That Hamilton Woman
That Hamilton Woman

Movie spotlight

That Hamilton Woman

1941
Movie
125 min
English

The story of courtesan and dance-hall girl Emma Hamilton, including her relationships with Sir William Hamilton and Admiral Horatio Nelson and her rise and fall, set during the Napoleonic Wars.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes86%
Director: Alexander KordaGenres: Biography, Drama, History, Romance

Plot Summary

This historical drama chronicles the passionate and scandalous love affair between Emma Hamilton and Lord Horatio Nelson, a celebrated British admiral. Their relationship unfolds against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, significantly impacting both their personal lives and the political landscape of Europe. The film explores Emma's rise from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent social figure and Nelson's confidante, highlighting the immense personal cost of their forbidden love.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'That Hamilton Woman' was a critical and commercial success, lauded for its lavish production, compelling performances, and its timely propaganda value during World War II. Critics praised the chemistry between Leigh and Olivier, while audiences were captivated by the dramatic retelling of a famous historical romance. It remains a notable film from its era, remembered for its ambition and star power.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for the powerful performances of Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier.

  • Appreciated for its grand historical scope and romantic drama.

  • Considered an effective piece of wartime propaganda for its portrayal of British heroism.

Google audience: Audience reviews are generally positive, with many appreciating the historical narrative and the compelling performances of the lead actors. The film is often cited as a classic example of Golden Age Hollywood historical romances.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 4 Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay. It won for Best Sound Recording.

Fun Fact

Winston Churchill famously screened this film for Franklin D. Roosevelt in the White House, reportedly telling him, 'Mr. President, this is the kind of picture that might be useful in our new relationship,' referencing its pro-British sentiment during World War II.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Vivien Leigh is wonderfully purposeful, yet flighty, in this depiction of the life and love of Lady Emma Hamilton. Brought to Naples under false pretences by the British Ambassador to the Kingdom of Naples - Sir William Hamilton (Alan Mowbr...

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