Nell Gwyn *** (1934, Anna Neagle, Cedric Hardwicke, Jeanne De Casalis) – Classic Movie Review 8034

Director Herbert Wilcox’s 1934 rollicking 1660s-set costume romp Nell Gwyn stars Anna Neagle as brazen common English orange-vendor and actress Nell Gynn, who competes with the snooty aristocratic French Duchess of Portsmouth (Jeanne De Casalis) for the attentions of the reigning King Charles II (Cedric Hardwicke). Relying considerably on the diaries of Samuel Pepys, it takes place between 1667 and February 1685. It is a remake of the silent movie Nell Gwyn (1926).

There is enthusiastic acting, a good Restoration atmosphere, and a workable screenplay from Miles Malleson, taking much of the dialogue from the diaries of Samuel Pepys, and also gives himself a tailor-made part as ubiquitous secretary Chiffinch. The credits run: DIALOGUE: King Charles II, Nell Gwyn, Samuel Pepys. ADDITIONAL DIALOGUE: Miles Malleson’.

This handsomely produced, venerable antique British film is frayed at the edges, with a slightly ponderous pace and some silent-film style acting, but the interest charm and appeal are still there. A young and plump-looking Neagle scores a big hit, while Hardwicke enjoys himself in an ideal piece of casting. It is shot in black and white by Freddie Young.

Also in the cast are Muriel George, Esmé Percy, Moore Marriott, Lawrence Anderson, Craighall Sherry, Dorothy Robinson and Julie Suedo.

Edward German’s music is The Nell Gwyn Suite, an early 20th-century light classical favourite.

The print is now a bit murky-looking. It is available on DVD.

It ran into trouble with American censors, who demanded 35 cuts, and suggested a moral ending showing Nell marrying King Charles, with a prologue and epilogue showing Nell ending up an old hag in the gutter, with the original film as one long flashback.

Helena Pickard, who plays Mrs Pepys, was married to Hardwicke, but they share no scenes.

The Duchess of Portsmouth mouths the French word ‘vache’ or ‘cow’ at Nell as she gets her hat from the Royal Box, while Nell’s maid mouths what may be ‘Wretched bitch – ooh excuse my language’.

Neagle reprised her role as Nell Gwyn in Lilacs in the Spring [Let’s Make Up] (1954).

© Derek Winnert 2019 Classic Movie Review 8034

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