Derek Winnert

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This article was written on 23 Oct 2016, and is filled under Reviews.

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Rembrandt **** (1936, Charles Laughton, Gertrude Lawrence, Elsa Lanchester) – Classic Movie Review 4514

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Producer-director Alexander Korda’s splendid 1936 historical biopic focuses on Charles Laughton’s moving depiction of an artist declining into old age and poverty – in this case the 17th-century Dutch painter Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (15 July 1606 – 4 October 1669), world famous for his startling depiction of light and shade, particularly in his portraits.

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Photographer Georges Périnal’s gorgeous painterly black and white cinematography, settings designer Vincent Korda’s scrupulously detailed sets and costume designer John Armstrong’s costumes provide a visual feast.

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Gertrude Lawrence (1898–1952).

Meanwhile, in the forefront, clutches of British acting stalwarts provide the landscape for the ideally cast star to shine in, especially Gertrude Lawrence (1898–1952) as Rembrandt’s housekeeper Geertje Dirx and Elsa Lanchester (Laughton’s real-life wife) as his pretty maid (and lover) Hendrickje Stoffels.

It may not be as great or celebrated a movie as Laughton’s 1933 biopic The Private Life of Henry VIII, but it is still absolutely excellent.

Rembrandt Self-Portrait with Beret and Turned-Up Collar (1659).

Also in the cast are Edward Chapman, Walter Hudd, Roger Livesey, Herbert Lomas, Allan Jeayes, Sam Livesey, Raymond Huntley, John Clements, Abraham Sofaer, Evelyn Ankers, Austin Trevor, Marius Goring, John Turnbull, Herbert Lomas, Barry Livesey, Jack Livesey and James Carney.

The screenplay by June Head and Lajos Bíró is based on a story by Carl Zuckmayer, while the score is by Geoffrey Toye and the cinematography by Georges Périnal.

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In March 1983, Lanchester published her autobiography Elsa Lanchester Herself, in which she says that she and Laughton never had children because he was gay.

© Derek Winnert 2016 Classic Movie Review 4514

Check out more reviews on http://derekwinnert.com

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