Directed: Frank Lloyd

Year: 1929

Nominated: Best Director – Frank Lloyd, Best Actress – Corrinne Griffith

Won: Best Director – Frank Lloyd

Plot in 25 Words: A poor girl becomes a rich trophy wife, and then lover to one of the most powerful men of the time. Mostly a true story.

In My Opinion: I was quite surprised by this film. I hadn’t read about the plot beforehand and I was pleasantly surprised. At first I wasn’t impressed. Rich man loves poor girl but refuses to make an honest woman of her due to her class. Then he hands her off to his equally rich uncle for studying to be a lady. Then I grew concerned it was about to morph into a My Fair Lady situation. Another style of films I am not enamored of.

But thankfully it wasn’t to be. Emma sails away with Sir William Hamilton, eventually for a marriage of convenience.

It was through Sir William that we meet the ‘hero’ of the story. Horatio Nelson. And it’s here I must admit my great ignorance.

I never studied Nelson or Napoleon at school and only really learned about any of that era from watching Sharpe – and more attention was paid to Sean Bean’s flowing blond locks then any of the political goings on!

I sat watching the second half of the film, marveling at the gall of the film studios to so disgrace the memory of Nelson. Wondering if lawyers were involved in those days, was this film made before libel/slander laws?.

No. I’m stupid.

Some simple research showed the film painted a mostly accurate portrayal of Emma Hamilton’s life. She was a remarkable woman. I find it fascinating how much influence she was shown to have over the decisions made by Nelson.

The graduation of the character from meek and uncouth chef’s daughter to the lover of Nelson and friend to royalty. I’m glad I wasn’t aware of the story first – it made for a wonderful surprise.

Star Performer: I haven’t yet watched the performance of the eventual Best Actress Oscar but it must have been spectacular to beat that.

Overall: I really enjoyed it. I’m not usually one for real-life dramatisations or biopics but this was very different. Also some of the naval battle scenes were incredible!