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Alan Mowbray, Gladys Cooper, Gladys Copper

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77% liked it

1,146 ratings

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100% liked it

9 critics

Unrated, 2 hrs. 8 min.

Directed by: Alexander Korda

Release Date: January 1, 1941

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DVD Release Date: September 8, 2009

Stats: 79 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (79)

  • her69eyes
    October 28, 2009
    her69eyes
    "That Hamilton Woman", directed by the legendary Hungarian producer Alexander Korda, is not exactly a subtle example of pro-British propaganda. Released in the midst of World War II, Korda's script quite obviously uses Napoleon Bonaparte allegorically as his Hitler. It's no wonde...( read more)r that the film is cited as the favorite of Winston Churchill, who was said to have seen it upwards of one hundred times.

    The film stars Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh, the famous couple whose personal lives quite closely reflects that of Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton. The two had a scandalous affair before wedding each other, although they would later divorce in 1961. Vivien Leigh, one of the period's most beloved screen actresses, was fresh off of her Academy Award win for 1939's "Gone with the Wind". Leigh's performance in "That Hamilton Woman" is often cited as one of her very best, and her demanding charisma is as prominent as ever now 68 years after the film's release.

    The framing device takes place in Calais, where a shabby English woman (Vivien Leigh) is persecuted for stealing a bottle of wine. She tells a fellow prisoner that her name is Emma, the once famous Lady Hamilton. The flashback takes us to 1786 and there we meet Emma as she arrives in Naples with her mother, Mrs. Cadogan-Lyon (Sara Allgood), at the mansion of Sir William Hamilton (Alan Mowbray, in a great performance). Emma, who had suspected that Hamilton's nephew was to wed her, is shocked to learn that the union will not happen. Shortly thereafter, however, it is Sir Hamilton himself that takes a liking to Emma, and soon makes her his wife.

    A few years later, the dashing Captain Horatio Nelson (Laurence Olivier) visits Sir William in an effort to request troops from Naples to aid in England's battle with France. He is sent away with many men thanks to Emma's help, but returns five years later with depleted resources. Naples is too intimidated by Napoleon Bonaparte to continue to stand behind England, but Emma, once again, comes through with assistance. Nelson, now visibly exhausted, is missing one hand and an eye, but such losses perhaps only further attract Emma to his tremendous feats of heroism.

    The film continues on, balancing scenes of war with scenes of romance on an equally spectacular scale, and it holds up as a highly involving, albeit cheesy, romantic drama. Although most of the action is off screen, there is one spectacular naval battle that displays some of the more impressive special effects and miniatures i've seen from that era. Olivier's performance is a bit hammy, however Leigh is overwhelmingly delightful, from her time as the flamboyant young doll to her later years as the broken vagabond.
  • jjnxn
    October 14, 2009
    jjnxn
    Fine historical drama, Olivier is good as Nelson but its really Vivien's film. Sara Allgood is fun as the mother and Alan Mowbray is wonderful as Lord Hamilton
  • geena1200
    September 28, 2009
    geena1200
    Excellent, Miss Leigh comes alive in this movie as in no other, except, of course, "Gone With The Wind". The historical aspect is true and quite interesting, highly recommended!!!
  • sepio41
    October 29, 2008
    sepio41
    leigh was gracious and beautiful as the worldly emma, lady hamilton. and olivier, in spite of his weird makeup choices, is still sexy and handsome as nelson, emma's romantic consort and british naval hero.
  • Daishikaze
    July 10, 2008
    Daishikaze
    Another great film for Vivien Leigh's resume. I'm tempted to say she looks even better here than she did in Gone With The Wind. Her performance was equally good, though the love scenes may not count to that performance, since she was with the man she truely loved and her new husb...( read more)and, Larry Olivier.

    This was Viv's show all the way, even Larry couldn't compete with her on the screen, something he actually admitted when it was all over. In fact she outshined him so much he decided not to make anymore films with her. They worked together on the stage alot, but never in pictures again.

    Laurence was not slouch, he's not considered one of the greatest actors of all time for nothing, But all eyes were on his wife's performance in this one, he really had to fight her presence to be noticed.

    British folks should know this story pretty well, considering it was one of the biggest scandals of its day, the Admiral Nelson/Lady Hamilton affair was big news back then. Its a pretty sad story, especially when you know what happened to Nelson, you can't help but feel sorry for Lady Hamilton. A great film with lots of drama and romance, should not be missed if you get the chance to see it
  • carlosnatalio1
    May 19, 2008
    carlosnatalio1
    Winston Churchill's favourite movie. Is it because of the mithification of Lord Nelson (Lawrence Oliver) or the gorgeous Vivien Leigh? I guess we never now.
    Despite the curiosity it`s just an average war time piece romantic drama.
  • graciawing
    January 29, 2008
    graciawing
    Could Vivien Leigh be more beautiful, Laurence Olivier more dashing?? Lovely period piece, with great costumes (check out the gorgeous Grecian-inspired peignoir in the first bedroom scene) and strong supporting cast.
  • Glinda
    January 28, 2008
    Glinda
    What it lacks in historical accuracy, it makes up with stunning costumes and performances.
  • mistylflynn
    January 27, 2008
    mistylflynn
    Although I love Vivien Leigh, this movie just was not one I would call my favorite.

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