In one way, the role of Axel hurt Power's career, as his boss, Darryl Zanuck, upset by the size of Power's role, stated he would never again lend him to any studio. Thus, Power lost the role of Ashley Wilkes in Gone with the Wind, Paris in King's Row, and roles in other films. The rest of the cast is a brilliant array of MGM character actors: Robert Morley, Joseph Schildkraut, John Barrymore, Gladys George, and Anita Louise.
Shearer gives one of her best performances as Marie, able to capture the queen's youth, vivacity and glamor. Her scenes during imprisonment are both harrowing and touching, helping to win Shearer an Oscar nomination. As von Fersen, Power (and the actor actually does speak Swedish in the film) is dreamy, romantic and passionate, and it is in his role where liberties are taken with the actual story. Other than that, the historical accuracy of the film is surprisingly good.
If Marie comes across as a heroine, it must be remembered that this is Norma Shearer, who under MGM never came off as anything less! Schildkraut is appropriately wormy, and Robert Morley (in a role intended for Charles Laughton) is nothing short of brilliant. Barrymore, due to his dissipation, is relegated to a small role as Louis XV, but it's a showy one. The film is beautifully directed by W.S. van Dyke.
Extras on the DVD include a vintage short Another Romance of Celluloid which goes behind the scenes on this and other studio productions of 1938, and "Hollywood Goes to Town." Highly recommended.
Article comments
1 - David Christian Hamblin
It was a thrill for me to see this review from one of America's most interesting Hollywood writers! Kudos to Ciaccia! Thanks for reminding us of this fabulous film. David Christian Hamblin