The Mudlark (B or 3/4 stars)
In 1875 London, an illiterate street urchin (adorable Andrew Ray), young, hungry & homeless, finds a locket containing the cameo of Queen Victoria in 'The Mudlark' (a British production directed by Jean Negulesco). Not recognizing who the Queen is {and really, why would he?}, he is told by fellow scavengers that she is the "mother of all England". Taking that comment quite literally, he becomes determined to meet the 'Great Lady' & treks to massive Windsor Castle to see her; idolizing her image because he, of course, has no mother or parents to speak of. He is somehow able to break-in and, when he is caught by the strict palace guards, the boy is mistakenly thought to be part of one of MANY assassination plots against the Queen.
Victoria (Irene Dunne, puffed-up with age make-up & a large costume) has sequestered herself in said castle since the untimely death of her beloved Prince Albert & has refused to make public appearances, much to the dismay of Prime Minister Disraeli (impeccable Alec Guinness). Disraeli realizes that this little impoverished boy is indeed innocent & pleads on his behalf in Parliament; delivering an impassioned speech that indirectly criticizes Queen Victoria for having withdrawn from public life after the death of her husband. The Queen is expectedly infuriated by Disraeli's speech, but she is genuinely moved upon meeting the charming young 'mudlark' for the 1st time, and it kick starts her emergence from dormant mourning to see her loyal subjects once again.
'The Mudlark' is just a simple, heartwarming story of historical fiction. It's fine as a drama. But the real reason to tune-in is to witness a master class in acting from such greats as Irene Dunne, Alec Guinness, & even Finlay Currie as Victoria's kind & humorous confidante, the kilted Scotsman, Mr. Brown. Currie adds colorful conversations & spark to the film; I love when he takes the boy on a tour of the castle. Irene Dunne is simply wonderful as the tough-as-nails, but depressed Queen who can't seem to overcome her grief; I found her totally believable. Alec Guinness is superb. His lengthy speech in the House of Commons (lasting over 6.5 minutes, and shot in one long take without a cut!) is remarkable to witness. And young Andrew Ray is endearing; you really pull for him in his quest to meet the reclusive Queen. Lovely production values (19th century sets & Oscar-nominated costumes), as well. 'The Mudlark' is little-seen, but enjoyable nonetheless.
Victoria (Irene Dunne, puffed-up with age make-up & a large costume) has sequestered herself in said castle since the untimely death of her beloved Prince Albert & has refused to make public appearances, much to the dismay of Prime Minister Disraeli (impeccable Alec Guinness). Disraeli realizes that this little impoverished boy is indeed innocent & pleads on his behalf in Parliament; delivering an impassioned speech that indirectly criticizes Queen Victoria for having withdrawn from public life after the death of her husband. The Queen is expectedly infuriated by Disraeli's speech, but she is genuinely moved upon meeting the charming young 'mudlark' for the 1st time, and it kick starts her emergence from dormant mourning to see her loyal subjects once again.
'The Mudlark' is just a simple, heartwarming story of historical fiction. It's fine as a drama. But the real reason to tune-in is to witness a master class in acting from such greats as Irene Dunne, Alec Guinness, & even Finlay Currie as Victoria's kind & humorous confidante, the kilted Scotsman, Mr. Brown. Currie adds colorful conversations & spark to the film; I love when he takes the boy on a tour of the castle. Irene Dunne is simply wonderful as the tough-as-nails, but depressed Queen who can't seem to overcome her grief; I found her totally believable. Alec Guinness is superb. His lengthy speech in the House of Commons (lasting over 6.5 minutes, and shot in one long take without a cut!) is remarkable to witness. And young Andrew Ray is endearing; you really pull for him in his quest to meet the reclusive Queen. Lovely production values (19th century sets & Oscar-nominated costumes), as well. 'The Mudlark' is little-seen, but enjoyable nonetheless.