Sexylocher Masterful Movie

Majorthebys Charming and brutal

Billie Morin This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows

Keeley Coleman The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

JohnHowardReid Copyright 10 March 1937 by London Film Productions, Ltd. New York opening at the Radio City Music Hall: 4 March 1937 (ran one week). U.S. release: 4 March 1937. U.K. release: March 1937. 92 minutes. SYNOPSIS: England defeats the Spanish Armada. NOTES: Although it failed to duplicate the enormous success of The Private Life of Henry VIII (1933), Fire Over England not only took excellent money but furthered the careers of no less than five upcoming box-office favorites: Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, James Mason, Robert Newton and Raymond Massey. COMMENT: Lots of flag-waving, but plenty of action and even more importantly limitless artistry in this Korda follow-up to his blockbuster success, "Henry VIII". Although Flora Robson can't quite match the regal charisma of Charles Laughton's Henry (and the script seems over-eager to portray her as a sympathetic, grandmotherly figure), she gives the role a good shot. She does in fact manage to dominate many of her scenes, but this is often due to the weakness of her supporting players rather than any strengths of her own. Olivier, Banks and Leigh are all rather dull. Only philosophical old Morton Selten and villainous James Mason make much impression in the English court. The Spanish court, helped out by Raymond Massey's forceful Philip and Robert Newton's unwillingly helpful Don Pedro, has a bit more clout.Fortunately, neither Elizabethan politics nor cinematic romance are of great concern to the average picture-goer here. (Yes, I know it was a real-life meeting between Olivier and Leigh, but none of that passion is evident in their desultory exchanges on the screen). What ticket-buyers are looking for in "Fire Over England" is action. More action. And spectacle. Lavish spectacle. And that's what the picture provides. In spades. Of course what we critics want is neither romance nor action but artistry. And that also — thanks to the combined skills of photographer James Wong Howe and director William K. Howard — is dramatically delivered. Wong Howe regarded Howard as the greatest master of the cinema, and the most skillful and imaginative director he ever worked with. The images in this picture, with phenomenally effective use of back- lighting, are a testament to their combined genius.The staggering sets, the glittering costumes, the rousing montages, the pageant music score alike contribute mightily to this vibrant, vital and highly entertaining historical pastiche. OTHER VIEWS: We think Fire Over England is a very fine film. Its historical setting is good, the dialogue excellent, and the acting excellent also. — Sight and Sound.Lavish historical drama with enormous sets, crowds of extras and gorgeous costumes — but what a pity it was not filmed in color. Here is a production that literally cries aloud for the use of color. Wong Howe's lighting style is unusual for a period picture. He really pours on the light, this and the white sets giving the images very little contrast, except in the night scenes. Still the effect is quite pleasing.Laurence Olivier sings twice, antedating The Beggar's Opera, using his own voice. Howard's direction has some visual style and the action spots are put across with vigor — unusual to see Olivier in an Errol Flynn-type role.The film has, despite its obvious patriotic overtones, tremendous pace and while the characters are all one-dimensional figures, they are so skilfully acted (by Robson, Massey and Newton especially) as to almost wholly disguise this defect. Vivien Leigh, however, is rather a colorless heroine, though she looks lovely and does spark up once or twice when the script offers her the opportunity. — JHR writing as Tom Howard.

Richard Plantagenet A Fine Film, Fire Over England has some wonderful acting.For Me Flora Robson gave the best performance as the tempered but Glorious Elizabeth I. Although this Film i noted as being the first pairing of Laurence Olivier and his future wife Vivien Leigh, The Scenes between Olivier and Tamara Desni as Elena, The daughter of a Spanish Admiral, were far more memorable. The Dracula like Philip II Of Spain, Portrayed by Raymond Massey left me wishing he appeared in more scenes in the film. Not having known much about the Attack of the Spanish Armada on England, i was left thinking that the whole fleet was sent ablaze by the seven English ships set on fire. So Historical Accuracy is not all there. This is a Great film for 1937, With a great cast.

MartinHafer Recently I've come to realize that I often hate many costume dramas--especially because most of them are a little short on excitement and acting because they spend so much time on expensive sets and blaring music that the actors just seem secondary. I would say this is pretty true of this film, as most of the actors are kind of wooden and most of the action just isn't that action-packed. Plus, I've seen better versions of this same material. Flora Robson, who plays Queen Elizabeth in this film, also did just about the EXACT same role with a similar plot--only co-starring Errol Flynn instead of Lawrence Olivier. SEA HAWK just had a lot more to offer--better plot, more action and a spark. And, while Olivier is pleasant enough, Flynn's charisma gave the other film a little more energy. Also, the dialog is a bit stupid now and again--especially when they try to make Elizabeth seem human--in reality, she was a terrible person just like most other absolute rulers of the day. If you MUST see an Elizabethan costumer, try SEA HAWK first--it's just more bang for your buck.PS--interestingly enough, Ms. Robson was only 35 when she took on the part of Elizabeth, though she looked about 60 in the film. I assume they just used a ton of makeup and they did a good job of passing her off as this older lady.

Snow Leopard This enjoyable historical drama is particularly notable for the fine cast headed by Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, and Raymond Massey. The period atmosphere works well, and the setting, against the background of the 16th century struggles between England and Spain, is an interesting one.The story does a solid job of working the historical setting into a romance between Olivier's and Leigh's characters, setting up some interesting possibilities. Those two work well together - Leigh is a natural in her role, and it's an interesting change of pace for Olivier, from his Shakespeare roles and the like. Massey adds considerable interest and energy as the kind of heavy that he played so well – his very voice seems appropriate. Flora Robson is very well suited to the role of Queen Elizabeth. Tamara Desni and Leslie Banks also do well in their roles.The plot creates good moments of drama, romance, and action, along with some good cat- and-mouse games between the characters. It builds to a good climax and, if it occasionally stretches plausibility, it easily holds your interest all the way through. Overall, it's pretty good and well worth seeing.