There were quite a few reasons to want to see 'Lloyd's of London'. A fascinating subject matter. That it had a director (Henry King) that, while not one of my favourites, made some very good films. Especially the wonderful 'The Song of Bernadette'. And that it had a cast of truly talented actors in roles that sounded perfect for them, including seeing Tyrone Power so young and George Sanders in a type of role that he played better than most actors at that time.
'Lloyd's of London' turned out to be more than worthwhile. Historical accuracy is not a strong suit, same with authenticity, but the subject is a long way from wasted, the production values seldom get much better and the cast and King are on point. It's not one of the best films ever seen but there is so much to like about 'Lloyd's of London', as long as one takes it on its own terms rather than constant comparing, and it deserves more appreciation.
Not all the story is consistently engaging, with some occasional dragging in the middle in the slighter sections.
Also felt that some of the romantic subplot strained credibility, it was sweet enough and the chemistry is there but it is agreed that seeing no signs of ageing over a long period of time was not easy to swallow.
Other than these, 'Lloyd's of London' has so much that works. Especially the production values and the cast. The film looks fantastic, one of in my view the most visually beautiful films of the late 30s that isn't one of the highly acclaimed and revolutionary classics. The costumes and settings are truly sumptuous, lavishly captured in the photography. It is very easy to see why this was the role that launched Power's stardom, he is very dashing and charismatic. Very much in his youthful prime. Freddie Bartholomew dominates the first portion of the film with effortless ease and grace.
Madeleine Carroll is radiant and few other actors at the time did suave and caddish as good as let alone better than Sanders, also aristocratically made up. C. Aubrey Smith and particularly Guy Standing, both always dependable, are marvellous. King directs with class and efficiency and the film is intelligently and wittily scripted. Most of the story is involving and both fun and charming. The characters are not complex but are at least interesting. The music isn't too jaunty or goes too thick on the syrup.
In summary, a lot to like here and more appreciation is due. 8/10
'Lloyd's of London' turned out to be more than worthwhile. Historical accuracy is not a strong suit, same with authenticity, but the subject is a long way from wasted, the production values seldom get much better and the cast and King are on point. It's not one of the best films ever seen but there is so much to like about 'Lloyd's of London', as long as one takes it on its own terms rather than constant comparing, and it deserves more appreciation.
Not all the story is consistently engaging, with some occasional dragging in the middle in the slighter sections.
Also felt that some of the romantic subplot strained credibility, it was sweet enough and the chemistry is there but it is agreed that seeing no signs of ageing over a long period of time was not easy to swallow.
Other than these, 'Lloyd's of London' has so much that works. Especially the production values and the cast. The film looks fantastic, one of in my view the most visually beautiful films of the late 30s that isn't one of the highly acclaimed and revolutionary classics. The costumes and settings are truly sumptuous, lavishly captured in the photography. It is very easy to see why this was the role that launched Power's stardom, he is very dashing and charismatic. Very much in his youthful prime. Freddie Bartholomew dominates the first portion of the film with effortless ease and grace.
Madeleine Carroll is radiant and few other actors at the time did suave and caddish as good as let alone better than Sanders, also aristocratically made up. C. Aubrey Smith and particularly Guy Standing, both always dependable, are marvellous. King directs with class and efficiency and the film is intelligently and wittily scripted. Most of the story is involving and both fun and charming. The characters are not complex but are at least interesting. The music isn't too jaunty or goes too thick on the syrup.
In summary, a lot to like here and more appreciation is due. 8/10