It's fun to see Anne Baxter with Bankhead here, and then with Bette Davis in All About Eve. Davis was given the movie versions of several Bankhead stage successes.
Absolutely shear genius. the script, the cast and the setting. So beautifully done and the acting is superb. I love slapstick comedy. I love watching this. Love Charles Coburn he is awesome!! "I deny everything - lol"
This movie is just pure joy. Panned at the time of release. It's hard to understand why. Beautifully acted and very funny from start to finish. Tallulah was simply dazzling, and its a pity she was so under used in movies. She had such beauty and style as seen in this wonderful film.
+Carolyn Argabright The Otto Preminger touch was not the Lubitsch touch Preminger was great with noirs : LAURA, FALLEN ANGEL, WHIRLPOOL, ANGEL FACE-the actors pretty much had to rely on their comic resources and timing ...When it came to continental romantic comedy Lubistch was one of the best-if not THE BEST
@@carolynargabright8132 In a contemporary review for _The New York Times_ , critic Bosley Crowther called the film "an oddly dull and generally witless show" and wrote: _"The fault is quite obviously in the writing. Several authors have done little more than hack out a script with obvious action and lustreless dialogue. Where satire in large and splendid movement would seem the most promising attack, they have hewed to a style of cautious hinting, with only vague glints of wit and travesty. And Otto Preminger, in his direction, has not been able to help matters much. Miss Bankhead makes valiant efforts to fan the comic spirit in such spots as the script brings her into contact with malleable material-like a man. And, once or twice, when she moves in on her target, it looks as though something will explode. But inevitably the script stands before her, upright and impermeable. It must have been hard for Miss Bankhead to make Catherine as mild as she does. ... Ernst Lubitsch, who produced the film, should blush."_
Lubitsch's fingerprints are all over this film. Preminger followed the script and style of a Lubitsch film perfectly-so well that I swear I am watching a Lubitsch masterpiece. And this is also a very good print.
Anne Baxter is such a Natural at her chosen Profession. You can see she really enjoyed doing her job. LOVE WHAT YOU DO...DO WHAT YOU LOVE, I always say.
This screenplay is superbly written. "Your Majesty, open your heart - you can always deny it." or the scene where Alexi goes to bed a major and wakes up a colonel. Very smart.
Screenwriters Edwin Justus Mayer's and Bruno Franks' final screenplay - sparkles with every line. A Royal Scandal (1945) did poorly at the box office, but is considered by many as one of Lubitsch's finest films. Tragic how so many in this film died prematurely.
Dale Holmgren Its is am amazing movie. Script is so clever. Seen it over 10 times now. Its a gem few have found. You seem to know much about old movies Dale. Do you recommend any others? Any category as long as it is high quality like this.
Actor William Eythe had brief success in Hollywood ca. 1945 but he went nowhere after that: a homosexual, he drank himself to an early death in 1957, still in his '30s.
@@None-zc5vg Eythe became a professional photographer. He and his partner Lon McCallister toured the world producing films for the Hilton Hotel chain. Eythe lived with Lon McCallister from the early 1950s until his death. He was admitted to Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles in January 1957 suffering from hepatitis. He died several weeks later at the age of 38.
Love the movie. I think Vincent Price is so cute when he does comedy. He's good on the serious roles also but something about him when he does funny roles.
One of the best scripts I've ever seen, a laugh with every other line if you're paying attention. The writing is magnificent! Even the bad actors (the leading man... oy!) are made excellent use of, which means the good ones are simply GREAT. I had heard of Bankhead, but never seen her work - her dryness is crackling. The COSTUMES are even funny... her dresses are 1940s from the waist up, 1700s below, and the way she walks in them (totally non-period) makes them bounce like rubber... these are the small things that make comedy hum. Despite the references to affairs, this is a very funny, family friendly film. (Not for elementary school... but for a get together after dinner, the different age groups can enjoy it...just tell them Catherine of Russia was famous for having affairs, and they'll get it).
Tallulah Bankhead not only had a talent for dramatic acting, but she also had one of the most amazing senses of comical timing. She and Lucille Ball should have been paired together more than just on the "Lucy Desi Comedy Hour" during the episode, "The Star Next Door". My favorite episode.
I agree, D.R. - Tallulah was way ahead of her time... and a good actress... she used to say she called everyone "dahling" because she had a bad memory for names... smart solution! :-)
I actually call everybody Darling because my memory for names is absolute PANTS! - I never call my husband by his name --- have called him Darling for 22 years --- still not sure of his name!
Such good actors and acting, really good film. Tallulah was really gorgeous at 43, which in those days was not mean feat. Sad William Eythe died so young.
Totally unexpected but one of the funniest Lubitsch films I ever saw....Bankhead is totally in control and doesn't even have to rely on her camp persona to be hilarious...the writing is so good it could be lifted lock stock and barrel onto a broadway stage and make a cracking play! Even the lead actor is so well cast his limited acting abilities and dashing good looks are set to use in a brilliant way portraying complete naivité and idiocy😄 Probably far too sophisticated for 1945 movie audiences...it's still fresh and funny in 2021....amazing
A MILLION Thank you's from me. Was watching this last night on TCM but fell asleep and thought I could go order it from Netflix only to discover it isn't out on DVD. I found it here and THANK YOU sooooo much. LOVE this movie.
"Please, Your Excellency, will you announce me to Her Majesty, before somebody drops from the chandelier?" Bhahahaaahahaaa....Hilarious movie and wonderful cast!!! Thoroughly enjoyed it!!
Amazing surprise. Charles Coburn is great, and Tallulah Bankhead unique. The dialogs are a masterpiece. Why is this picture not as well appreciated - at least - as Arsenic and Old Lace?
I 1st saw this on "Hulu Plus" & thought it was a very good & funny Movie! I really liked "Catherine the Great's" character; Tallulah Bankhead was "Original" & "Fun To Watch". I Really adored William Eythe as "Alexei": Oh my...so cute!!! And Charles Coburn as "Chancellor Liyitch is as always "Fantastico"! So much fun & enjoyable to watch! Thank you for uploading this - in my opinion - "Classic"! ~ peace
Wow, what a brilliant script and wonderful delivery by the cast!!! The timing of the delivery of this non-stop repartee was flawless. I think if this film had premiered at the end of the 40s or even early 50s to allow some time to elapse from the war, it would have enjoyed more success. In 1945, America wasn't ready for this kind of humor nor subject matter involving foreign autocratic rulers, no matter the spoof. A very enjoyable film, thank you!
People should please remember they are watching actors and their "lines", zingers and dialogue were written by others. The brilliance of content goes to the WRITERS. The brilliance of delivery and performance of, goes to the players.
Sometimes one has to return to see a silly comedy. This is one of them, although it appears to originally have been a play. I do like the actors. Especially Coburn. Thanks to whoever posted this one. I have been looking for it everywhere and just took a chance and surprising found it here. Thanks youtube.
This movie is terrifically and twistedly funny. It is truly funny because it does not TRY to be funny it just is. Ms. Bankhead also makes the perfect royal head. My favorite parts of Ms. Bankhead are the parts were she is exercising her royal power and spearing threats which oddly enough seem to come naturally to Ms. Bankhead.
Fantastic lyrics, brilliantly played a classic funny, a touch of history from other view. Thank you sharing don’t like modern comedies but classics are the best ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love tallulah she was a class act snd lived the life she loved and on her own terms , I have read everything I could find on her she was fascinating and so talented and beautiful, amazing to think now in 2022 she can still enthrall, wherever she is having her bourbon I hope she knows she is much admired still
Thanks for the share of this rarity and in great quality~! This is urban, urbane, sophisticated--perhaps too much for 1945-but great sport-a la Noel Coward et.al.!Sure makes us all wish that Bankhead had more of a film career. Sigh.
Classic wit.." He shot himself..is he dead? No he missed..That man misses every opportunity!" This incredible gemstone would be amazing adapted for Broadway!
The "Spirit" of Ernst Lubitsch is felt throughout this entire film, despite his early death into the filming. A shame this movie isn't more appreciated, for Tallulah Bankhead's performance if nothing else!
@@josephpendleton4927 One can definitely sense the "Lubitsch Touch" in this film, but sadly one can sense the heavy handedness of Otto Preminger. Sad, this film is forgotten these days, but then again are all of the Lubitsch films, with the possible exceptions of "Design For Living", "Trouble in Paradise" and" To Be or Not To Be". Ernst Lubitsch loved Miriam Hopkins (personally and as an Actress) and the two excelled together. A shame she turned down so many roles that could have ben additional masterpieces for her.
@@richardmcleod1930 Actually Ernst Lubitsch directed the rehearsals of this film and did the storyboards for this film and gave the storyboards to Preminger and Preminger followed Lubitsch's storyboards for this film. That is why this film is called "Ernst Lubitsch's A Royal Scandal."
@@josephpendleton4927 Glad to hear Ernst Lubitsch had as much involvement as you listed in the comment. I never knew just how much of the "Lubitsch Touch" was in the film, quite a lot! The film is seldom mentioned and oftentimes completely ignored as if it had never been made. "Lifeboat" seems to get all the attention when it comes to Bankhead. Such is the case with many films from that period. I always enjoyed watching it, especially the parts with Tallulah Bankhead, Charles Coburn and Anne Baxter and all the others whose names I can't remember at the present time including the leading man! I need to watch it again as I have a copy on DVD.
This is really a Jewel that I never recognise it before. The movie has argument, very comic, has all the intrigue of the royal court etc. Very pleasant to see this beautiful treasure. I am very happy and I enjoy one of the best I have seen.
His report is in the trash, he screams to the Empress "Did you put it there?" She answers, no it got there by itself,................. it knew where it belonged" 😂😂😂😂😂
I have no idea why I haven’t haven’t seen this movie before! I love the classics so I was surprised and delighted to find a new one. You gotta love Talullah Bankhead, I mean..come on, she’s priceless. Her timing is perfectly perfect. Every other line was funny and unexpected. As bad as it was (let’s be honest here) it was great! It’s definitely one of my favorite bad movies ❤️
bad? have you been watching a different film? it is brilliant..and yes I'm being honest and have seen many, many classic films that are high on the best films list or in the cahiers du cinema that have bored me senseless..but not this one 😊
The recent farce by Ianucci, Death of Stalin, is really similar to this. Especially for the Rufus Isaacs role as Marshal Zhukov. Thanks for uploading this. Fantastic!!
Thank you so much for downloading this one That wonderful voice of Tallulah is worth watching it for alone. There are three marvellous stories about her. She was talking to Lillian Helman about cocaine. Lillian laughed so much Tallulah slapped her, She said I tell you cocaine is not addictive, I know, Ive been taking it for years. On stage at one time, an actress who did not like her arranged for the prop telephone to ring in her big dramatic scene. Tallulah answered the phone, turned to the actress and said sweetly, its for you dear. Just as two of her woman friends were leaving her apartment and the elevators doors started to close on a crowded elevator she said, I don't care what anyone says my darlings, , I think you are two wonderful lesbians. Quite a character and a wonderful actress. Cheers.
+mark prescott Lillian Helman, wonderful woman..excellent book Pentimento...and play/movie Little Foxes with Betty Davis in fine fettle for the part.......
mark prescott my favourite story would probably have to be the filming of LifeBoat with Hitchcock when he pondered which department would be responsible for fixing the awkward problem of Bankhead having a penchant for exhibitionism and climbing up the ladder into the tank each and every day with no underwear. Is this a problem for wardrobe? He wondered, or perhaps more appropriately, hairdressing? Of course she was fully aware of the kerfuffle she was causing as every man rushed to view her entering the tank every shoot, planned the whole thing and absolutely loved it. She was so tough even Bette Davis respected her and left her alone.
Wonderful film on all counts! Great cast, sets, costumes, and I love how Newman wove Russian melodies into his score. Reviewing the cast list, I note that Eva Gabor was one of the ladies in waiting, and even Grady Sutton (who did such great work with W.C. Fields) has his bit. William Eythe never cracked A status in Hollywood, although he continually made an impression on screen.
I loved Coburn's facial expression when Alexie comes through the wall! The dialogue was superb and great acting, except I feel Anne's performance was a little over the top! Great comedy!!! Great movie!!!
