The Great Garrick (1937)
-
85% of users liked it
(57 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… 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
- Directed By
- James Whale
- Genres
- Comedy, Romance
Unrated,
- 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.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
No Featured Audience Ratings Found…
Currently unavailable on Flixster
Also available on
Other Retailers
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Subscription Services
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
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
- Olivia DeHavilland
