both har brains and the most important thing in their lives were Nelson and Olivier. Emma died at 50, Vivien at 53... When Emma died; Nelson`s crew sailed in her honour(not seen in the film - they never fotgot their leader`s Emma) and when Vivien passed away; the theatres of London turned down their lights in her honour...
They were both strong-willed women... In fact; I think Vivien recognised this and played Emma on a variation of herself. Hugo Vicker`s brilliant 1986-book on Vivien reveal her chararcter quite good and it`s then easy 2 c Vivien playing herself in the film.
Korda said to her; "Vivien - Emma was VULGAR" - to which Vivien snapped back; "You wouldn`t have given me a contract if I`ve been vulgar,"
This is a good film thanks 2 Vivien, Olivier, Sara Allgood(and the rest of the supporting cast), the scenic design(by Alexander`s brother Zoltan Korda)and the brilliant lines spoken by the best Shakespearian actors in the Hollywood community.
Churchill loved it and presented Vivien with a self-made painting, It hung in her bedroom till she died...
This is an all-time must-c film.