An upper-crust British family and their servant class react to the preeminent events that introduced Earth people to the Twentieth Century. Mainly, we see three decades of dramatic interludes surrounding lady Diana Wynyard (as Jane) and her noble husband Clive Brook (as Robert Marryot). This "upstairs" couple is contrasted by "downstairs" maid Una O'Connor (as Ellen) and her boozy husband Herbert Mundin (as Alfred Bridges). But, they take a back seat to the quartet's children, after they grow up to be rich Frank Lawton (as Joe Marryot) and poor Ursula Jeans (as Fanny Bridges)...
Noel Coward's stage play is more than a little tedious, at least in cinematic form. "Cavalcade" was well-produced, however, and was the year's "Best Picture" by "The New York Times", "Film Daily", and the "Academy Awards". The latter group named Frank Lloyd "Best Director" and nominated Ms. Wynyard as "Best Actress" of the year for falling hard upon reading bad news. A British Norma Shearer, Wynyard came in third in "Oscar" voting, after winner Katharine Hepburn (in "Morning Glory") and May Robson (in "Lady for a Day"); a good ranking, but Greta Garbo (in "Queen Christina") outperformed them all.
"Cavalcade" is an anti-war excursion, by Mr. Coward, with some observations on the British class system (both rich and poor mourn the death of "Queen" Victoria), and alcoholism among the working class. The awards notwithstanding, watching these characters react to news events is hardly ever engaging. One exception is when Mr. Lawton goes blushingly backstage to meet Ms. Jeans, after she has become an entertainer. This scene gives their otherwise ordinary and predictable storyline some spark. Another strength is the wonderful Coward tune "Twentieth Century Blues" sung by Jeans' character. The song serves not only as the film's theme but also as a timeless comment on chaotic societal changes.
****** Cavalcade (1/5/33) Frank Lloyd ~ Diana Wynyard, Clive Brook, Frank Lawton, Ursula Jeans
Noel Coward's stage play is more than a little tedious, at least in cinematic form. "Cavalcade" was well-produced, however, and was the year's "Best Picture" by "The New York Times", "Film Daily", and the "Academy Awards". The latter group named Frank Lloyd "Best Director" and nominated Ms. Wynyard as "Best Actress" of the year for falling hard upon reading bad news. A British Norma Shearer, Wynyard came in third in "Oscar" voting, after winner Katharine Hepburn (in "Morning Glory") and May Robson (in "Lady for a Day"); a good ranking, but Greta Garbo (in "Queen Christina") outperformed them all.
"Cavalcade" is an anti-war excursion, by Mr. Coward, with some observations on the British class system (both rich and poor mourn the death of "Queen" Victoria), and alcoholism among the working class. The awards notwithstanding, watching these characters react to news events is hardly ever engaging. One exception is when Mr. Lawton goes blushingly backstage to meet Ms. Jeans, after she has become an entertainer. This scene gives their otherwise ordinary and predictable storyline some spark. Another strength is the wonderful Coward tune "Twentieth Century Blues" sung by Jeans' character. The song serves not only as the film's theme but also as a timeless comment on chaotic societal changes.
****** Cavalcade (1/5/33) Frank Lloyd ~ Diana Wynyard, Clive Brook, Frank Lawton, Ursula Jeans