This film tweaked my interest. A long time ago, I read English history, but I don't recall much about Charles II, or the name Nell Gwyn. So, I did some research. Outside of Anglophiles and history buffs or scholars, I doubt that many today would know about Nell Gwyn. But she was real and became famous – and apparently beloved by the English public, as the last and enduring mistress of Charles II, king of England and Ireland. Most of us today can be excused for not having her name at the tip of our tongues. The time period was 1669-1685.
Charles II was born in 1630 but lived in exile until Oliver Cromwell's death in 1658. In 1660 Charles was restored to the throne and his 25-year reign became known as the Restoration. Charles was not a strong ruler, but the Restoration saw a period of colonial expansion and revival of literature and drama. In that revival, Eleanor "Nell" Gwyn rose to be the leading performer and star of the King's Company.
Charles married Princess Catherine of Portugal in 1662, but she remained childless all her life. Charles was known for his dalliances by which he had at least 14 illegitimate offspring. Of all his amorous wanderings, Nell Gwyn was his longest, enduring 16 years until his death. "Nell Gwyn" gives a peek at the king's amorous life, with only one other female consort – the Duchess of Portsmouth, played by Jeanne De Casalis. There is no mention of the two sons that Nell bore Charles. Charles Beauclerk was born in 1670 when Nell was 20. Charles made him the Earl of Burford and later Duke of St. Albans. A second son, James Beauclerk, was born in 1671 and died nine years later. Although illiterate, Gwyn was a very talented singer, dancer and actress. She was loved by royalty and public alike, and she never forgot her friends. The film shows that as well. And, it has an account of Charles on his deathbed asking his brother, James, not to let Nell starve. James II was faithful to his brother's behest and provided for Nell for the rest of her life. That was not long though. Nell was struck by apoplexy in 1687 and died after several months. She was 19 years old and 20 years younger than the king when their affair began in 1669. But she lived less than three years beyond his death, and died at the age of 37.
This movie is an imaginable account of Nell Gwyn and her relationship with Charles II. It is probably a good account of the famous actress and her royal lover, based on written records of the period. One such source is the Samuel Pepys book, "Diary," that gives an account of the upper class of London from 1660 to 1669. It is written in diary form, and the movie opening scene is the opening of a book with that title and author. An Encyclopedia Britannica article on Nell Gwyn said that her last stage appearance was in 1670 after the birth of her first son. After that, she was put up in a fine house and admitted to the inner circles of the court. "Nell spent the rest of her life entertaining the king and his friends, living extravagantly, and intriguing against her rivals." The Britannica article says of Nell, "whose frank recklessness, generosity, invariable good temper, ready wit, infectious high spirits, and amazing indiscretions appealed irresistibly to a generation that welcomed in her the living antithesis of Puritanism."
So, "Nell Gwyn" is a fine showcase for showing the talents of Anna Neagle. The 20th century British star of stage and screen also captured the hearts of the public and royalty alike in modern times. Although, it should be pointed out, that was without any amorous wanderings with royalty. The film has a clever and witty script, with some obvious scenes of hammy expressions by Nell and others. Neagle plays her role to the hilt, and Cedric Hardwicke gives a very good treatment to Charles II. The one standout among the supporting cast is Muriel George as Meg. She's Nell's dresser, mother hen, and all around helper, booster and confidant.
This is an entertaining film and look at a distant period in English history. Although it involves adultery and much sexual liberty, as a pre-modern film it treats these with discretion. Most references are by innuendo. Instead, we get a taste of history with some enjoyable performances from "naughty Nell" and the "merry monarch."
Charles II was born in 1630 but lived in exile until Oliver Cromwell's death in 1658. In 1660 Charles was restored to the throne and his 25-year reign became known as the Restoration. Charles was not a strong ruler, but the Restoration saw a period of colonial expansion and revival of literature and drama. In that revival, Eleanor "Nell" Gwyn rose to be the leading performer and star of the King's Company.
Charles married Princess Catherine of Portugal in 1662, but she remained childless all her life. Charles was known for his dalliances by which he had at least 14 illegitimate offspring. Of all his amorous wanderings, Nell Gwyn was his longest, enduring 16 years until his death. "Nell Gwyn" gives a peek at the king's amorous life, with only one other female consort – the Duchess of Portsmouth, played by Jeanne De Casalis. There is no mention of the two sons that Nell bore Charles. Charles Beauclerk was born in 1670 when Nell was 20. Charles made him the Earl of Burford and later Duke of St. Albans. A second son, James Beauclerk, was born in 1671 and died nine years later. Although illiterate, Gwyn was a very talented singer, dancer and actress. She was loved by royalty and public alike, and she never forgot her friends. The film shows that as well. And, it has an account of Charles on his deathbed asking his brother, James, not to let Nell starve. James II was faithful to his brother's behest and provided for Nell for the rest of her life. That was not long though. Nell was struck by apoplexy in 1687 and died after several months. She was 19 years old and 20 years younger than the king when their affair began in 1669. But she lived less than three years beyond his death, and died at the age of 37.
This movie is an imaginable account of Nell Gwyn and her relationship with Charles II. It is probably a good account of the famous actress and her royal lover, based on written records of the period. One such source is the Samuel Pepys book, "Diary," that gives an account of the upper class of London from 1660 to 1669. It is written in diary form, and the movie opening scene is the opening of a book with that title and author. An Encyclopedia Britannica article on Nell Gwyn said that her last stage appearance was in 1670 after the birth of her first son. After that, she was put up in a fine house and admitted to the inner circles of the court. "Nell spent the rest of her life entertaining the king and his friends, living extravagantly, and intriguing against her rivals." The Britannica article says of Nell, "whose frank recklessness, generosity, invariable good temper, ready wit, infectious high spirits, and amazing indiscretions appealed irresistibly to a generation that welcomed in her the living antithesis of Puritanism."
So, "Nell Gwyn" is a fine showcase for showing the talents of Anna Neagle. The 20th century British star of stage and screen also captured the hearts of the public and royalty alike in modern times. Although, it should be pointed out, that was without any amorous wanderings with royalty. The film has a clever and witty script, with some obvious scenes of hammy expressions by Nell and others. Neagle plays her role to the hilt, and Cedric Hardwicke gives a very good treatment to Charles II. The one standout among the supporting cast is Muriel George as Meg. She's Nell's dresser, mother hen, and all around helper, booster and confidant.
This is an entertaining film and look at a distant period in English history. Although it involves adultery and much sexual liberty, as a pre-modern film it treats these with discretion. Most references are by innuendo. Instead, we get a taste of history with some enjoyable performances from "naughty Nell" and the "merry monarch."