The Great Garrick (1937)

78% of users liked it
(50 ratings)

Director James Whale, well known for his witty horror films, tackled comedy head-on in this period piece, set in the 18th Century. David Garrick (Brian Aherne) is a gifted but supremely arrogant British actor whose fame is exceeded only by his ego. After finishing a starring run at London's Drury… More Director James Whale, well known for his witty horror films, tackled comedy head-on in this period piece, set in the 18th Century. David Garrick (Brian Aherne) is a gifted but supremely arrogant British actor whose fame is exceeded only by his ego. After finishing a starring run at London's Drury Lane Theatre, Garrick informs the audience his next engagement will be at the Comedie Francaise in Paris, and adds that he plans to use the opportunity to teach the French a few things about acting. Stung by the insult, the Comedie Francaise company plan to take their revenge against Garrick by pulling an elaborate prank; on his first night in Paris, Garrick is taken to an inn where, unbeknown to him, the staff and clientele have been taken over by actors, who stage an lively evening for his benefit. Garrick soon sees through the ruse but plays along, and acts cool towards a lovely young woman, Germaine De Le Corbe (Olivia de Havilland), even though he's smitten with her. After giving Germaine the brush off, Garrick informs the assembled thespians that he saw through their trick, only to discover that Germaine happened upon the inn by accident and wasn't part of the act. Garrick realizes he's alienated the woman who has stolen his heart, and his grief begins to effect his performance as Don Juan. The Great Garrick also features Lionel Atwill, Edward Everett Horton, and Melville Cooper; a young Lana Turner has a bit part. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 29 min.
Directed By: James Whale
Genres: Comedy, Romance

In Theaters: Oct 24, 1937 Wide
Studio: Warner Bros.

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Under Whale's able direction it catches all the fun in the farce.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

No Featured Audience Ratings Found…

Cast

            Brian Aherne as David Garrick

            Olivia de Havilland as Germaine De Le Corbe

            Edward Everett Horton as Tubby

            Melville Cooper as M. Picard

            Lionel Atwill as Beaumarchais

            Luis Alberni as Basset

            Lana Turner as Auber

            Marie Wilson as Nicolle

            Linda Perry as Molee

            Fritz Leiber as Fortinbras

            Etienne Girardot as Jean Cabot

            Dorothy Tree as Madame Moreau

            Craig Reynolds as Janin

            Paul Everton as Innkeeper of Adam and Eve

            Trevor Bardette as Noverre the Blacksmith

            Milton A. Owen as Capt. Thierre

            Chester Clute as Moreau

            E.E. Clive as Vendor

            Harry Davenport as Innkeeper of Turk's Head

            Albert Dekker as LeBrun

            Elspeth Dudgeon as Old Witch

            Leyland Hodgson as Man in Box

            Olaf Hytten as Ambassador

            Connie Leon as Woman in Audience

            Jack Norton as Drunken Gentleman

            Ben Welden as Blacksmith

            Corbet Morris as Osric
See full cast

Trailers & Clips

Now you can share movies with your friends on Facebook!

Discover movies your friends are watching
Keep track of what you want to see
Add your reviews to your Timeline

Get Started